Director Paolo Valenciano has taken responsibility for the mess that unfolded during a music festival on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Pasig City.
In a Facebook post, Paolo said he had “lost complete control of our event,” resulting in a “major delay” that “added two extra hours of work to an already exhausted team.”
The event Paolo was alluding to was the JBL Sound Fest, graced by some of today's biggest OPM artists, including Rico Blanco, December Avenue, Flow G, Ashtine Olviga, and Cup of Joe,
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CAUSE OF DELAY
ACCORDING TO SOCIAL MEDIA
The accounts circulating online claimed that the event suffered a major disruption after sudden changes were made to the line-up of performers.
Reports alleged that the team of veteran singer-songwriter and former Rivermaya member Rico Blanco requested that he close the show—a slot originally assigned to the band Cup of Joe.
ACCORDING TO PEP SOURCES
Similarly, two people told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) what they knew.
The first source said he personally felt that something was off backstage, and overheard, "Ayaw mag-perform ni Rico. Finale raw dapat siya."
The second source repeated what had been said, "Finale raw dapat si Rico," but added that based on what she knows, Cup of Joe should have really been the finale act.
"The members were launched kasi as the endorsers this year sa media. And yung music fest sana ay first major performance nila as endorsers, kaya the fireworks were really prepared for their portion. Nasa contract daw nila yun."
The first source added: "In fairness naman to Rico, hindi siya late, pero ayaw niya kumanta.
"Ayun, mga two hours ang delay."
PAOLO VALENCIANO'S POST
The unexpected change reportedly threw off the program’s flow, prompting Cup of Joe to rush to the venue upon learning they would be performing earlier than scheduled.
Paolo Valenciano shared that the band "had to be picked up by motorcycles in traffic jams just to make their new call time."
The situation caused further delays, leaving the audience—unaware of the backstage issues—and the production crew waiting for the band’s arrival.
In the end, Paolo apologized to everyone affected and said he would treat the incident as a learning experience in his career as a director.
"We learn new things every day and I know I still have a lot to improve! To everyone who was there, super sorry," wrote Paolo.
He closed his statement by addressing Rico, whom he called "my hero."
His message read, "While I sincerely wish you the best, I’ve learned that we’re simply not meant to work together again."
Friends of Paolo offered their support and encouragement to the young director, praising the way he handled the situation despite the stress and pressure.
His wife, Samantha Godinez, posted this reply to one of the comments: "Some people talaga are not team players.
"Apparently, this happens a lot. So many people have messaged me checking on Pao and they tell me this person does this a lot daw.”
Meanwhile, some criticized Paolo for mentioning Rico by name, arguing that the singer-songwriter was subjected to public judgment without being given the opportunity to share his side.
JBL PHILIPPINES' STATEMENT
On December 7, JBL Philippines released a statement on its Facebook page.
Part of it was addressed to the concertgoers: "We also want to sincerely apologize for the delays and inconveniences you experienced."
It also lauded those who worked hard that night: the production team.
“Despite the challenges, we’d like to give our appreciation to the production team for doing their best throughout the night.
“We’re taking this as a chance to learn and improve so we can make your future experiences smoother and better."
RICO BLANCO'S SIDE
A source revealed Rico's side of the story to Cabinet Files.
Based on the event poster, Rico’s name was placed at the center and received the biggest billing.
However, he was allegedly informed at the "last minute" that he would not be the finale performer.
The source added that performing before Cup of Joe would not have been an issue for Rico had he been told in advance.
For the full story, read: Rico Blanco, di agad nasabihan sa last-minute changes sa musicfest?