Veteran actress Rita Avila has bravely come forward to recount a distressing experience with a director who attempted to exploit her before she entered the showbiz industry.
In a heartfelt social media post, Avila detailed the harrowing encounter and the impact it had on her.
Avila shared her story by reposting an artcard from a tabloid, which was originally published in April 2023. The card highlighted some of her beauty secrets, which she used as a springboard to discuss her troubling past.
In her post, Avila revealed, “Sharing a sad SECRET na nalampasan ko: Nakakalungkot na may mga BIKTIMA at NAMBIKTIMA sexually sa SHOWBIZ. Pero hindi naman LAHAT.” She noted that while she had not faced such abuse during her career with Seiko Films, Viva Films, or other productions, she had heard troubling stories about exploitation during auditions.
The actress also addressed past criticisms she received for participating in sexy movies. “Tinutuya ako sa pagpapasexy. Excited nga ako sa SEXY SCENES noon kasi ganun pala ang ART, ganu’n pala ang epekto ng ILAW at ANGGULO, hindi kelangang ipakita ang kaluluwa,” she explained.
Avila then shared a more personal and disturbing account: “PERO ETO KA. May isa pang SECRET. (Kung tamad ka na magbasa ay OK lang naman). Hindi pa ako artista noon ay may nakilala akong direktor na ‘binebenta’ ako sa producer. Sabay nananamantala din itong direktor na ito. Pilit humahalik KADIRI. NAKAKATAKOT.”
She recounted reporting the incident to her mother, who did not take her concerns seriously, and described a subsequent unsettling encounter with the director’s cousin-in-law.
Despite the trauma, Avila used her platform to emphasize personal growth and resilience. “Nakakapanliit. Nakakagalit. Sobrang masakit,” she said. “Bakit ko ibinahagi ito? Ito ang koneksyon sa isang post ko bago nito. Kanya-kanyang kapalaran at paglalakbay sa buhay. May mga taong gagawa ng MALI sa atin, tayo man ay may gagawing MALI dahil di pa natin alam ang gagawin. Ngunit sa huli, tayo ay mamumulat, matututo at makikilala ang mga sarili. Yun ang mahalaga.”
Avila concluded with a message of empathy and support: “Imbis na MANAPAK, MANG-AKAY.”
Her courageous decision to speak out highlights ongoing issues of exploitation in the entertainment industry and underscores the need for protective measures and supportive environments for those affected.
