by: Edjun Mariposque
****
The recent FAMAS Awards night, typically a glittering celebration of Philippine cinema, was marred by a significant oversight involving veteran actress Eva Darren, drawing sharp criticism from her son and disappointment from fans.
Eva Darren, an iconic figure with over five decades of experience in the entertainment industry, was excited to attend the prestigious event. She was slated to present an award alongside veteran actor Tirso Cruz III, marking her return to the FAMAS stage for the first time since she won Best Supporting Actress in 1969 for her role in “Ang Pulubi.”
Darren went to great lengths to prepare for the evening, purchasing a new dress, shoes, and arranging for professional hair and makeup. Accompanied by three of her proud grandchildren, she attended the event at the Manila Hotel, braving inclement weather due to a Signal No. 1 Typhoon warning. The cost of the evening was significant, with dinner plates priced at P5,000 ($90) each, totaling P20,000 ($360) for the group.
However, during the event, Darren was inexplicably left out of the presentation. When the time came for her to take the stage, only Tirso Cruz III appeared, accompanied by a young singer. Darren, who had meticulously memorized and rehearsed her script, was not called upon.
The PR officer of FAMAS, who had been in constant communication with Darren leading up to the event, could offer no satisfactory explanation for the last-minute change, only profuse apologies. Organizers of FAMAS stated that having a last-minute replacement for Eva Darren was “not intentional and purely a misjudgment.” Hindi daw makita kung nasaan si Eva Darren kaya kinailangang gawan ng paraang mapalitan agad (They said they couldn’t locate Eva Darren, so they had to quickly arrange a replacement).
Feeling disrespected and hurt, Darren decided to leave the venue. Her son expressed the family’s profound disappointment in a strongly worded statement, denouncing FAMAS for their treatment of his mother. He described the incident as “RUDE… DISRESPECTFUL… UNETHICAL… and UNPROFESSIONAL.” The family considered legal action but ultimately decided against it, choosing instead to leave the matter to divine justice.
The incident has sparked conversations about the respect and recognition given to veteran artists and the organizational competence of established institutions like FAMAS. Many fans and industry insiders have expressed their support for Darren, criticizing the oversight as a significant misstep by FAMAS.
Eva Darren’s last appearance on the FAMAS stage was a celebrated moment in 1969. This recent experience, however, has left a bitter note, overshadowing what should have been a joyous return to the spotlight.
#Edjun Mariposque
Changing Lives: Free Cleft Palate Services Offered by Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc.
As an organization that cares for the welfare of the people, we, Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc., are looking for people with cleft palate whom we will be helping with the help of our sponsored partners. This is a free service to offer for it is our heart that speaks from sharing our strong partnership with people and changing the way they live their lives – to what they deserve. This is not a business for personal gains, but more of reaching out and promoting a helping hand.
Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc.
Location: Purok Uno, Brgy. Lumil, Silang, Cavite.
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