CJ Villavicencio says ‘no intention to plagiarize’ from ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical’

CJ Villavicencio, winner of the online talent search The Pop Stage, said he did not intend to plagiarize from Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical in the performance that won him P1 million and a 1-year contract with Viva Artists Agency.

The performance, which streamed on July 26, saw CJ singing a medley of Eraserheads songs with arrangements nearly identical to that of the play.

The play itself is based on the music of OPM icons The Eraserheads.

In a Facebook post CJ said: “I did not expect my victory to trigger so much negative comments and hate online.”

“I was hurt and it also aches my heart to unintentionally hurt some people as well, especially the production team of Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical,” he continued.

He said that his performance on The Pop Stage was meant to be a “tribute” to “his favorite artists and musical” and a reflection of his own life experiences.

“There was no intention whatsoever on my part to plaigiarize. I am sorry if I caused undue distress, seemed disrespectful or if I have hurt the theater community,” he said.

He added that his mental health has been affected by the things he’s read, and thanked those who checked up on him.

“Clearly, as an amateur and aspiring artist, I still have so many things to learn. I humbly ask for everyone’s understanding as I navigate this new world that I have recently entered,” he said.

“I am not a bad person. My intentions were far different from what people think.”

He ended his statement by thanking “his new management” Viva for their support, and for The Pop Stage team and Popeyes, which sponsored the prize.

“In this time of uncertainty, may we all have the heart to spread love among humanity,” he said.

CJ was named the winner of the competition on August 2. On the same day, Ang Huling El Bimbo musical director Myke Salomon tweeted saying that CJ “copied/ ripped off” their musical treatment and concepts for the play without permission.

Later on, videos by Ang Huling El Bimbo assistant choreographer Stephen Vinas and theater actor Jef Flores were published, breaking down CJ’s performance and pointing out the elements it lifted from the musical.

Sharing Jef’s video, Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia also stressed that being inspired by a work is one thing, but copying it is another.

“I am disappointed for all the AHEB crew because I know for a fact that they poured all their hearts and souls into creating something that was true to the material and their craft.” Ely said, saying that he hopes credit is given where it is due. – Rappler.com