PIOLO-SAM-LOLIT GAY ISSUE, UM… AGAIN, WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

I’ve been reading lately, even from a popular local columnist, Rickly Lo, asking what’s the big fuzz over the Sam and Piolo intrigue, why were the latter reacting like the issue is a big deal, and further defending the poor and aggravated party on this story, Lolit Solis, who stands by what she wrote – that she saw the two whispering to each other (in Filipino, “nagbubulungan”).

Lolit Solis, on the other hand, said that it was not herself who placed malice on it but the editor of the paper who wrote the title for the story that contained the word “naglalampungan” (in English, it is showing affection toward each other, but it is really a strong word that when one sees it, there is already a sexual connotation that comes to mind). What a lame excuse! Or is she implying that if the two matinee idols would sue, the editor deserves that more than she does.

Yes, okay, so what’s the big fuss about this whole hullabaloo? It is because Lolit Solis is affiliated with a network that is the fiercest rival of the station where the two stars are involved. Of course, even if Lolit was full of lies, the pro-GMA would defend her to the utmost that they can, as would the pro-Kapamilya for the two artists caught in this controversy.

Why does everybody seem to be on a defensive mode? You know why, had it been someone from ABC 5 or NBN 4 who had made the statement, who would care? But this is Lolit Solis, who is well-known as a GMA artist. It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t have an inch of credibility, she is a Kapuso baby and that is all what counts.

Let us not act innocent as if the poor Lolit Solis is just saying what she believes is true, and asking people why they are responding and so, making a big deal out of this. This is a big deal. Throw the stones at your own network and let the network mend the issues. But once you throw it over the bakod, it becomes a war, especially since Lolit has targeted two of the most bankable stars of the other bakod.

Hmm, I wonder why? Is it because there is really no “sikat” over the station where she works, that even if she sow lies after lies after lies to any “star daw” on her network, no one would care to react?

But whatever, everybody’s benefiting from this, it seems. Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby, despite disputing Lolit’s claims, were also given the favor to promote their shows here and there. And, of course, I bet that Lolit Solis’ showbiz-oriented show and even her column from the tabloid where the issue was first printed were getting the viewers’ attention and readership that was the sole purpose why she has written about it in the first place.

This issue is really a network war more than anything else. I believe that what made this showbiz gossip “big” is to whom it originated from and not really what the issue is about.

MANNY PACQUIAO, THE BATTLES HE OUGHT NOT TO BE FIGHTING

Is patriotism now in the Philippines synonymous to boxing?

Sunday here in the Philippines, October 7, Manny Pacquiao is having his “most-awaited” rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera. Why the quotes, one may ask. Well, let’s just say that I (and I know that I’m not the only one) was not really excited about the fight and did not really wait for it (for having to do more sensible things or having to watch more interesting shows than this).

Manny Pacquiao is the Philippines’ pride. I could not understand a rule of boxing but when Manny started winning and bringing home the bacon, I was proud of him. And though I didn’t like the sports, I tuned in to his every match, almost crying if he seems to be almost losing the battle, awaiting eagerly, as most Filipinos do, if he’s going to make us proud again for the nth time. And also tuning it to all television stations on his return, wanting to see how warm his welcome would be.

But those were the days.

It didn’t help that Pacquiao had the nerve to run for public office on the last election. For me, it showed that his fame had really gotten into his head. At that time, he didn’t even care to listen even to his political allies who were advising him not to run until he’s prepared to do so. And I couldn’t help but flinch whenever he was being interviewed by the media people and he couldn’t even respond professionally to the simplest question that was thrown at him – what is your plan if you’ll win.

And so he lost the battle that no one expected him to win in the first place. He entered into yet another venture – showbiz. Seeing Pacquiao on his best form in a boxing arena is a delight, but put him TV, or worse, in a film, acting, is really a sight for sore eyes. And now, he is being bombarded with all types of intrigues, like linking him to sexy star Ara Mina, saying that he has bought her a house and a luxury car.

It is not helping that his feeling-beautiful wife, Jinkee, looks like a hurting wife every time she’s being interviewed on showbiz oriented local talk shows. She should just have backed off, unless she also plans to be a showbiz personality. Oh, please!

Let us turn the focus on boxing. Mr. Manny Pacquiao should just do everything he can to improve on this craft and maybe venture out into other sports if he feels that he ought to retire from boxing. Leave showbiz to those who can act and can express themselves in a way that many people would understand them. And leave politics to those who can rule and who have the ability to make people respect them.

Pick your fights, Mr. Pacquiao, and don’t dwell on the battles that you are not supposed to be fighting, in the first place.