Veteran actress-singer Pinky Amador addressed criticism over her attendance at “An Evening with the Stars” hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Intramuros, Manila last February 12.
Amador, who has openly supported former Vice President Leni Robredo and is known as a Kakampink, drew backlash online along with fellow actresses Pokwang and Cherry Pie Picache for attending the Malacañang event. Some critics labeled them “balimbing” and questioned their political consistency.
Among those who commented was director Darryl Yap, who wrote in a Facebook post on February 15: “Dati akala ko, malakas na ang loob ko, akala ko makapal ang mukha ko—pero nung nakita ko ang pictures nila Pokwang at Pinky Amador sa paparty ni Bongbong Marcos, Isa pala akong Mahiyain. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
He added: “Walang masama kung nagbago na ang kanilang paniniwala, or baka wala silang hapunan ng gabing iyon. Ang masama ay yung sakit ng salita, panlilibak at panghuhusga nila sa kapwa nung panahon ng kampanya, hindi na mababawi iyon.”
In a media interview, Amador clarified her reasons for attending the event.
“Unang-una, isa ‘yung paggalang sa mga artista ng pinilakang-tabing at ng telebisyon. So I went there to honor my industry.”
She also cited a personal reason, mentioning her aunt Zenaida “Tita Bibot” Amador, a cultural mentor to the Marcos siblings and one of the founders of Repertory Philippines Foundation.
As for her familiarity with the Marcos family, she explained: “Kilala ko po sila. Dahil noong naka-exile po ang mga Marcos, madalas po silang pumunta sa London. Mahilig silang manood ng plays.
“Para sa akin, parang kumbaga, parang kinakamayan ka, sasampalin mo ba? O, kakamayan mo lang? Just because kinamayan mo doesn’t mean I’m giving up my political beliefs. Kasi dapat maging mature na tayo. ‘di ba?”
Amador emphasized that attending the event does not mean abandoning her principles.
“Hindi porke nag-attend ka ng isang party, kinalimutan ko na yung pagkaka-Pinky ko, hindi ganu’n, maging mature tayo. You can do both.
“Puwede mo pa ring ipaglaban at puwede ka pa ring magbigay-galang sa industriya mo, magbigay respeto, wala tayong magagawa, siya talaga ang Presidente, eh. Wala tayong magagawa ‘di ba?”
She also noted that other celebrities who did not support the UniTeam during the elections were present at the gathering, including Maris Racal, Bela Padilla, Boots Anson Roa, Edu Manzano, Nikki Valdez, Cherry Pie Picache, and Pokwang.
Despite the controversy, Amador continues with her professional commitments. She is set to return as a kontrabida in the GMA Network series ‘Apoy Sa Dugo’, starring Derrick Monasterio, Elle Villanueva, and Ashley Ortega, premiering March 2.
