Controversies of All Time

Posted on Nov 12, 2008 under Pinoy Showbiz News | No Comment

Pinoy showbiz is not just a bed of roses. Contrary to what other people’s impressions are, it is not only a land of fame and fortune. And just as a coin always has its two sides, there is always a bad side about the local entertainment – intrigues and controversies.

As the cliché perfectly puts it, “you can never please everybody,” so has been the case of showbiz. If there are die-hard fans, there are also the die-hard detractors, willing to do everything and go out of their way just to put their hated artists down and destroy their careers. Controversies, true or not, continue to hound artists and celebrities as long as they continue to be in their celebrity status, and as in the case of some, even when they are already away from showbiz.

Pinoy showbiz celebrities

They say that Pinoy showbiz will never be as interesting and as exciting as it is if it weren’t for the intrigues and controversies that make the lives of celebrities more colourful. They are even publicity, positive or not, as some would claim. So whether celebrities like it or not, these are said to be issues that in a way may help boost their careers by keeping them in the news and in the circulation with the talks.

Now, looking back at Showbizlandia then and now, let us take a quick review of some of the most controversial, most talked-about and most intriguing controversies of all time, and see if they were a destroyer or a booster of the careers of the celebrities involved.

Cristy Fermin on the buzz

Today, we are still witnessing what seems to be a never ending battle between Nadia Montenegro and columnist-TV host Cristy Fermin. It all rooted from another equally controversial war between come-backing actor Gabby Concepcion and his former manager, Rose Flaminiano. With Nadia defending Gabby, now, it’s been the turn of Nadia to be caught in a dispute with Fermin. And the last we’ve heard, Cristy Fermin’s TV and radio contracts were suspended by her network ABS-CBN. And just like everyone else, we can only wait for things to be better.

There’s the ever controversial flight of networks of then the hottest GMA-7 star, Angel Locsin. It happened middle of 2007 when Angel, who had countless endorsements, left and right TV shows and movies, and an overly big fan base that time, decided to switch networks for ‘personal growth and contentment.’ She claimed she was not happy anymore with where she was (in GMA), and so she decided to transfer. Since then, Angel’s career was never absent of any issue or controversy. Add to that the accusations of being ingrate, selfish and money-minded. There were even talks of alleged sex video, pregnancy rumour, and all personal distractions. Will she gain the same stature today that she is already in ABS-CBN as compared to that when she was still in GMA-7? We can only wait.

Willie Revillame hosting Wowowee

The sparking word war between rival noontime TV hosts Willie Revillame and Joey de Leon also graced the national television for a long run. It even caught the attention of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The exchange of harsh words between the two even caught the ire of some authorities and people in the government. It was obviously not a good influence especially since the heated word exchange happened on national TV, and moralists even found it inappropriate and not proper especially for kids watching the TV.

But the good thing is, it’s over, or at least, for the meantime. Just recently, during an awards night, Revillame made amends with de Leon and the war is finally over. Well, it is just about time.

Kris of goldmine

And who could ever forget the Kris Aquino-James Yap-Hope Centeno saga that quite affected the entire nation? News broke out that James had an affair with a certain Hope Centeno, who was found out to be a staff at a Belo Clinic. Kris, who was then pregnant with Baby James, broke out in tears on national TV and was deeply affected by the news. The worse became worst when Hope continued to air her side and confirm the news in the rival station of Kris. Kris, however, eventually semi-rested from TV and was away from the spotlight for quite some time after this incident. Good thing though, the family was still complete.

But backtracking to the 70s, there is this urban legend (weird, you might think) about Fernando Poe, Jr. in his movies about some death scenes. Whenever Muslims got to see FPJ’s character die in his movie, they would throw stones, or as other stories put it, fire their guns in revolt to Da King’s killing. Strange, huh?

local action movie star, armed with guns and thoughts

There were even stories with the previous generation’s most popular stars, such as Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Maricel Soriano, Sharon Cuneta, and many others. These are only simple proofs that fame does not only require one’s talent. It only entails much patience and endurance to stay in the business, never minding the different intrigues and controversies that he or she has to go through somewhere in his or her career.