ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Singer-songwriter Juan Karlos “JK” Labajo took the stage at the Dinagyang Festival expecting a routine performance. Instead, his set became a flashpoint for controversy.
During a brand-sponsored event at the Festive Walk Parade on Friday, January 24, the Cebuano artist altered a key lyric in the 2023 hit “Ere,” replacing an expletive with its Hiligaynon counterpart.
Instead of singing, “Oh, ‘di ba? Nakakap*****na,” Juan Karlos leaned into the microphone and said, “Oh, ‘di ba? Nakakayudpta.” The phrase, a local vulgarity derived from the Spanish hijo de puta (son of a whore), can express emotions ranging from anger to appreciation in Iloilo.
The audience erupted, with many prodding him to repeat the phrase. Video clips spread quickly on social media, fueling debate over artistic expression, language, and the boundaries of public performances.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed disapproval of Juan Karlos’ performance, pointing out that the Dinagyang Festival is an annual religious celebration to honor the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) and serves as a profound expression of faith and cultural devotion.
“I already received a report…and we will do something about it. We will not tolerate it,” Treñas said on Monday, January 27.
In a separate statement the following day, Treñas urged artists to be respectful of the local culture, values, and traditions.
“While we value creativity and self-expression, we must also be mindful of the messages we share, especially during important celebrations like [the] Dinagyang Festival,” he said.
He also asked organizers to be more circumspect in selecting performers, emphasizing the need for artists who can bring positivity and promote good values.
However, Treñas’ statement was deleted for unclear reasons shortly after it was posted.
Iloilo Councilor Alan Zaldivar said he would bring the matter to the City Council through a privilege speech. The council will have its regular session on Wednesday, January 29.
Zaldivar argued that the language used by the singer went against the cultural and religious values of the Dinagyang Festival.
He also urged the city government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Incorporated (IFFI) to establish clear guidelines and protocols for performances to ensure that the same incident will not happen again.
The Dinagyang Festival is managed by the IFFI, the city government, and the Parish of San Jose de Placer.
The Radio Mindanao Network in Iloilo quoted IFFI president Alan Tan as saying that his group was already coordinating with the Iloilo City Council in drafting a resolution that would prohibit the use of vulgar language in events related to the festival.
Labajo or IFFI, however, has yet to release an official statement on the incident. – Rappler.com