Veteran actress Divina Valencia has voiced her strong disapproval of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards committee’s treatment of fellow actress Eva Darren.
Valencia criticized the committee for what she described as a “complete farce” after Darren was replaced as a presenter during the awards ceremony.
In a Facebook post, Valencia lambasted the public apology issued by FAMAS, which claimed they couldn’t locate Darren at the venue. This led to her last-minute replacement by a young singer who presented an award alongside Tirso Cruz III.
“Hindi ko matatanggap ang Dahilang napakalaking katarantaduhan na hindi makita si Ms Eva Darren. Isa ciya sa mga naunang dumating,” Valencia asserted.
She elaborated, “Kasama ang kanyang 4 na apo umasang makikita ang kanilang GrandMa na papanik sa stage na kasama c Mr Tirso Cruz. This excuse is so narrow. Its a big BS para lang makagawa ng dahilan.”
Valencia, who was seated near the stage, noted that all seats were clearly labeled with names, making the oversight implausible.
“Nakaupo kami sa table 10, halos kaharap namin ang stage magkatabi kami ni Ms. Eva Darren… Hindi ma-locate eh lahat ng mga artistang dumating my upuang nakapangalan ng bawat nakaupo,” she said.
The veteran actress also criticized the awarding of plaques to individuals unrelated to the film industry.
“Imagine FAMAS, kung sino-sinong mga hindi naman taga-movie industry eh mga tumatanggap ng kanya-kanyang plaque. Tinatawag sa stage na nakakasilaw ang glitters ng mga gown, wala namang kinalaman sa showbiz.”
Valencia stressed the disrespect shown to Darren, a respected icon and legitimate FAMAS awardee.
“Tapos pinahiya, sinaktan ang isang Eva Darren na talagang isang icon at tumanggap ng FAMAS na totoong FAMAS. Kahit 10x pa kayong mag-sorry, damage has been done,” Valencia concluded.
Valencia’s comments echo the disappointment and frustration felt by many in the industry regarding Darren’s treatment at the FAMAS Awards, highlighting a call for more respect and organization in future events.
