Actress Ara Mina has clarified the recent controversy surrounding the use of a laptop during a performance of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) show ‘One More Chance.’
Contrary to the viral claims, Mina stated that neither she nor her companion was responsible for the distraction.
In an interview about her upcoming concert ‘All of Me’ on June 27, Mina explained that it was actually a person seated in front of her who was using the laptop. “I also saw the laptop. It’s the girl infront of me nakaupo ‘yung may ari ng laptop. Alam mo may laptop ako ah pero nasa bahay nandun lang sa cabinet. Wala rin siyang (her companion) dalang laptop. Hindi related sa amin ‘yung girl sa harap na may laptop kasi ang lumabas sa amin ‘yung laptop,” Mina clarified, urging the public not to jump to conclusions based on appearances.
Mina also addressed being photographed using her phone during the show. “Two hours and a half ‘yung play, normal lang sisilipin mo rin! Baka sabihin ng asawa ko bakit hindi ako sumasagot. Kahit ako naman lalabas nalang ako kung mag-phone ako the entire play,” she explained.
She further advised against making hasty judgments based on a single image. “Sometimes huwag tayo agad mag-ja-judge just for one picture. Ganito ‘yan eh, ‘yung anggulo parang ay! ang laki ng braso niya pero pag nakita mo naman sa personal bakit ang liit ng braso niya? Kasi mali ‘yung anggulo,” she noted.
The issue arose from a Facebook post by a user named B on June 20, who shared her frustration over being distracted by two audience members using their phones and a laptop at full brightness during the show. B mentioned that one of the individuals appeared to be a celebrity and expressed disappointment with the PETA ushers for not intervening.
In response, PETA apologized to B on June 21, acknowledging her concerns and offering a complimentary ticket as compensation. “Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Please accept our sincerest apologies for the stress and frustration this has caused you. Rest assured that we are looking into this now and will immediately take the necessary actions,” PETA’s comment read.
Ara Mina is currently preparing for her 30th-anniversary concert, which is set to take place on July 11 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
