OPM Band Orange and Lemons reportedly walked out from their supposed performance in Occidental Mindoro after actress Francine Diaz allegedly interrupted.
Based on the videos circulating online, Orange and Lemons were already on the stage and preparing to perform when Diaz unexpectedly entered and greeted the audience.
Diaz cued for the music that she would be performing, but the sound technicians seemed confused and did not immediately catch up with Diaz's music.
On her back, it can be seen that the band was dismayed and in discussion with some of the staff, and lead vocalist and guitarist Clementine Castro later signaled for his band members to leave the stage.
The band, however, still performed, but Castro started their performance by expressing his sentiments at the moment.
"Gusto ko lang manghingi ng paumanhin pero kailangan ko sabihin ‘to para sa mga artist kasi dapat kanina pa kaming 11 dito so sana naman walang sumisingit. Respeto lang ba," Clemente said.
A staff member of the sound system department revealed in the Facebook video's comment area that, given both artists were performing, they were unsure of who to follow for the music because Diaz was supposed to go on stage last in their lineup.
"Hindi po namin alam kung 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 and lemon," he wrote.
Meanwhile, netizens expressed their reactions and argued that Diaz should not be blamed for the mishap, but it’s the organizers who deserve to be called out for mishandling the line-up.
"Walang kasalanan dito si Francine. Ininvite sya, dumating, umakyat sa stage, nagperform. Yung organizers ang palpak. Dapat alam nila yung flow ng show. Nakaka insulto din naman kasi na nagreready na yung banda tumugtog tapos biglang may sasalang pa palang iba," a fan wrote.
After the event, Diaz appreciated the audience for staying around despite her performance starting late, as she posted a picture of one of the gifts she received from them.
"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! Mad respect for everyone who stayed up late," Diaz said in her caption on Instagram.
"Respect goes both ways," she added.
