Denise Julia responds to criticism over Tondo-themed 'From the Block' performance

By Ian Ureta

Published Jul 28, 2026 04:32 pm

At A Glance

The 24-year-old artist performed her song "SPEECHLESS" on the U.S-based music performance series "From the Block,". Instead of unanimous praise, however, the video sparked debate online.

Filipina R&B singer Denise Julia just allowed global audiences a peek of Tondo, Manila.

Not everyone is convinced she did it the right way, though.

The 24-year-old artist recently became the first Filipina to appear on the US-based music performance series "From the Block," performing her song "SPEECHLESS" from her latest EP, "LOVE AGAIN."

Filmed in the streets of Tondo, Manila, the performance follows the series' signature format of artists performing live in neighborhoods closely tied to their roots.

Instead of unanimous praise, however, the video sparked debate online.  

Some social media users criticized its visual direction, with one fan calling it "poverty porn," while another argued that the portrayal felt inauthentic, saying, "Hindi naman ganyan itsura ng mga tao sa kalsada ng Pilipinas eh."

Denise addressed the criticism directly, explaining that the concept wasn't created simply for aesthetics; it reflects the premise of the platform itself.

"'From the Block' is an American platform built around artists showing the block they're from," she wrote. "I'm from Tondo. So I simply filmed in Tondo, brought my people out and worked with a Filipino director, crew, and designer, to show the place and culture that made me."

"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 added.

Launched in 2021, "From the Block" has featured performances from major artists including Cardi B, Chris Brown and Latto, and has recently expanded to include international acts. Denise is among the first non-American artists invited to participate. Now based in New York, the singer said representing her roots remains central to her career despite the backlash.