Jessica Villarubin recalls viral church concert with Julie Anne San Jose

Jessica Villarubin (left) and Julie Anne San Jose | Image: Screengrab from X/@GOTFRI15, Eden Clona

Singer Jessica Villarubin shared that she initially “questioned” why she was seemingly “spared” from the bashing despite being there with fellow singer Julie Anne San Jose at the viral benefit concert held inside a church in Occidental Mindoro earlier this month. 

In a recent guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Villarubin was asked if she felt “uncomfortable or resentful” that she was seemingly “left out” from the controversy that San Jose fell into.

“Na-late pong pumutok ‘yung sa’kin. Actually, si Ate ‘yung nauna. Pero kasama po ako doon,” she laughingly said before adding, “Sabi ko, ‘Hala, ba’t wala ako?’ Kasi kaming dalawa nandoon po.”

(My taking part was only later on revealed. San Jose was the first one to go viral. But I was there. I asked, ‘So, why wasn’t I included?’ Because we were both there.)

Trying to get back to the serious side, “The Clash” season 3 grand winner affirmed that she hoped everyone would start moving forward from the issue and heal from it. 

“Nagkapatawaran na po ang lahat and maraming natuto po sa nangyari and we really apologize po sa nangyari din po (Everyone has forgiven and learned a lot from what happened, and we really apologize for it), so sana po (hopefully) pray for healing for everyone,” she said.

Villarubin also shared that lesson she learned from the experience, saying, “Siguro po next time mas dapat naming malaman kung ano po talaga ‘yung gagawin.” (Maybe next time we should know what to do.)

The 28-year-old singer also stated that she understands the netizens’ reaction, as she also served as a Psalmist in a church choir for 15 years.

San Jose’s performance at the church drew flak from the public after they pointed out that the venue was “inappropriate” for her song choices and attire, which prompted the Kapuso singer, her management, and the parish priest to separately issue an apology. 

San Jose performed in a high-slit, nude-colored gown, belting out the songs “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,” Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” and other Filipino songs.

Meanwhile, in one of the videos posted by a netizen, Villarubin was captured performing Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.”