NAG-react si Dr. Fernando de la Pena, anak ng veteran actress na si Eva Darren, sa paghingi ng paumanhin ng Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences’ (Famas) sa kanyang ina.
Sa Facebook post, nagpasalamat muna si Fernando sa publiko na nakisimpatya sa ina.
“Ms. Eva Darren has found some comfort in the midst of a loving family which includes you all. My mom is one tough cookie, she is a battle-tested survivor of life’s arena,” ani Fernando.
Dagdag niya, ginagalang ng kanilang pamilya ang Famas, na nagbigay ng Best Supporting Actress award sa ina para sa pelikulang “Ang Pulubi” noong 1969.
“This is why what happened to my mother, in the eyes of our family, was incomprehensible, unexpected, unimaginable,” giit ni Fernando. “I firmly believe that what hurt my mother the most is disappointing her apos who tagged along in the hopes of seeing grandma on stage.”
Sinabi niya na walang kinalaman ang veteran actor na si Tirso Cruz III at ang Famas PR Officer na si Renz Spangler “[who] were casualties of someone’s questionable backstage judgment.”
Napatawad na naman aniya ng kanilang pamilya.
“For the reasons I stated above and on behalf of my mother, Ms. Eva Darren, our family accepts the olive branch that Famas has extended and only hope that future events would prove to be contrasting,” sambit ni Fernando.
Gayunman, may huling mensahe siya sa bumubuo ng nasabing award-giving body.
“I understand that we are but a small voice in the back row of a rowdy crowd, but if I may humbly, personally, recommend two things for the 73rd FAMAS Awards Night: Please stick to the script… and maybe a nice pair of eyeglasses for all in charge.”
Matatandaan na pinalitan si Eva bilang presenter dahil hindi umano ito makita dahil sa dami ng tao.
“Apparently, hindi siya nahanap ng ushers,” ani Famas President Francia Conrad.
Humingi naman agad ng paumanhin ang Famas kay Eva at sa pamilya nito.
“We understand that an apology alone cannot undo the damage this might have caused Miss Darren but we are committed to make amends and rebuild her trust by a personal visit of the Famas Board to honor her stature, if she allows it,” ayon sa pamunuan.
