Paolo Valenciano to 'hero' Rico Blanco after concert mishap: 'We’re simply not meant to work together again'

Paolo Valenciano took to social media to address the mishaps that occurred during the JBL Sound Fest on Saturday.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the young concert director admitted he "lost complete control of our event, which caused a major delay and added two extra hours of work to an already exhausted team."

As Valenciano apologized to JBL and to Cup of Joe, he revealed that the latter "had to be picked up by motorcycles in traffic jams" to make it to their new, earlier call time.  

According to Valenciano, it was his first year with the JBL Sound Fest, which made the mishap incredibly frustrating for him.

“We learn new things every day and I know I still have a lot to improve!! To everyone who was there, super sorry,” he said.

He ended his statement, addressing Rico, whom he called his hero. "While I sincerely wish you the best, I’ve learned that we’re simply not meant to work together again,” Valenciano said.

The JBL Sound Fest promised performances by Cup of Joe, Rico Blanco, Hori7on, December Avenue, Flow G, Ashtine Olviga, Sean Archer, and Kat DJ. In posters and collaterals, Cup of Joe is the first artist mentioned with their photo positioned on the upper lefthand side. Rico Blanco is mentioned second, with his photo on the upper the middle space. Hori7on is mentioned third, with their photo in the upper righthand side.

Valenciano's statement raised not a few eyebrows. Some netizens said he shouldn't have named names while others called the posters "misleading." 

Valenciano engaged with a few of them, saying he thinks there was a "major misunderstanding." 

"I’m not in charge of poster. Basta ang alam ko lang — I was informed kung sino ang una at kung sino ang last and I made a treatment based on that info. For a show this big, mahirap ang last minute change or revision," he replied on one netizen's comment.

To another, Valenciano said "headliner talaga COJ since sila new ambassador ng JBL."

Valenciano's post has already generated 349 shares and more than 5.5K engagements as of writing.

Meanwhile, JBL Philippines has also posted a statement on Facebook, thanking attendees for "sharing such an amazing energy."  

"We also want to sincerely apologize for the delays and inconveniences you experienced," JBL said.

"Despite the challenges we'd like to give our appreciation to the production team for doing their best throughout the night," JBL's statement continued as it said they were going to take it as an opportunity "to learn and improve so we can make your future experiences smoother and better."

"Rest assured that we heard you. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support," JBL said.

As of writing, neither Rico and Cup of Joe have issued statements about the matter.

GMA News Online has already reached out to them and will update this post as soon as we receive their statement. 

The JBL Sound Fest was held on December 6, at the Parklinks Open Grounds in Pasig City.

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News