- Robin Padilla recently went under fire for demanding a Korean contestant to speak in Tagalog.
- However, he had a British nationality to support his statement.
- Kim Jiwan spent most of his life in the Philippines but didn’t have an opportunity to learn Tagalog.
In an Instagram post, Robin Padilla shared how a British nationality approved of his statement on Pilipinas Got Talent. Recently, Robin went under fire after demanding a Korean contestant to talk in Tagalog.
Many netizens felt that what he did turned to be a false act of nationalism.
Kim Jiwan, a 20-year-old Korean, grew up in Muntinlupa. However, Robin criticized him for not learning Filipino or Tagalog despite living in the Philippines for a long time. Robin, then, told Kim that he should speak Tagalog first before he uses the actor-judge for his close-up talent trick. Robin also continued to say that the show only focused on looking for talented Filipinos, only Filipinos.
The said British nationality sent Robin an open letter on how he supports what Robin had stated. The caption on the said Instagram post also read:
“An Open Letter to Robin Padilla
Dear sir,
I just thought I would write to you personally to congratulate you on the patriotism and love that you have shown for your country.
As I am sure you are aware, like you, I love the Philippines very much. In fact, my greatest dream would to one day become a Filipino citizen as well as course retain my British nationality as I love both countries equally.
I have watched the clip of Pilipinas Got Talent several times where a Korean national is performing a magic set as part of his audition to the judges. The contestant explained that he had grown up in the Philippines but had not learnt Tagalog as he attended an international school.”
Then, Malcolm continued that he knows that Robin loves the country and his fellow countrymen.
“To me, this is not really an excuse. If you have grown up in the Philippines and clearly called the Philippines your home, you should at least make some effort to learn the language. When the Korean national got into his act, clearly he can in fact understand and speak a little Tagalog.
I believe your intentions were just to coax it out of him a little. In fact, you are a comedian too and in a way was just having a little fun, whist making a valid observation. I know you very well that you love the Philippines and your fellow countrymen very much. I would like to thank you personally for being there for Filipinos across the globe.”
Malcolm ended his open letter relaying that what Robin did was never racist.
“You are an incredible ambassador for the country and a much loved icon on Philippine cinema. Thank you also so much for supporting President Rodrigo Duterte, who like yourself loves the Philippines and her people very much.
You were never racist at all, as some filipinos have claimed, in fact I truly wish others were able to be outspoken and stand up for their beliefs in a very clear and passionate manner.
Mabuhay ka sir at maraming salamat po.
Respectfully yours
Malcolm”
