Veteran actress Eva Darren and his family have forgiven the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) after the organization publicly apologized for a mishap at their recent awards ceremony.
Eva, a 1996 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress awardee, was originally scheduled to present special citations alongside seasoned actor Tirso Cruz III during the awards night on Sunday, May 26, at the Manila Hotel. However, she did not appear on stage.
On Monday, May 27, Darren’s son, Fernando de la Pena, took to Facebook to express his disappointment calling FAMAS as “disrespectful”, “rude”, and “unprofessional”.
However, in response to the viral post, FAMAS explained the snafu as a result of the live broadcast and backstage chaos, claiming they couldn’t find Eva. Yet, Fernando countered that his mother was “seated front and center, near the stage”.
Despite the mix-up, Fernando, on behalf of his family, accepted FAMAS’ apology. He then expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support for his mother.
“Miss Eva Darren has found some comfort in the midst of a loving family which includes you all,” wrote Fernando.
He acknowledged the disappointment of the actress’ grandchildren, who were eager to see her onstage.
He also clarified that he believes neither actor Tirso nor FAMAS PR Officer Renz Spangler were responsible for the incident.
“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. We also know that Mr. Tirso Cruz III (Veteran actor loved by all, donor of many camping tents when I was a Boy Scout in grade school) and the PR Officer of FAMAS Mr. Renz Spangler (An incredible author and lover of classic cinema), have nothing to do with what happened and just the same, were casualties of someone’s questionable backstage judgment,” continued Fernando.
“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,” he added.
He jokingly closed his message with some advice for the next FAMAS ceremony: “stick to the script” and maybe invest in “eyeglasses for all in charge.”