Fernando: “On behalf of my mother, Ms. Eva Darren, our family accepts the olive branch that FAMAS has extended”
Eva Darren’s son, Fernando de la Peña, accepted FAMAS’ apology for the last-minute replacement of the veteran actress as a presenter during the awards night on Sunday, MY 26, 2024.
As recently revealed by her son in a Facebook statement, Eva was tapped to be a presenter in the 72nd edition of FAMAS with veteran actor Tirso Cruz III. However, during the program proper, Eva was replaced by an up-and-coming singer Sheena Palad without any prior notice or explanation.
Taking Eva’s sentiments online, Fernardo then called out the award-giving body for the “rude, disrespectful, unethical, and unprofessional” treatment towards her mother.
Just immediately, FAMAS responded with an apology and a reason, saying that since the program was running live, they had no other option but to replace Eva for they could not locate the actress at that time.
FAMAS also claims that the incident was not intentional, and they look forward to paying Eva a visit if the veteran actress would allow it.
In yet another Facebook statement, Fernando has loosen up on the issue—saying that their family is accepting the apology.
Part of his statement reads, “For the reasons I stated above and on behalf of my mother, Ms. Eva Darren, our family accepts the olive branch that FAMAS has extended and only hope that future events would prove to be contrasting.”
IMAGE: Fernando de la Peña on Facebook
In the same letter, Fernando seemingly quips about the incident, suggesting that the award-giving body needed to practice a more organized program flow next time.
It says, “I understand that we are but a small voice in the back row of a rowdy crowd, but if I may humbly, personally, recommend two things for the 73rd FAMAS Awards Night: Please stick to the script and maybe a nice pair of eyeglasses for all in charge.”
Prior to this, Fernando says in his initial statement that filing a legal action has crossed his mind, but with the encouragement of his sister, he will just put the case to rest.
READ ALSO: Eva Darren’s Son Calls Out FAMAS After Her Last-Minute Removal From Presenters List
Veteran actresses Divina Valencia, Rita Avila express disappointment
Amid the social media uproar brought about by the FAMAS fiasco, several stars have come to Eva Darren’s side in a seeming allegiance against the award-giving body’s “unfair” treatment.
Divina Valencia, who happens to be Eva’s close friend and a guest to the awards night, has demanded that Eva be given the proper compensation for the incident.
She writes, “FAMAS the people have spoken. This scandalous affair is all your fault. Reimburse Tita Eva and write another public apology telling the truth. Not an excuse but a sincere apology.”
Rita Avila has also made a case for Eva, saying that Fernando and the rest of the family’s sentiment is valid. More so, she emphasizes that Eva graced the event out of respect, so why can’t the production give the same amount of respect for the gesture?
Rita writes, “The feelings of Ms. Eva Darren and family are understandable. Totoo naman! I am glad that her son posted about it.
“And I agree a 100% to the comments that said: ‘Inimbita ka, ikaw pa magbabayad ng meal mo?’ ‘Nananahimik ka tapos iimbitahin ka, gagastos ka mula sa damit, makeup, gasolina hanggang sa pagkain mo para ano? Para sa NINGNING?’
“Si Ms. Eva Darren ay pumunta DEFINITELY hindi para sa NINGNING pero dahil NIRESPETO nya ang imbitasyon. NIRESPETO BA SHA?
“Kahit naman sa mga MEDIACON/PRESSCON, invited ang cast, nagbihis, nag-ayos, gumastos sa gasolina para lang magmukhang tanga ang marami. Mga bida naman ang gustong interviewhin ng press eh di sana mga bida na lang ang mag-attend di ba?
“Dapat sa showbiz eh tayo ang mag-alagaan sa isa’t isa. Tayo ang magbigay respeto sa isa’t isa. Tayo ang magbigay dignidad sa isa’t isa.
In the comment section, Rita adds that Eva was invited and was even prompted to memorize her lines even though she wasn’t included in the final list of presenters uploaded by the FAMAS.
More so, she says that a close treatment should have been made from the start of Eva’s arrival—including a clear understanding of where she is situated for efficiency.
Sheena Palad speaks up following FAMAS apology
Sheena, who replaced Eva as a co-presenter with Tirso Cruz III, has broken her silence, following a backlash she received after the fiasco.
According to the singer, she was only tapped to be a performer for the “dinner pleasure,” wherein she sang two songs. However, when she was on standby, she recalls having to be called backstage by a staff member to ask for a “big favor.”
She was then asked to present the awards to which she accepted immediately without knowing about the incident concerning Eva.
She recalls, “Actually nung time na yun, I was clueless, hindi po kasi ako nanonood noong awards night because I was in the holding area. So, hindi ko po alam kung paano mag-present. And if you’re gonna be reviewing the videos, nakakatawa pa nga, we were laughing about it because I mispronounced the name of Kuya Germs.”
She adds, “Hindi ko man lang nabasa yung script, as in wala talaga. Kasi before the production, bumaba na po yung dating presenter, kami na po yung sumunod, ang instruction lang po sa akin is, ‘Sheena, you’re going to present after you sing the production number,’ which is the OST, yung movie OSTs.
“So, sabi ko, ‘Okay po sige po.’ So, sabi niya [staff], ‘Once you’re done with the production, punta ka na dun sa gilid and Sir Tirso will be with you.’ So, sabi ko, ‘Okay po, sige po.’ Yun lang.”
Sheena insists that she only followed the instructions, and in the latter part, she hopes that people get enlightened with the situation.
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