Alden Richards causing a commotion at Star Awards for TV
What went wrong with 29th PMPC Star Awards for TV?
Let me count the ways…
It was an evening that I could not forget since this is my first time to attend an awards night for showbiz specifically for television. The date is December 3, 2015 at the Kia Theater in Cubao.
Holding our invitations, we were asked to fall in a line for about 15 minutes just to get the actual tickets from a booth which was manned by one person only. Together with some friends in media, we quickly went in to the orchestra section but lo and behold ‘some’ people just barged their way in without being checked for their tickets.
Apparently, the staff manning the entrance to the orchestra section of Kia Theater were not attentive and lost control over the ‘unwanted crowd’ that took advantage of the situation. (or perhaps intentionally allowed these people in…hmm?)
So upon entering, the front row section is already full and we settled at the middle part along the aisle beside the red carpet where TV stars will come striding their way to their seats at the front.
The entire theater is undermanned with only a few usherettes who I could say are quite old to handle such task. In addition to the inefficient usherettes, there were a few security personnel wearing a yellow shirt that in my opinion lacked proper training or orientation when it comes to handling red carpet events such as this. I’ll give the details later about this.
The entire awards program comes in 3 parts- 1st set of precentors are Gelli de Belen and Boy Abunda, Maja Salvador and Enchong Dee for the 2nd part, and lastly for the 3rd and final portion will be presented by Toni Gonzaga and Christian Bautista.
Being an awards night that is not telecast live, some noticeable and minute blunders are observed. There are also good things to admire about this TV awards event. So let me start with the good stuff-
I admire these TV personalities of 29th PMPC Stars Awards for TV because: (in order of appearance, perhaps quite literally..haha basing on the way they look)
1) Gelli de Belen and Boy Abunda- these first set of hosts or precentors are dressed perfectly and come in prepared. They graciously hosted the first half with such professionalism and vigor. Kudos to these two!
2) Nińo and Alonzo Muhlach- father and son tandem came in early even before the awarding ceremony started. It goes to show that Onin (Nińo) has maintained his professionalism long before when he used to be a child wonder back in the 70’s. Now that his cute and talented son Alonzo is slowly following his footsteps to stardom, Nińo being a father, is setting a good example. Nińo said to a crowd near us that (just eavesdropping) that they have to come early and leave early since Alonzo has school the following morning.
3) Kim Atienza- also came in early and prepared for his moment on stage where he’ll receive his trophy
4) Exceptionally beautiful ladies on the red carpet are- Regine Tolentino, Sunshine Cruz (who tripped on her way up to the stage due to her looong gown), Ruffa Mae Quinto, Aiko Melendez and Sheryl Cruz. These ladies really took some time and effort to look gorgeous.
5) Cita Astals- former city councilor of Manila just sat quietly behind us. I never realized that she is a nominee for her morning talk show. Though she did not come all glam-up I felt her presence and it’s a good sign that she is very back in the limelight.
6) Korina Sanchez- We were so surprised seeing Korina seated at the far end of the theater where it is dark. She probably wants to keep things all subtle without so much attention. No- she is not wearing a gown but the beige jersey pants overall looks perfect on her except…
7) Baron Geisler- probably he is the earliest star on the theater. He is very gracious with people and would often give a warm smile.
8) Maja Salvador and Enchong Dee- they have a good chemistry on the stage as hosts for the second portion of the program. Except when Enchong…
9) Luis Manzano- all suit-up and looks dashing in tuxedo. He was very professional when he accepted his award.
10) German Moreno- the iconic star builder, actor, commentator and showbiz columnist looks good in his maroon sequenced suit. In spite of his frail body Kuya Germs remained very professional and endured staying long enough for the ceremony. But…
NOW- the ooops and tsk tsk tsk
1) I am totally disappointed with the lack of security personnel inside the theater. I’ve seen around 2 or 3 security staff and one security guard handling a crowd of “jejes” (jejemon- pardon the term I sued here but this is the only way that I could describe some rowdy and impolite people).
2) The orchestra section is intended for nominees, nominees’ guests, media people and some invited guests. BUT, most of the ‘other people’ among the crowd seated at the orchestra section are friends and relatives of the usherettes (PMPC peeps?). Some even wearing slippers, house clothes- in other words, as much as they are wearing inappropriate attire (not that I am saying people should come in tuxedos and gowns but at least dress decently) their mob-like attitude disrupted the program. (I’ll save this on the finale- hehe)
3) No one cares who’s coming up the stage! OMG, some stars are wearing long gown. And it’s a SOP in any ‘coming up the stage’ event that someone has to assist a person on her or his way the stairs to stage. Take the case of Sunshine Cruz who tripped not once but twice on her way up, you just can imagine the dismay look on her pretty face. She looks totally pissed-off until the end..tsk tsk
4) Same goes to funny but sexy actress Ruffa Mae Quinto who almost tripped but luckily the gentleman that he is- Enrique Gil accompanied her on her way up and down. Bravo to Enrique! BTW, this is the first tripping incident so far.
5) Sad, so sad about Kuya Germs that he has to endure a long time standing on stage with his two assistants on his side. It seemed forever for this Master Showman who musters the strength to stand-up for so long like more than 15 minutes without someone offering him an effing stool or chair while he waits for his turn. This is TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE knowing that German Moreno is an icon and also a legit member of the press- how could PMPC do this to him?
FYI- Kuya Germs is as old as the local movie industry, who suffered a stroke and has some impairments. He should not be left standing on the effing stage for so long!! How INCONSIDERATE- treating an elderly with disability like this..tsk tsk tsk! I could not help but imagine my grandmother standing like for so long that in front of many people under blinding stage lights…not good at all!
and FINALLY….
6) What about Alden Richards- YES! The other half of AlDub. How did PMPC handled the phenomenal presence of Alden? OMG to the x power! (SIGH- one deep sigh before I could even continue- let me take a sip of water first..ok?)
In the mean time, while the whole Alden Richards fiasco is just starting..Kuya Germs is still standing on stage..tsk tsk.
Alden Richards came in without Maine Mendoza but that is just fine with many AlDub fans because the truth is they both has astonishing magnetic powers.
Anyway, Alden came in with his handler and probably with another companion on the red carpet BUT people (referring to the ones who got in courtesy of the usherettes) cannot contain their excitement upon seeing him and instantly ran towards him while he is still marching his way to the front seat. It was pure chaos and almost a stampede that I and my companions were shoved on the sides and plummeted on the chairs.
A not so young and not so tall security guard (take note just one security guard) tried securing the situation but it’s kinda funny that this security guard is right behind Alden holding his “batuta” up in the air as if he is ready to make batuta to Alden haha..rather than staying in front which is quite too late for him to position himself.
Meanwhile, after a few effing minutes it is only when some security personnel and ushers came to help control the crowd which they themselves invited in. Haha. I am not sure if this is a case of pure poor coordination or what, since the ushers were able to assist some stars except for Alden. The phenomenal ALDEN- in big bold letters take note. Crowd just went gaga over him regardless of the fact that sweet-face Lisa Soberano and angelically handsome Enrique Gil are in the house.
Anyhow, to add salt to the injury- when Alden Richards reached his spot and was already seated in front row- the same mobster type crowd went ballistic and took advantage of the lack of security personnel and were able to take effing selfies with Alden. We even saw some girls almost or perhaps seated on Alden’s lap for a photo-op. Tsk tsk! And again, the staff of PMPC was incompetent and not able to properly handle the situation.
Good thing someone took charge and I don’t know who this person is but during the Alden Richards’ mobbing which lasted for about 10 minutes or so this person finally step into the picture grab Alden towards the stage and off they went to the back door. AND- someone has to do the same with Lisa and Enrique so off they went too (to make it fair?)..haha. Why the hurry?
FYI-these two ‘patweetums’ pair of ABS-CBN came at the back door and were spared from walking the red carpet, such an extra special VIP treatment. (shrug shrug shrug). But with Alden Richards it seemed so different that the PMPC folks just ignored the fact that the ‘pambansang dimples” is one big force to recon with in terms of epic popularity.
Although I may find this PMPC Star Awards for TV experience somewhat funny, but seriously speaking I just hope that the peeps pf PMPC will learn from their mishaps. Organize, coordinate and designate- very simple steps in making the awards night run smoothly. And please next time choose the crowd who will seat among the stars at the orchestra section PLEAZZZZEEEEE!
P.S.: the exceptions (BONUS round)
– almost forgot about it! Except when Korina Sanchez looks so frustrated at the back, combing her unkempt hair with her fingers while being underdressed. And she has been doing this the entire time. Could it be some kinda of mannerism?
– I almost developed an admiration for Enchong Dee except when he commented over the microphone this phrase or something to this effect “tapos na ba ang riot diyan? baka pwde na akong magsalita?” He was saying this while Alden Richards is being mob at the front row.
While writing this, I am munching on Chicharon Bulaklak with suka to at least balance the bad PMPC experience with something good…tsk, tsk!
Anything else you can add to this? Comments or violent reactions, anyone?
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Eight Deadly Sins 