Star Magic artist Raphael Robes finally aired his response to social media users who reacted to his Grab Food delivery guy costume at Star Magic’s recent Halloween ball.
In an exclusive interview via email, Robes said it doesn’t irk him when people criticize him because he truly appreciates and loves their honesty.
“Seryoso, no sarcasm. They’re entitled to their own opinion. It doesn’t mean I agree with them, but I can definitely respect it. To each his own,” he said.
“I’ll say this though: Their reaction to my costume says more about them than me. It’s very revealing,” he added.
Last October 20, the Kapamilya talent management arm Star Magic organized Black Magic 2019, a Halloween party featuring ABS-CBN’s brightest stars that was held at Resorts World Manila.
Many of the actors and actresses who attended had transformed into fan-favorite comic books heroees and TV and film characters, as in the case of Kathryn Bernardo who dressed as Poison Ivy, and Dimples Romana who came in as Maleficent.
But it was Robes’ look as a Grab Food delivery guy, which stirred up the most intense reactions from netizens.
The star wore a green long-sleeved shirt with Grab Food logos and paired it with black pants bearing three white stripes.
He complemented his outfit with a large green delivery bag, marked with GrabFood logos.
Netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on Robes’ choice of attire.
“Ano ba yan… Tinamad na magisip ng costume at nanghiram na lang ng uniform sa isang grab food driver?”
Ano ba yan… Tinamad na magisip ng costume at nanghiram na lang ng uniform sa isang grab food driver?
— ċѧṃıʟʟєṡҡı (@clerie143) October 20, 2019
“How is grabfood a halloween costume?”
https://twitter.com/victoryliner/status/1185976120488779776?s=21
“Dapat yung mga customers na nagca-cancel ng orders ang ginawang costume. Kasi sila naman yung totoong nakakatakot. Que horror. 
.”
https://twitter.com/dryllgr/status/1186151694133907456?s=21
“*Laughs in dressing up as a slave*”
*laughs in dressing up as a slave*
— Poncho Pilato (@minsang_lex) October 21, 2019
“When someone’s way of living is just a Halloween costume for the [privileged]. Sad.”
When someone's way of living is just a Halloween costume for the privileged. Sad.
— ᵗᵉˢˢᵃ (@tetszh) October 20, 2019
“Bwahahahahaha attend ka ng mga halloween party boy para alam mo 
”
https://twitter.com/donnrico/status/1186058421092569089?s=19
Robes admitted that the GrabFood rider attire was not his “first choice” custome as he wanted to be Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.
He said he just picked the GrabFood delivery uniform on the spur of the moment.
“It was pretty spontaneous. The day before the event, I still had no costume. Hapon na ‘yun, mga 3 p.m. Tapos sakto, pagkalabas ko ng bahay, may nakita akong Grab Food rider sa kanto ng village namin. From a far palang napaisip ako, ‘Teka, parang kasya sa akin suot niya ah!’ Pinara agad namin ng kaibigan ko yung Grab Food rider at kinausap,” the Kapamilya star narrated.
“Tinanong ko kung may byahe o pasok ba siya bukas. Meron daw. Buti nalang mabait si Kuya Alvin (Divinagracia) at napakiusapan kong i-rent ang damit nya for one day. Tuwang-tuwa siya. ‘Yung mas maganda pa dun, bumalik siya kinabukasan na may dalang bagong gear,” he added.
Robes said he have high regards for GrabFood riders because they “are individuals trying to provide for their families.”
When asked about his message to GrabFood riders as well as to his supporters and bashers, the star simply said: “Thanks for the laughs and love, especially to Kuya Alvin for letting me rent his gear. You’re the real MVP. #Respect.”
Robes, who is a model-turned-star, will soon be seen in the movie Write About Love that is written and directed by Crisanto Aquino.
The film also stars Yeng Constantino, Rocco Nacino, and Joem Bascon.
The movie will be part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to be held in December.
