Denise Julia rejects claims Tondo portrayal in performance video was ‘inauthentic’

Denise Julia's Tondo roots became the subject of online conversation after her latest performance drew criticism from some netizens.

Julia has spoken out after negative comments over the Tondo, Manila performance video for her latest song, “Speechless,” featured on the US-based music platform “From the Block.” The singer defended her roots, saying she was born and raised in Tondo. She rejected claims her portrayal of the community was not authentic.

While many praised the video, some netizens questioned the styling of Denise and the people featured, saying it did not reflect the real Tondo. Others also questioned Denise's connection to the district, claiming her image and music did not match the community.

One netizen wrote, “Hindi naman ganyan itsura ng mga tao sa kalsada ng Pilipinas eh.” In response, the 24-year-old took to X to set the record straight.

“I was born and raised in Tondo,” she wrote, adding that she experienced the realities of the community before leaving at age 20. “Hi! Actually I did. You can go to Barangay 16 Sto. Niño Street and ask about me.”

The “B.A.D.” singer also challenged assumptions about her upbringing.

“What makes you say I never lived this life? Because of the schools I went to? The music I make? People 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 you want my story and history to be without facts.”

Denise went on to question why people expected residents of Tondo to fit a single stereotype.

“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.”

She added that she would continue representing where she came from, saying she had experienced the hardships it took to pursue her dreams.

In a separate post, Denise also explained that the video's styling was intentional, saying the video was meant to show a side of Tondo that is often overlooked instead of focusing only on its poorer areas. 

“Exactly why we did it this way, to show that we exist.”

She added that the district is home to a diverse mix of people, arguing that reducing Tondo to a single image fails to reflect its reality. “Filipinos are one of the most diverse people. And yes, baddies exist in Tondo!”

The “Speechless” performance was filmed with a local Filipino director, crew, and designer leading the production.

Denise performed the track for “From the Block,” an international music series known for its signature hanging microphone setup in outdoor neighborhood locations, where artists showcase the communities they come from. 

The platform has featured performances from artists including Cardi B, Latto, and Chris Brown. Denise is among the first non-American artists invited to perform.

Now based in New York, the singer said representing her roots remains central to her career.

Denise recently signed with EMPIRE, a US-based independent record label and distribution company. She also released her third and latest EP, “Love Again,” which includes “Speechless.”