POP rock band Orange & Lemons and Kapamilya actress Francine Diaz went viral after they shared a stage at a local event—but not because of a collaborative performance.
The two artists graced the “Governor and Vice Governor’s Night 2024,” held in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, where they both performed but not without controversy.
In videos circulating on social media, Orange & Lemons could be seen getting ready for their performance onstage when the event’s host suddenly called Diaz. The 20-year-old actress then entered the stage, smiling and waving to the screaming crowd.
While Diaz was greeting her fans, the band could be seen discussing with a few individuals. She paused and looked behind her to request organizers to play the music for her, while the conversation between Orange & Lemons and a few individuals continued.
Diaz went on with her performance of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” but it was marred by sounds made by an electric guitar. She then requested, “Palakas po [ng music], please. Thank you!”
Behind her, Orange & Lemons vocalist Clem Castro could be seen signaling his members to leave the stage.
In a separate video, Castro apologized to the crowd following the interruption to their performance and said that no one should cut in line.
“Kasi dapat kaninang 11 pa kami dito eh. So sana naman walang sumisingit. ‘Yun lang. Respeto lang ba,” said the vocalist.
“Gusto ko lang sabihin ‘yon. Ayoko masira yung pag-enjoy natin ngayong gabi,” he added.
On X (formerly Twitter), the band thanked their fans for staying with them throughout their performance even though it was late.
Mixed reactions
When the clips went viral, netizens expressed their opinions about the mishap.
Some netizens came to the defense of Orange & Lemons and said that the band may have felt disrespected when their performance was interrupted.
Others stood by Diaz and said that it was not the actress who should take the blame but the event organizers.
“Wala naman dapat pang ibang sisihin kundi ang kapalpakan ng event organizer. All of this could’ve been avoided if the event was handled properly,” said a netizen.
Several people also shared a screenshot of comments made by a Facebook user who claimed to be part of the sound system team in the event.
He said that Diaz’s appearance onstage during Orange & Lemons’ preparations caused them confusion because they had expected her to perform last.
“Hindi po namin alam sino po ang susundin namin, nasa program po lahat, na last po si maam Francine, pero siningit po ng manager ni maam Francine na siya unahin kahit hindi po nila nasabihan ang Orange & Lemons,” he claimed.
He added that there was apparently a misunderstanding between the involved parties.
“Kami po kung ano lang yung sinabi nila yun lang po sinusunod namin, kaya po kahit kami nagulat sa nangyari. Nagtatanong po kami every 5 minutes sa organizer para malaman po namin kung ano magiging hakbang po namin sa event,” he explained.
In another post, the Facebook user said that the sound system team shouldn’t be involved with the issue as they were just following directives from the organizers.
“Hindi po mahina yung sound, sadyang naka-set na po kasi para sa Orange & Lemons,” he said.
The local government of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro posted photos of Diaz and Orange & Lemons during their performances, but it has yet to address the issue.
‘Respect goes both ways’
Meanwhile, the Gen Z actress shared on her Instagram story a gift she received from a fan in Occidental Mindoro, which was a portrait drawing of her.
“Wasn’t able to get all the gifts from you guys but thank you so much for spending time with me tonight kahit late na!” she wrote.
“Mad respect for everyone who stayed up late. Respect goes both ways, gn [goodnight]!!” she continued.
Diaz is known for her roles in the popular series “Kadenang Ginto” and “Dirty Linen.” Orange & Lemons, on the other hand, is behind the hit songs “Pinoy Ako” and “Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown),” among others.
