Fr. Carlito Meim Dimaano, the parish priest of Nuestra Senora del Pilar Shrine and Parish, issued an apology on Thursday, October 10, in response to the controversy surrounding the “Heavenly Harmony Concert” held inside the church on October 6, 2024. The event drew criticism from members of the community, as it featured a secular concert, which many felt was inappropriate for the sacred venue.
In his statement, Fr. Dimaano took full responsibility for the decisions that led to the backlash and expressed deep remorse for any offense caused. “Buong kababaang-loob po akong humihingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng nasaktan mula sa mga pagkakamaling nasaksihan sa Heavenly Harmony Concert na ginanap sa Nuestra Senora del Pilar Shrine and Parish noong ika-6 ng Oktubre 2024,” he said, acknowledging that mistakes were made in organizing the concert. “Inaamin ko pong may mga mali kaming desisyon ukol dito. Inaako ko po ang lahat ng mga pagkakamaling ito.”
Fr. Dimaano explained that the event was intended to be a secular concert, and he admitted that holding it inside the church was a misstep that upset many of the faithful. He further apologized to the concert performers, Julie Anne San Jose and Jessica Villarubin, for the negative comments they received as a result of the controversy. “Isang Secular Concert ang naganap sa loob ng Simbahan. Tinatanggap ko pong ito ay nakasakit sa damdamin ng mga mananampalataya. Humihingi po ako ng tawad,” he stated, adding, “Sa mga naimbitan po naming nagtanghal—Julie Anne San Jose at Jessica Villarubin—na nakatanggap ng mga hindi kaaya-ayang komento. Humihingi po ako ng tawad.”
In addition to addressing the public, Fr. Dimaano extended his apologies to Bishop Pablito Martinez Tagura, SVD, DD, acknowledging that his actions had tarnished the bishop’s reputation. “Sa aking Mahal na Obispo, Pablito Martinez Tagura, SVD, DD, humihingi din po ako tawad. Hindi ko po naingatan ang inyong pangalan dahil dito.”
Fr. Dimaano concluded his statement by reflecting on the lessons he learned from the incident, promising the congregation and church leaders that such a mistake would not be repeated in the future. His heartfelt apology was an attempt to mend the rift caused by the concert and regain the trust of the parish community.