Celebrity photographer BJ Pascual has publicly called Filipino R&B singer Denise Julia “unprofessional,” following a botched photoshoot that he claims caused significant professional and financial inconvenience.
Pascual shared the experience during an appearance on content creator Killa Kush’s latest podcast episode titled, “BJ Pascual Spills Tea”, when asked about the “worst celebrity or model to shoot.”
Without hesitation, Pascual named Denise Julia, describing the ordeal as one of the most frustrating moments of his career.
“This one kasi many levels e, professional and financial. Okay, nanggigigil pa rin ako hanggang ngayon. Like, kaya kong sabihin kung sino siya…so si Denise Julia,” the photographer revealed.
Killa Kush added that Denise, who was also a previous guest of the podcast, was four hours late during their shoot.
According to BJ, the incident began when Denise Julia’s manager approached him for a project to shoot the singer’s album cover.
He admitted he had heard negative feedback about Denise Julia before taking on the project but chose to proceed out of passion and admiration for her music. Pascual saw the project as an opportunity to support a young artist and refresh her image.
“I’ve heard so many bad things about her, so I guess kasalanan ko rin that I still took the job,” Pascual admitted. “It’s more pa nga as a passion project, e. At that time, I was very creatively burnt out and parang looking for something new to do so I was like, ‘Oh my God, yes.’ I’m a fan of her music.
“I love supporting young people. In the beginning, they want someone to shoot her lang, change her image, and level up lang, e favorite ko yung mga ganyan, yung ime-makeover lang,” he added.
BJ presented his photoshoot concept to Denise Julia’s team, which they approved, leading to a scheduled shoot that was set to take place at Gamma Studio, with Pascual agreeing to take on both the album cover and its music video and personally covering costs for most of the preparations despite reservations from his team due to Julia’s reputation.
He went as far as assembling top-tier creatives, including enlisted top set designer Princess Barretto, who volunteered their services for free, leaving Denise Julia’s team to cover only manpower and material costs.
“There is no talent fee. This is charity work na,” BJ remarked.
Despite his efforts to elevate her image, the project ultimately ended in disappointment when the singer’s manager abruptly canceled the shoot just one day before, citing issues with their hairstylist. Pascual offered solutions, including providing alternative stylists, but the singer’s camp insisted on canceling.
BJ requested reimbursement Frustrated, Pascual criticized the team for their lack of professionalism and refusal to pay for the incurred costs.
The last-minute cancellation left Pascual and his team bearing substantial costs, including a studio rental fee of P80,000. Pascual’s manager demanded compensation from Denise Julia’s team for the expenses incurred, but the singer’s camp allegedly refused to pay, claiming there was no official confirmation.
“This is one day before the shoot. Kasado na lahat. […] How many hours na lang before the shoot? We have been setting the set since 4 PM.
“Biglang nag backtrack si manager. ‘Why did you go with everything wala pa naman daw confirmation?’ Walang confirmation? Excuse me! This is the day before the shoot. Kayo ang nagpumilit mag-shoot on this day.
“Ang ending, ayun ayaw nilang ituloy. Ayaw magbayad,” Pascual said.
“So, I paid for everything. Sabi ko din sa kanila, ‘Magshoot na lang tayo ng iba. May ibang mas deserve ng ganda rito. Sayang kasi ang ganda ng mga set,” he added.
Determined not to waste the effort and expenses, Pascual contacted actress Sarah Lahbati, who had previously expressed interest in working with him. Lahbati agreed to a last-minute shoot and even offered to share the costs.
“Sabi ko, ‘Do you wanna mag-shoot?’ and I told her the story and yeah she’s going to split na lang with me yung costs,” BJ recalled his deal Sarah.
“Nahihiya kasi ako sa mga taong naabala. Yung bayad na yun pa thank you na lang sa kanila kasi for the time and effort. Everyone wanted you to look good and for that to happen sayang yung effort, Pero at least may nagawa pa rin kami.”
Adding to BJ’s frustration was the singer’s lack of acknowledgment or apology, “After that, I never heard from her. No thank you, no sorry, no anything. No, ‘What happened?’ Just nothing.”
As the controversy gained traction online, Denise Julia announced through her Instagram Stories on Saturday, that she was taking a social media break.
“Aaand that’s officially my last post for the year. socmed break starts now. detoxing from the digital world. apps deleted, focus restored. will be back next year! ❤ i love u guys. 🤍,” her now-expired post read.
The issue quickly trended on various social media platforms, with many netizens expressing their disappointment toward Denise Julia.
As of now, the singer, who recently held her “It’s the Sweet Nothings: The Denise Julia Experience” concert, has not issued a statement addressing Pascual’s claims.
