“How can you show this foul behavior during an event that’s supposed to make people feel safe, seen, accepted, and respected?”
R&B singer Denise Julia took to social media to share her disappointment after her first-ever Pride show faced challenges and was ultimately discontinued due to the bad weather.
Denise Julia, known for her hit R&B tracks, NVMD, B.A.D, Lackin’, and Sugar and Spice, was among the artists scheduled to perform at “Love Laban 2 Everyone” Pride event at the Quezon City Memorial Circle last Saturday, June 22.
Unfortunately, the highly-anticipated production numbers by the event’s star-studded line-up, including Vice Ganda, Gloc-9, Ben&Ben, and BINI, were canceled after the weather began to worsen during the event.
In her social media post, Denise Julia expressed, “We spent countless days preparing for my first ever Pride show. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. The discontinuation of the show was very necessary for everyone’s safety!”
However, despite meticulous preparation and dedication from her team, the event was supposedly marred by organizational issues, and what she described as “disrespectful” treatment from event security.
“But it did feel like our hard work and dedication were washed away by the heavy rain, disorganization and the disrespect and ridicule from the event’s guards,” Denise Julia wrote.
The artist also narrated an incident that she and her team encountered during the event on her X account.
“THESE GUARDS AT THE EVENT CALLED MY DANCERS AND MY SOUND ENGINEER LIARS AND LAUGHED AT THEIR FACE. MOCKED THEM HABANG TATLONG ORAS SILANG NAGMAMAKAAWA SA INYO PARA PAPASUKIN. HINDI NIYO PINAPAPASOK HALOS MAHIMATAY NA SILA,” Denise Julia cried foul over alleged unfavorable treatment her team received.
“WASNT ABLE TO HEAR ANYTHING FROM THEM AND JUST NOW MALALAMAN KONG NAIIYAK NA SILA KANINA. HOW CAN YOU SHOW THIS FOUL BEHAVIOR DURING AN EVENT THATS SUPPOSED TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SAFE, SEEN, ACCEPTED, AND RESPECTED?,” she added.
The B.A.D. singer lamented that despite the hard work and dedication poured into the event, including extensive rehearsals with a large group of dancers and collaborations with new pride designers, they were able to showcase their efforts on stage.
“Our team had assembled the largest group of dancers whom poured their hearts out in hours and days of practices. We worked with new pride designers for weeks who weren’t able to showcase their work on stage,” she shared.
Plans to feature surprise performances from her friends, Dom and Awra, as well as a meticulously crafted dance break, were also disrupted.
“We were going to have to my besties Dom and Awra as my surprise performers and come together for the communtiy,” Denise revealed her surprise treat to the LGBTQ community at the event.
She further highlighted the dedication of her staff to “perfect” her performance.
“Our dancers and choreographers worked tirelessly to put together a dance break, and less than a day before soundcheck, my sound engineer was perfecting the very first dance break of B.A.D,” Denise Julia mentioned.
Despite the setback, Denise Julia remains optimistic about the future, viewing the experience as a redirection toward creating a better and safer space for future performances.
“So, I know this moment is just a redirection, toward a better and safer space for us in the future. Hopefully we see you all next year! 💕 Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈
“This was a reminder that every day we encounter challenges that push, beat, and break us, but every day we choose to stand and keep it moving. So, I know this moment is just a redirection, toward a better and safer space for us in the future.”
“Hopefully we see you all next year! 💕 Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈,” she ended her post.
Denise Julia’s was flooded with messages of support and encouragement, who praised her determination in the face of adversity.
Denise Julia, on the other hand, said she remains committed to continuing her musical journey and advocating for inclusivity and acceptance.
