Denise Julia, dinepensahan ang "Speechless" performance video niya na tampok ang Tondo
- Denise Julia defended her "Speechless" performance video after some netizens criticized its portrayal of Tondo, saying the area should not always be depicted through images of poverty
- She explained that she was born and raised in Tondo and wanted to highlight a side of the community that reflects its diversity, including people who share her style and aspirations
- Denise also addressed doubts about her background, revealing that she left Tondo at 20 because of abuse while rejecting assumptions that her appearance, education, or music make her story less authentic
- She said she remains proud of where she came from and will continue representing Tondo as she pursues opportunities on the international stage
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Singer-songwriter Denise Julia firmly addressed criticism from netizens following the release of the performance video for her song "Speechless," responding to claims that the visuals presented an "inauthentic" version of Tondo.
Source: Youtube
On her X (formerly Twitter) account, Denise emphasized that she was "born and raised" in Tondo, explaining that this was precisely why she chose the district as the setting for the performance video.
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The singer pushed back against comments suggesting that the area should only be portrayed through images of poverty or rundown streets.
Before expressing her frustration over the criticism, Denise stressed that Tondo cannot be reduced to a single visual identity.
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“The streets don’t always have to be the dirty or ragged parts of it.”
She went on to explain that she is tired of seeing Tondo represented in only one way, insisting that the community is far more diverse than many people assume.
Denise pointed out that there are people from Tondo who share her sense of style and lifestyle, saying they deserve to be represented as well.
“I'm tired of it being the main aesthetic we 'should always' present kasi paano yung mga tita na lumipad at this age papuntang Japan na naka-y2k designer na may blue eyeshadow…mga newly hired na pupunta ng dv para bumili ng class A…all the kikay girls like me!!!! always have always been. both exist. Filipinos are one of the most diverse people. And yes, baddies exist in Tondo.”
In another post, she responded to those questioning her background and personal story, reiterating that she genuinely came from Tondo and explaining why she eventually left the area.
She shared that she grew up there before leaving at the age of 20 due to abuse, while questioning why some people believed she had never lived the life she was describing.
“I was born and raised in tondo and ran away at 20 because of abuse. what makes you say I never lived this life? because of the schools I went to? the music I make? ppl seem to know me so well to be able to speak this freely on my name when really, this is a prime example of you all projecting what u want my story and history to be without facts.”
Denise also challenged the stereotypes surrounding people from Tondo, arguing that assumptions about how they should look, speak, or dream are rooted in classist thinking.
“what exactly are people from tondo only supposed to look and sound like for them to be believable? the idea that someone cannot carry themself a certain way, or go to certain schools or dream beyond where she grew up i believe is quite classist.”
As per Denise, she remains proud of where she came from and will continue representing Tondo, especially as she pursues opportunities on the international stage.
“at the end of the day, i will always represent where i come from because i know what it took for a girl from tondo to accomplish the things she once thought were impossible.”
Denise's posts came after online discussions surrounding the "Speechless" performance video, with some viewers arguing that it portrayed a version of Tondo they considered unrealistic. Denise, however, maintained that the district is home to people from different backgrounds, styles, and aspirations, and that her portrayal reflects a side of Tondo she personally knows and experienced growing up.
As reported by KAMI in 2024, Denise publicly apologized, acknowledging her "shortcomings" after BJ Pascual's remarks about the "worst celebrity" he had worked with. In an Instagram post, she also emphasized that she has always respected the celebrity photographer.
Earlier that year, Denise called out what she described as the security guards' "foul behavior" during the QC Pride show. Although her first-ever Pride performance did not push through due to bad weather, the singer also recounted the alleged insults and mocking remarks directed at her team by the event's security personnel. Despite the experience, Denise remained positive and expressed hope for better performances and more respectful treatment in the future.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
