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Filipina singer-songwriter Denise Julia responds to online critics following the release of her performance video for the song "Speechless."

The video caught netizens' attention as the singer performed in the streets of Tondo. Many questioned the "bebot" styling worn by Denise and the crowd, with some claiming the video presented an "inauthentic" version of the district.

In response, Denise took to X (formerly Twitter) and revealed that Tondo is her hometown.

"Hi! Actually, I did. You can go to Barangay 16 Sto Niño Street, and ask about me," she wrote.

"I was born and raised in Tondo and ran away at 20 because of abuse. 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."

The singer also questioned the criticism surrounding the video.

"What exactly are people from Tondo only supposed to look and sound like for them to be believable? The idea that someone cannot carry [themselves] a certain way, or go to certain schools or dream beyond where she grew up, I believe, is quite classist."

Denise ended her message by sharing her inspiring goal as an artist.

"At the end of the day, I will always represent where I come from because I know what it took for a girl from Tondo to accomplish the things she once thought were impossible," she said.

"Again, if you get it, you get it. If you don't, that's okay too!!!" she added.

hi! actually i did. you can go to Barangay 16 sto niño street and ask about me.

I was born and raised in tondo and ran away at 20 because of abuse. what makes you say I never lived this life? because of the schools I went to? the music I make? ppl seem to know me so well to… https://t.co/GZ6Pw6bldU

— denise julia ♡ (@denisejvlia) July 27, 2026

In another post, Denise responded to a netizen who commented that the video did not reflect the "real" streets of Tondo.

"Exactly why we did it this way, to show that we exist. The streets doesn't always have to be the dirty or ragged parts of it. I'm tired of it being the main aesthetic we 'should always' present kasi paano 'yung mga tita na lumipad at this age papuntang Japan na naka-y2k designer na may blue eyeshadow… mga newly hired na pupunta ng dv para bumili ng class A… all the kikay girls like me!!!! always have always been. Both exist. Filipinos are one of the most diverse people. and yes baddies exist in Tondo!"

exactly why we did it this way, keyfang. to show that we exist. the streets doesn't always have to be the dirty or ragged parts of it. im tired of it being the main aesthetic we “should always” present kasi pano yung mga tita na lumipad at this age papuntang japan na naka-y2k… https://t.co/GFoM18W0CJ

— denise julia ♡ (@denisejvlia) July 27, 2026

Denise Julia is the voice behind the hit R&B tracks “NVMD,” “butterflies,” “B.A.D.,” “Lackin,” “CHANGES,” and “2GOOD4U.”

In May, the Filipina singer-songwriter reached another career milestone after signing with independent American record label, distribution, and publishing company EMPIRE.

Get to know more about Denise Julia in this gallery: