Letter from a Reader: Divine Transformation

Images courtesy of Fashion PULIS reader

Dear Fashion PULIS,

Hi Fashion Pulis! I am an avid reader of your blog. I have been a Preview Magazine collector since 2003 and I was a witness to Divine Lee's physical transformations through the years. I have seen her featured on Preview Magazine's society pages many times and I know that she used to be very plain looking.

Now she is so pretty and I am in awe with her transformation. Attached are all the pictures I gathered from my past issues of Preview magazine :) I tried to arrange it chronologically, the very first photo I think was 2005, then onwards to the present. 

Thank you Fashion PULIS! More power! 

LT

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Letter from a Reader: The Great Pretender

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Dear FP,

Allow me to share some of the thoughts and observations I have observed and have listened to over the past months concerning a “well-loved” but “most-hated” personality. Let me just call him the Great Pretender (GP).

At first, my friends and I enjoyed GP's company, but we finally saw how awful he is behind the camera. I do not mean to malign him, I only want to expose the truth, and for the readers to not believe too much in the generous and self-righteous image that he projects for himself.

GP has no family, but he does not want to sleep alone as he fears demons concocted in his mind. He is scared of ghosts, killers, etc. He has a “girlfriend” (GF), but GP is non-committal. Despite his wealth, GP has not really shared it with his true family. The mothers of his children are wary of him, and would not dare give their children to him. For everything it's worth,  his money cannot buy his kids and the companionship he longs for.

One of his children (HC) asked him for a bit of help as HC is self-supporting her studies abroad. Instead of helping, GP advised her to borrow money from other people. GP thinks HC is too luxurious, which is true, but as the father with so much, should he not share a bit? The rift between GP and HC is deep. GP wants HC to work for him, but HC is bent on pursuing her own career.

GP threw a fit when he found out one of his loyal cast members (CM) is joining the campaign of some candidates. He was so mad that he fired her right away, along with the other dancers. GP did not even realize that the dancers just wanted to earn something extra for their families.

The GF of GP is a simple college student. She’s very private, and GP can be very jealous. Although GF is liked by everyone, she makes it a point to stay away from the close friends of GP. These close friends are quite materialistic and do not have decent work. They are not that rich, but not poor, as well. When they are together, GF is like a different person. She could not speak as she is always put down by GP.

When GP gives her money, he makes sure that he gives her instructions to purchase several items for himself as well. Thus, whatever money he gives is not really for her, as only a small amount is left. GF never asks money from GP as she waits for him to give her voluntarily.

Sometime ago, there was another former dancer (AF) in his show who just disappeared, and no one knew why she left. Apparently, AF could no longer stand how GP was treating her. When GF was not available, GP would turn his desires on AF. GP makes sure that AF and CM should always be with him on some trips. Everyone knows for sure where those companionship leads to.

More power FP!

Concerned Observer

“Be careful not to mistake insecurity and inadequacy for humility! Humility has nothing to do with the insecure and inadequate! Just like arrogance has nothing to do with greatness!”―  C. JoyBell C.

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Letter from a Reader: A Rough Awakening

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am not writing to ‘meddle’ or add fuel to the fire; I am writing to hopefully enlighten and reach out. I hope that people concerned take this letter as coming from a concerned part of the circle. Amidst the misunderstandings and misconceptions, this idealistic actress IA has been very grateful to her relatives RE who love and spoil her, everyone who’s close to them knows that, and IA has always been vocal about it. 

Now let's discuss some points. 

Going back to RE's words, IA has been a good and obedient; but unbeknownst to many, she is like a dog that follows almost everything. Being a person in authority, practically, RE's decisions are final. Yes, IA thinks and analyses things; but the decision is left to RE.

.

It has to go both ways, but IA just lets RE do what it wants. Sorry to disclose it, but when it comes to money, RE tends to become acquisitive. Everyone close to IA, even her team (PA, driver, yaya), knows how much RE controlled over IA’s finances. 

IA who has earned a lot through her numerous projects through the years is just provided a small allowance daily, which to think of it is the same amount a student receives. There were times that she had to borrow the gas allowance that’s given to the driver just to buy herself a cup of coffee. 

She’d go to regional tours without enough money because all her finances are with RE. As a matter of fact, IA has no idea how much she is earning. And with her stability in the business, she still doesn’t have her own house. Where are her investments? RE claims IA is dependent; but would it be that way had she been given access to her resources she has worked hard for, that can let her to live independently? 

From entertaining to possessive – that’s how RE becomes when it comes to IA's relationships. This is not the first time it happened, which is old news. As soon as RE sees that the guy is capable of saving IA, RE does everything to end it. I personally don’t care who she is with right now, but I think this doing needs to come to an end.

Yes it’s not that easy to let go. But RE will not be around forever, and IA will grow up and lead her own life. Being happy with somebody doesn’t mean that marriage is coming soon; if so, one’s good ties with RE will keep her around. I saw how IA’s exes came and went. She might have lost someone good for her as she listened and obeyed, but I guess she’s old enough to know now.

This time, many lines have been crossed; maybe because IA is a lot more determined and someone is helping her get out of the perceived hell she’s in. IA tried to call RE, assuring them that she was okay and their fears unfounded.

Condo security got harassed, there would always be instruction for them to check IA’s van every time she came home, and the guards cried to her because if they did not do it, they'd lose their jobs. Her driver was fearful, too, because he knows everything. 

One day, as IA's car was taken out to be washed, RE wanted to declare carnapped because it’s nowhere of her sight. IA driver got beaten up with a pipe for all the wrong reasons. IA rebelled and did not to go home, wearing the same clothes the next day. 

Despite it all, her driver who have been with her for years still wants to work for her to protect her. I don’t know why this cruelty should happen to him. After that incident, IA texted RE to stop all of this, pleading that she has endured all the years, to not include innocent people with their rift. 

IA has always said that the last thing she wanted to do is disrespect RE, but how can she fulfill that with how she and some people around her are being treated? She has kept mum throughout these years; she never said any negative thing to the public about RE because she loves and respects them.  

I know RE only wants the best for IA. But would taking things publicly accomplish this? I hope that RE tries to look back and appreciate all the goodness that IA had shown and done for you. Hope that you can fix this peacefully.  At the end of the day, it is your own blood that will matter. 

Sincerely, 

Concerned Insider

"If God can work through me, he can work through anyone." ~ Francis of Assisi 

Note: Letter is edited for brevity.

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Letter from a Reader: My Pricey and Disapointing Experience

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Dear Fashion PULIS, 

I've been a regular reader of your bi's and I would like to share my own. This is about my experience in a popular celebrity's PC publicized restaurant - her new business venture . 

PC's close relative CR is the one manning it and she also does the cooking and serving herself. CR has a handful of helpers, too, but it is really she who approaches tables and will keep asking customers and offering other food selections in the menu. 

As we arrived in the restaurant, we were given free tea. To be fair, it tasted real good, it's lemon grass with honey, and CR said it is a house-concoction. As we were thinking of drinks to order, CR offered us their organic drinks. When when we ordered fruit drinks, we were disappointed they didn't have any available. What they only had was pomegranate which was tasteless and very pricey at P330 per glass! Then I said to myself this is like paying for the "free" tea already, what do you think? Clever!

While we were eating, we were also getting disappointed at the same time as all the food that we ordered in the menu were not anything special at all, even bad tasting to be honest about it - feeling like it was cooked by someone who was clueless in the kitchen. 

Then CR also offered us a crab dish, a small one and with hardly anything in it, deep-fried and priced at P450.  Then the soup - hot and sour - good for one at P350 and really bland with just water and nothing more. 

The restaurant's only saving grace is their specialty -  the noodle dish - a generic dish most popular among Pinoys. 

The place is pretty enough, although small in size but cozy. RE said she is very hands-on, even does the marketing herself, a full-time job for her. She said she's hardly in showbiz gatherings anymore.

Then when we finished eating, my adult child wanted a photo with CR, but she declined. She said she's shy, and not a celebrity. She said it's only PC who can indulge in photo op, but PC was nowhere. Then she just vanished while we're still not done. Talk about PR and customer relations.

My family's not-so-good experience with the restaurant was something that happens to everyone. But what made it different and the one that left a mark was the demeanor of the person behind it. It was an experience getting to know the character, the closest one to PC - it really speaks volumes. I told my friend who wanted to try it to be smart and be guided.

But wait, here's the bomb -  the receipt given to us was just a small piece of paper! Yes, no Official Receipt for such a huge bill we paid?!  

Thank you, FP!  It felt bad, yet I wanted to lighten it up and share with your readers. Cheers!

Truly yours,

Connie

~ Personal and business ethics go hand in hand. ~

Note: Letter edited for brevity.

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Letter from a Reader: Fake Designer and Social Climber in One

Dear Fashion PULIS,

Hello, how are you? I am a huge fan of your blind items and I would like to share this fraud story with you.

Seems like posers, fakers, pretenders in the fashion industry are getting to be more and more fearless and notorious by the day.

There is some graduate of an exclusive girl's school CG who is bold enough to call and label herself as a high-end fashion and bags designer. She also says that she does her work alternately between New York and Manila. CG misrepresents herself big time by claiming to have done internship in a world famous American fashion and lifestyle magazine. Likewise with other world-renowned fashion designers.

Apart from that, CG also claims to have studied fashion design at a famous design school in New York. Her social media accounts scream of photos of her alleged bags and fashion collection - all proven fake! Bold and shameless, those photos she claims as her creations were actually stolen from different websites! What's mind-boggling and laughable (to some) is that she only buys her stuff from online wholesellers which source them from China! Then she does some magic and goes around passing them off as her creations!

But her most preposterous claim is that the international designer Valentino got interested in her designs and bought them! Really? Where are the photos of that milestone then? Given her propensity for notorious self-promotion supported by (fake) photographs, why did she allow such a Valentino breakthrough to just pass unceremoniously? Go figure.

CG is so successful in her fabulous claims and making people believe her tales. In fact she was just recently featured in a national broadsheet with those stolen photos of bags and dresses given prominent exposure. Is she so good at Public Relations to have successfully sweet-talked or hoodwinked an unwitting, no nonsense columnist CV to write about her? This girl CG is really something else.

My heart goes to the people, the poor buyers of her overpriced bags. Oh those bags from China she claims to have made and designed from Manila and New York! How much and how long will CG profit from the miseries of her victims?

But fret not, there's still some good news. Looks like more and more people are taking notice of this fraud woman, even the broadsheet where she was given prominent exposure has gotten word of her scam and is now looking into it. Hopefully it won't be long before she gets exposed.

Thank you very much, FP for giving me space in your widely-read blog.

Sincerely yours,
Dotty

Note: Letter edited for brevity. 

Letter from a Reader: Mrs. Cynthia Villar Disrespected the Nursing Profession

Mrs. Cynthia Villar,

We, nurses, are so disappointed by what you have said about our profession. That we don't deserve quality education, that we don't need to finish BSN, that we are "room" nurses and that we don't need to be good at what we do?

Shame! You didn't just disrespect us and our profession but you also disrespected our parents who worked very hard just to put us through nursing school. It is so sad to know that even our own "kababayan" degraded our profession that is known to be noble. Reality check MRS. CYNTHIA VILLAR, please count all the unregistered and registered nurses in the Philippines and overseas. Do you think you will win the Senate race?

- Niko Salazar

Letter from a Reader: The LV Scam - Designer and Sister Team

Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am a fan of your site and I know that you have a huge and solid readership. I have a story that I want to share with your readers and I really hope you can publish this so that more people will be aware.

This is about an aspiring fashion designer named AS and his sister SA. Both are selling LV bags to many people claiming that they are genuine. Everyone seems to trust both siblings, and saying that their aunt, AR works in LV Milan seems to have strengthened their claim on the authenticity of their merchandise.

I have purchased quite a number of bags from them. But it was only recently that I did some research and inspection, and what I found out really shocked me. I can't believe that for the longest time, I had been buying fake LV's all along! I did further investigation and found out that their aunt, AR actually lives in a province, located southeast of Metro Manila. She had never worked for LV. She just lives here in the Philippines, had never left and worked in Milan at all.

I went to LV store in Greenbelt and checked the bags side by side with the authentic ones and the big discrepancies really screamed fake! The stitches, the cuts, the pattern, and a lot more. I really felt so bad for myself and all the people they have sold these items to as not being able to look beyond the obvious. My concern is that this designer, AS and his sister SA, have been selling these fake stuff for a long time already and has sold to so many people. You do the math and you will come to quite a staggering figure. It’s really all illegal business from day one.

I hope this brother and sister tandem will soon be found out, and this conspiracy to be made public and justice will be done. It is such a big scam, FP. It reminds me of the Birkin scandal that you have written about just last year.

Hope you can publish this, FP. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,
Cecil

"The only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

Note: Letter edited for brevity.

Letter from a Reader: The Rough Gesture of the Popular Actress

                                      Image courtesy of www.marketplace.secondlife.com

Dear Fashion PULIS,

Hi FP! I just recently discovered your blog and loved it to bits since. I check your blog every so often and it has been a routine already after work. Anyway, I was "reviewing" some of your old BI's when I chanced upon a BI about a celebrity who cancelled her visit to an ill patient just because news coverage wasn't available. I think I know who she is. And just then I remembered a personal encounter I had with this popular actress.

I live in a part of Quezon City where a lot of tv shows were shot at. Our place has this provincial feel that many producers choose it for their location shoot instead of going out of town that would entail higher production costs.

Until one day, news came around that this certain popular actress PA would be in our area to shoot her teleserye. it was PA's first time to be spotted in our place. It was around 1 or 2am already when I heard noises right outside our house. I was still up doing work in my room. My 3-year old daughter who is an avid fan of PA's teleserye refused to go to bed because she was hoping to see her. When PA finally arrived, my daughter kept on asking me if we could go out to see her.

I was still so busy then so I just opened the window so she could peek through it to get a glimpse of her. PA was at the sidewalk right in front of our window getting her makeup retouched while the crew got everything set up.

My daughter excitedly began calling her by her character's name. I was just watching from my desk. She called her several times. I didn't know if PA was acting deaf or not, but it looked like she pretended not to hear my daughter calling her.

I was going to shut the window because my daughter was starting to be really noisy and it was the wee hours already. That was when I saw PA's makeup artist pointed at us, probably informing PA that a kid (who is an avid fan) has been calling her name repeatedly.

I thought PA was going to give my daughter a consolatory wave, or a smile or nod, at least. I was shocked when PA glared at us and made a face! She stuck her tongue out to my then 3-year old kid with matching "beh-buti-nga" hand gesture.I was so mad and annoyed that I closed our window with a loud bang! My daughter cried because of what she did.

I find PA really beautiful but her attitude really sucks! And this is no made up story. This is my personal experience which I always remember whenever I see her "having fun with kids."

I don't know if this story is something worth-publishing. I just want to share this to you FP. I feel like you're a friend to me already that I could confide to. :) Thank you FP for the time! More power!

Your avid follower,
Mary Lou

"Everything you say and do to a child is absorbed, catalogued and remembered."

Note: Letter is edited for brevity

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Another Side of Her Story

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

Hi! I used to work in a medium-sized hospital in Manila, Sampaloc area in the 90's. I was assigned to the delivery room/nursery.

A woman Mrs. X gave birth there. Holding her prenatal history form, I interviewed her to fill up the information on the form. On the spouse's occupation entry, Mrs. X claimed the father of her baby was a driver. Her companion volunteered the information that Mrs. X was the mother of a certain star, CS. My co-workers and I were quite surprised. However, we did not take it seriously.

The baby was of average weight and pure Filipino features. Few days after Mrs X and baby were discharged from the hospital, the baby was admitted and confined again due to complications of pneumonia. We were shocked when we saw CS was there in the hospital. She was accompanied by a big foreign looking guy FG. FG approached one of the staff and requested her to change the baby's family name to CS' real and reel family name. When my colleague told me about this, I approached FG personally and told him that the nurse station is not the appropriate venue for this kind of request.

Just saying...because everytime I hear CS talk about how "classy" her mom is, I can't help but remember that hospital incident. No offense meant but the mother at the time did not look in any way near what CS projects her to be.

Thank you, Fashion PULIS for publishing this letter.

Sincerely,
Nurse Genny

Note: Letter is edited for brevity.

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Letter from a Reader: Ooops! ... He Did It Again!

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

Hi FP. I am an avid reader of your blog. I just want to share a story. We had the voices songs and rhythms during a festival 2012 held here in our province. I was part of the logistics team of the said event.

Our governor requested this perfomer PE to be one of the hosts of the event together with a beauty queen BQ. The call time was at 7pm, latest was 8pm. The event was star-studded with music industry veterans as judges, politicians and other stars. It was already 9pm but PE had not arrived yet because "traffic daw." The organizers had no choice but to start the program even without him.

We were very disappointed. PE didn't show any professionalism at all. The event was not his own show where he can afford to be late and be excused. Ours is a special gathering of people celebrating our festival. PE had no respect for people who trusted him enough to be part of this special occasion, most especially to our hardworking governor and the provincial staff who took great pains to make the event a big success. And also to our guests and performers, most of whom came all the way from Manila, too, and like PE had encountered traffic as well, but arrived way ahead of him. These were the people na pinaghintay nya.

BQ also had a hard time hosting because the script was written for both her and PE. People said that PE was complacent since he was close to our governor daw. But that is no excuse to abuse such closeness, if true. PE arrived around 9:30-10 pm already. Thanks, but really...no thanks!

Hope that next time he gets invited again, PE will be more professional and respectful of people.

Thank you, Fashion PULIS, for publishing my letter. More power to you!

Respectfully yours,
Gina

Note: Letter is edited for brevity

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Letter from a Reader: The Funnyman Isn't Funny

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am writing to you to express my disgust towards a celebrity funnyman, FM's unkind and very inconsiderate treatment of our old people who were his avid fans.

On the eve of FM’s concert in our province, my friend F, a vocalist in a band playing at a local bar and restaurant BR, sent me an SMS that there would be a “Meet and Greet with FM” at that restaurant. F's mom, mommy M, was coming to see in person this popular comedian and host, together with her senior citizen friend, mommy S. Both women went travelling a good 50+ kilometers to get to the venue. The old women dropped everything for that day, and readied their camera for their idol FM.

I was curious of FM, too, as everyone finds him hilarious and funny. I’ve watched him occasionally on tv, and yes, he is talented and witty. Nevertheless, I really didn’t care much until I personally witnessed what fame can do to people like him. It’s sad that many look up to him but based on our experience, I find him not worthy at all of the adulation.

Okay, so mommies M and S and I were at BR. It was my treat for the two dear women of mine since we haven’t seen each other in a long time. Fortunately, F's gig was also scheduled that night. The plan was for FM to jam with her band. So we had dinner at the restaurant, then patiently waited for FM. Finally, the “celebrity” arrived with his entourage and had dinner there as well. We then waited till they were done. Mommy S said it was past her bedtime as it was already 10 PM but she really wanted to stay to have her photo taken with FM. Mommy M seconded and she excitedly told us that she would show her photo with FM to her customers at the parlor.

But that wasn't so -- as these old, plain women who only had one simple wish, a photo with their idol, went home very sad and frustrated. FM’s Manila organizers said that they were not informed that there would be a picture-taking. But there were like really few customers, come on! What was 5 minutes of FM's time? He could have made a difference!

Where is your goodwill, FM? You could have called the shots and actually said yes on your own because after all, the people in our province were hospitable and very civilized to you. At BR, we were very polite enough not to have meddled with you until you have thoroughly finished your dinner, and everything. The restaurant owner even pleaded with you that you would have photos with ONLY 5 groups, nothing more - para lang di naman magtampo, especially the old people who came from far away places and needed to go home that night.

We are a loving and kind people and we showed it to you, FM. You knew and felt it because you even tweeted about it many times. Nobody mobbed you, or did anything nasty. But what did you do in return? You broke their hearts! They thought that you’re a good role model until you shamed yourself in our city. Beware, curses from the old are very powerful. I’m afraid of what will happen to you, FM. Maybe you’re on top now, but it’s no guarantee that you will remain on top forever.

Boycotting your tv shows and gigs from now on, gives us power to put you on your place. Good riddance, FM.

Thank you, Fashion PULIS for accommodating my letter.

Sincerely,
Raquel

Note: Letter is edited for brevity

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Letter from a Reader: Get and Go?

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

When a big and popular gym decided to open a branch in Binondo, I was happy as there is no modern and new gym in our area. Upon inquiring, they confidently said that the gym would be operational by Oct 15, 2012 and that their target soft opening was on September 2012. Given that they have three months time, I told myself that would be enough for them to do all the construction-related work and therefore decided to join them 1st of July and paid the corresponding fees.

Came October, I passed by this mall (where they have a booth) and followed up on the status of the opening of the gym. I was told that there were some delays but they promised that it should be operational by mid-November. Came November, I asked and followed up again, and was told by the manning staff that I can start going to the gym by last week of November. Excited, I decided to pass by the area to check on the construction progress and how the gym would look like. To my surprise, the whole area is still covered and construction work seemed to have just started. I spoke to the contractor and was told that their deadline is December 2012.

I went back to the booth and asked for their manager, and the staff explained that by last week of November, the group exercise area will be ready and will be part of their soft opening. I doubted it very much as the said area is still under construction for interior works, wiring and all. I spoke to someone from their head office and all they could do was apologize and offered excuses that there were some problems with licenses and turn over of tenant space.

Apparently, what this gym has been doing is to get more accounts as possible to sign up for them and give false hopes and endless promises as proven by the events unfolding. This is a complete fraud and I wish to warn people not to be fooled by their sales talk. By the way, a refund will take 60 days to process.

Thank you for publishing my letter, Fashion PULIS. This is for everybody's information and hoping everyone will be warned.

Sincerely yours,
Paulo

Letter from a Reader: To the Prejudiced Readers of Fashion PULIS

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am an online writer but honestly, I don't know where to start. I am quite surprised that I am sending you this letter because in all honesty, gossip has never been my kind of thrill. In my world, I have my fair share of criticisms from people---some I know and most I don't know at all. This is the reason why I strayed from reading gossip columns and stories. But one time, I stumbled upon your blog and I find myself engrossed.

I believe that you are the first Blogger who writes about gossips and do it in such a way that is not incriminating. You provide entertainment without sounding biased or prejudiced. At the end of your story, you leave it up to your readers to take a stand. The part I appreciate the most is that you never drop names, which is what journalism is supposed to be. Incredulous as it may seem to others, I do believe you uphold responsible journalism.

But FP, I am sending this letter because I want to share my opinion with my fellow FP readers who seem to have the prejudiced mindset so well. Every time you write a story, some of my fellow readers would often comment negatively and bash other readers (like me) who try to be as unbiased as possible.

Take for example the issue with Megastar. As I don't know the whole story, my instinct would be to dig deeper and look for details from my fellow readers' comments. What I've found are mostly negative comments on her "MAKING PATOL" to her fans which truly caught me off-guard.

I was saddened that most readers have this kind of mindset. I mean, how can we think negatively of her for replying to her bashers when apparently, she was insulted? How can we say she's lowly and has no class when she's only fighting her attackers? Pardon me, but don't we just sound like Adolf Hitler? Tayo---mga non-celebrities, non-showbiz, unknown audience, mga readers, MAY KARAPATAN TAYO NA PAGSALITAAN SIYA NG HINDI MABUTI PERO HINDI NIYA PWEDENG GAWIN SA ATIN YUN? We can talk ill about her, but she doesn't have a right to do so because she's a celebrity, an actress and the wife of a senator?

From the day we were born, weren't we taught by our parents to observe fairness and equality, that all humans are equal in the eyes of God? I am not a religious person but after reading all these comments, it makes me think that perhaps, we are trying to play God because for most of us who are readers of your blog, we tend to think that it's okay to speak our minds about the subject of your blind items but these subjects aren't allowed to react to what we have to say.

Hindi ba, mas una sa pagiging celebrity, artista, politician, ay ang pagiging TAO NILA KAGAYA NATIN? Like us, they are humans who have the right to speak their minds and fight back if needed. Honestly, this is not just about Megastar, my fellow readers may think binayaran niya ako para magsulat nito but I don't care. Noon, ang paniniwala ay mas may karapatan ang mga kalalakihan kesa sa kababaihan. Until now, we still live on that but this time, ang paniniwala natin ay mas may karapatan ang mga fans kesa sa mga celebrity or artista. Sandali lang, porke ba't sikat sila, pag-aari na natin sila? May karapatan ba tayong diktahan o pagbawalan sila na gawin ang gusto nila?

I just hope that we can have an unbiased point of view. After all, not everything we hear is right so it pays to know both sides of the story. So please, let's start listening. Yes, we may hear it but we may not have listened. Listening only comes with understanding so sana, maging unbiased tayo at bigyan sila ng karapatan na ikwento ang istorya nila.

I'm sorry for the long letter but if you took time to read this, thank you for hearing me. I just hope that in the end, you actually listened.

Yours truly,
Lei

Note: Letter edited for brevity and space

Letter from a Reader: Designer in Delusion

Image courtesy of www.progarchives.com

Dear Fashion PULIS,

Hello FP! I am a follower of your blog. Apart from the regular blind items, I am also glad that you have this avenue wherein readers can send in and air their gripes about various concerns. I am now writing to you about the malpractices of this particular designer.

In this day and age when the power of technology like the internet gives everyone access to all information imaginable, there are still people who have the guts to make false claims including professionals who represent and/or misrepresent themselves for the purpose of scheming and manipulating people.

Case in point is Questionable Designer QD. On google search and wikipedia, here are some of QD's claims:

"Filipino-American QD is New York-based designer and consultant for global organizations."

1) Filipino American? New York-based? When he only studied for a year in New York. When I attended one of his events, he gave me a business card. I called his New York office, everything was a FAKE, as in no such number. And that 'Designers ----- ' written on his card, I went to the website, found out he just created it -- for "praise release" that is.

"After years of entrepreneurial work in Fashion and Style, QD trained with the Language and Communications ----"

2) He did not train, he was a mere volunteer associate intern. He worked for, NOT trained.

"QD is currently an International Consultant for Branding and Design at the -----"

3) ---- does not need a consultant for branding and design. It gives out money and funds they don't need to promote themselves. We verified this and this position and post title is non-existent. This is not true. HE IS NOT AN INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT FOR BRANDING AND DESIGN.

"He also heads the Designers for ----- New York, a group of designers from around the world designing for worldwide organizations and development agencies."

4) Again, this is non-existent, just a product of his imagination.

All this while heading **, his design agency in Manila.

5) I checked this out with the BIR - Bureau of Internal Revenue and SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission - this is not a registered entity.

6) Try to inquire about a pair of shoes, he will not be able to show you anything because what he has posted on his website is just that -- samples. Some of them are just in 3d rendering only.

7) His caskets and urns are also non-existent. There maybe be less than four caskets ever made. He had some tv interviews inside a casket factory but he just used these sub-contractors for his own publicity. Not one funeral house ever got interested in his designs.

8) Presently since he is looking for money, he is selling the shoes that are left-overs from his previous "samples." That's why if you ask, he will say "walang size," then he will sell it for Php30,000. Gross!

9) Now he has a tv show on design. He is posting cheap AD DEALS on facebook for his show. OFWs can make "pa-bati" for as low as 40 USD! Lol

10) He initiated this top Filipino exhibit supposedly featuring Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, Charice Pempengco. Then all of a sudden, names like some nobodies surfaced. He included some nobodies so that they will be in his network, since some were also designers. At the event itself, only those nobodies showed up. Lea Salonga and company were clueless.

11) If he is so successful in his design career, why would he always post status on facebook looking for a free ride? "I need a ride from Makati to Katipunan 4pm-ish, anyone?" And does he have friends at all? "Going for a jogging in Ateneo, any companion available?"

On a tour ride somewhere north, he would borrow money to buy small "pasalubongs" but would never pay. Cheap!

Also, when he returned from New York, he said he would only stay here for six months, yet he never left Manila since.

FP, I am sending this as we were a victim of QD's unprofessionalism: a major project that got delayed and eventually scrapped due to his negligence and incompetence.

We hope that this will also help remind people not to be too naive and trusting towards other people they hardly know (something which I was guilty of). Do background check, internet is big help. If in doubt, don't do it. Thank you very much, FP for publishing my letter.

Sincerely,
Angie

Letter from a Reader: What You See Is Not Always What You Get

 Image courtesy of www.shutterstock.com

                                 

Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am a Kapamilya fan and also an avid reader of Fashion PULIS. I would like to share with you some sidelights/tidbits about the ASAP stars when they had the ASAP show here in Singapore recently.

The ASAP stars were all around SG for 2 days and since there are many Pinoys here including the OFW's, many fans easily recognized them. My friend and I were at Suntec when we saw Bamboo having coffee at Coffee Bean. Of course we were starstruck but too shy to approach. We followed him when he stood up and walked towards the Conrad Hotel. Then we were so surprised to see most of ASAP stars scattered at the hotel lobby. Since it is a hotel, we were really too shy to approach them to take pictures, so we just stood there and gawked.

Almost all of them were going in and out of the hotel lobby except for one, Piolo Pascual who was the only one sitting at a couch and smiling at us. It was such a friendly smile as if he was inviting us to approach him, but oh, we really didn't have that much guts to even go near him, what a loss! I don't know, but we felt awkward to be running after stars inside the hotel. My friend and I were probably the only fans there.

During the actual show itself, Piolo was "super bait," with such genuine kindness. Yes, we also saw several stars walking along the lobby and we said 'Hi' to them and they waved and said Hi back to us. However there were also a few who were quite a big disappointment, and kind of turned us off completely.

We saw a Teleserye hunk Actor TA getting off from the lift and walking with his head bowed all the time while holding a cap to cover his face. It was actually funny and OA of him to do that because there were just my friend and I whom you can call as Pinoy fans who were there at that time. As in there was no one who would haunt him for photos and ask for autograph. Thus, TA's fears to be hounded by unruly and screaming fans was clearly unfounded. Our impression was that TA was really a complete snub.

Another turn-off was a VJ/host VJH. She walked infront of us so my friend said, "Hi VJH!" Yes, she mentioned VJH's name. But we were so surprised by her reaction. VJH just glared at us, very coldly, "sabay irap!" We were shocked and it took a while before we recovered from that. Just goes to show that what we see in front of the camera is really different from what some of them show in public, especially with VJH. Until now, I still can't forget how stiff her face was. Oh well, maybe she wasn't in the mood, or just so wrong of us to expect a 'hi' from her or even a smile, just like the rest of the stars we met like Shaina, Kim, Maja, Piolo, Bamboo, Khalil, Daniel, Enchong etc.

By the way, most of our"kababayans" who went to see the ASAP show were quite disappointed with Very Popular teleserye Actor VPA as well. He was so cold with the fans, he was smiling but so uncomfortable or shy maybe? He wasn't charming like most of his colleagues, some fans branded him as "suplado." Could it be that he was still "living" his role in the soap that just ended?

Well, this just it, FP - I'm just venting out maybe, and at the same time showing big appreciation to some stars who know how to acknowledge their fans whether in or out of the Philippines.

Congrats to your blog, FP! God bless always!

An avid fan,
Mara

Note: Letter is edited for brevity

Please abide by the GUIDELINES in writing comments if you want them to be posted. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS

Letter from a Reader: Very Disappointed Guests

Image courtesy of www.memegenerator.net

Dear Fashion PULIS,

I want to share my disappointment about a popular comedian and performer (PC).

A few weeks ago, PC was invited to perform in my company's major annual event. We were all very excited and really looking forward to it because we knew we'd surely have a great time.

But the day turned out to be a major disappointment for all of us. The huge talent fee TF paid to PC was not  at all worth it. He stayed for like an hour only, and when he's supposed to have photo op with the selected employees as agreed, he decided not to continue anymore because he said he was already tired. And just like that, he left the venue. But according to some of my colleagues, he did not go straight to the hotel assigned to him to rest. We found out later that he just toured the city.

What we can't understand was why PC didn't deliver what was agreed upon. He's supposed to have a photo op with 6 groups, but only made it with the 3rd group then he went down the stage already. Perhaps he didn't like the crowd which was a bit conservative and not as responsive to his naughty jokes. We may not be as energetic or as "flirty" as the other audience he expected, but he should have been professional and true to his contract.

PC gave an impression to the management, the employees and to all our bosses that we made a mistake of hiring him. Had we known that he will only shortchange us, we wouldn't have gotten him and instead would hire other celebrities. Sometime ago, the company invited a female comedian, and she delivered as promised and did not let us down. Hiring PC was a big mistake.

If he thought that his TF from the company was loose change, then he could have also thought we did not want to throw big money on talents like himself. We may not be as big as other multinational firms, but PC sure did get a lot more than what he delivered. Money spent on him could have been allotted for raffle prizes, but the company and the employees sacrificed that aspect because we thought we could have more fun and enjoyment watching PC perform for us. And just to make sure of his presence  for the event, he was paid two weeks in advance.

Everyone was really sad for what happened and how everything turned out. But we have managed to move on from there and take everything as lessons learned. We hope that PC will never do to others what he did to us. He should bear in mind that all artists can not survive without the fans who patronize them.

By the way, this incident was published in the city's local newspaper.

Yours truly,

Anne from Mindanao

Letter from a Reader: Cosmo Bash 2012 Screw Up

Image courtesy of www.split.co.uk

Dear Fashion PULIS,

I guess everyone knows about the fiasco that happened at the Cosmo Bash 2012 on the night of Sept 18, 2012. At 9:15 to 9:30pm, even before the show started, the World Trade Center management did not allow people to enter the venue anymore even if they had tickets, regardless whether they were regular tickets or VIP tickets. The venue was already jam-packed with spectators, both Cosmo girls and beckys alike.

But I got to talk to some Summit Media employees who practically divulged that the fiasco was more than just about venue over-capacity (I can't believe Summit Media/Publishing hire people like them).

When I asked the person who's wearing a Cosmo Bash ID why they issued more tickets than the actual capacity of the venue, she couldn't answer me. I was told that she was not the right person to ask so she told me to look for anyone in "black" and pointed a group near the hall entrance. Written on the girl's ID was Summit Media's Trade Marketing Arm.

When I approached the group in black, I asked them if they were the right people to talk to regarding my concern. It was a guy from Summit Media Advertising this who asked my concern and I told him the same story, that it was a mistake on Summit's part to issue more tickets than the actual capacity of the venue. Safety-wise, it is a big no-no in events planning. Instead of apologizing for the mishap, he blamed the World Trade Center management for being strict. He was not even apologetic on behalf of Cosmo or Summit that they did not foresee such a problem. He was blaming the venue management for everything and not the Events group who over-issued tickets, that caused it all. The Advertising guy was defensive, but still, no apologies.

I asked the same guy if he knows that some of the people who were still outside, with tickets - were magazine subscribers, actual customers, who wanted to see the show. But he completely dismissed them and said that not everyone outside were subscribers. He arrogantly said that he DID NOT care who the people queuing outside were. When he couldn't answer me anymore, he told me that he was the wrong person to talk to since he was from Advertising and not from the Events team, even after 10 or more minutes of talking.

I gave up on my over-issuing of tickets concern, I understood that the WTC management was not letting people in for the audience's own good. But it was a red flag when the Advertising guy told me that he didn't care whether the people outside were subscribers or customers. Didn't he know that the subscribers are major lifelines of his employer? Worse, I found out from another Summit Media employee that even advertisers were locked out of the event.

I also learned that Cosmo issued 5000 tickets when the capacity of the WTC is only 3000pax. One intern from Trade Marketing informed me that some of the "VIPs" brought entourages who were not ticket holders or Summit Media employees, but were allowed to enter still - the very reason why many subscribers, advertisers and guests WITH TICKETS were not able to enter.

I was lucky enough to enter the bash, but despite so, I was concerned with how Summit Media and the Cosmo Team handled the dilemma. There was no room to move inside the hall and when I got out of the hall, I saw the crowd of people with tickets that were not able to go in, that is when I started to ask the people with IDs about the logistical nightmare they just created for their subscribers, advertisers and guests. I was so dismayed, I did not re-enter the bash anymore, I just went home, frustrated.

I'm writing this to you because I just think that Summit Media and the Cosmo Team did not align properly, creating havoc at the expense of their subscribers and advertisers who got the shorter end of the stick. I was able to attend the last two FHM Top 100 event and it was far different from what happened yesterday. I will not even start bashing people who were lucky enough to enter the hall, because some of them, were just too "chaka," I'm sorry for the term. (To illustrate, and do allow me to speak in Filipino, maraming mukhang parloristang may makapal na kolorete sa mukha, may beer belly pero naka plunging neckline at pekpek shorts parin at naka-bakya. Yung tipong mambabalya ng sino man para lang makalapit sa lalaki - yes, there's a difference between parlor and salon, I know you get my point here, haha), one would know they went there for the topless models, and not because they are avid Cosmo readers.

As a "Cosmo girl" myself, I just felt bad on how they destroyed their credibility to their subscribers and advertisers - their main stakeholders - by reacting the way they did that night and how everyone I approached washed their hands to avoid the blame.

Kudos though to the WTC security for being strict with their policies.

I'm sorry for the long narration, but the bash was that bad. I'm still so disappointed and affected until now. I left the bash at 10:30pm, wasted my time talking to the "right people."

Yours truly,

Sam Go

Letter from a Reader: Dear Karen Davila

Image courtesy of www.abs-cbn.com

Dear Karen Davila,

First, I would like to say that I don’t hate you nor do I have any grudge against you. In fact, you are one of the few journalists I admire. However, there is no other term for your series of tweets this afternoon but this : cyber bullying.

Please let us not crucify people by association. The sins of the father or any family member should remain theirs alone. Divine Lee IS NOT Delfin Lee. So many people are saying she should be imprisoned. For what? If we follow this thinking, then your colleague Pinky Webb should have shared jail time with her brother Hubert when he was in prison.

Now, if we base this on WORK ASSOCIATION, YOU work with Noli De Castro who I am sure had some part in this whole GA-Pag-ibig issue. Does that mean that De Castro’s participation now involves you? The Ultra tragedy of Wowowee… Should you also be responsible for the stampede? Because you worked for the same station as Willie Revillame then?

Everyone… Please think logically. Are you all much more knowledgable than the court who issued the warrant of arrest? If Divine had some accountability, she would have been included in the warrant. But guess what? She’s not included. That should answer your question.

In the article by ABSCBN news online, Divine was asked if she was affected. Naturally, she answered for herself and for her siblings. She was never asked about the GA victims. She only answered what was asked of her.

I have only met Ms. Lee once. We are not friends but your tweets have so affected me to the point that I am now writing a letter. So much has been said about her —- how she countered this whole scam by donating to flood victims when in fact she has been organizing relief efforts way before this whole issue.

I guess the point I just want to make is this: however grave the offense, no one else should take the blame but the offender. Not their children.

Yours truly,
Laureen Rodriguez

Letter from a Reader: Dear Sarah

Image courtesy of www.mhrrecords.com

Dear Sarah,

I watched your show Live here in CA few hours ago. It was very evident that you’re very over-protected and dependent on your parents even at 24 years old. It is very disturbing to watch how your Mom was acting like God knowing His will for you in all things. Gerald was the only brave, sincere, loving and mature man to pay respect to your parents and court you at home, perhaps not as often as your parents wished, but after him, I doubt it if there be another braver soul to face them for you.

The least your parents could say were some kind words of appreciation for his efforts and not judge him on television . Ge always had good words for you and your family during his interviews, it says much of his breeding. I admire you as a performer but I ended up admiring Ge more for his maturity and sincerity. I am a mother of a 19 y/o and raised her God-fearing and with values as well. But I let her learn her lessons on her own, even if I wanted to dictate to her what her decision should be at a particular moment. I trust and give her a chance, and so far, she’s not failed me.

More than half of your lifetime, you’ve already provided, obeyed and shown love to your family, when will you allow yourself to be loved. Being in love is such a wonderful and fulfilling experience in life, and you don’t know when it comes, you learn so much from it, and there’s no such thing as a perfect man that he won’t ever hurt you. For your discernment, I beg you to seek the advise and wisdom from other people like Ms Judy Ann, Sharon, Ms Angeli Valenciano or any other older mentor outside your family that have personally experienced love and lived a happy family life in show biz. You can even ask the guidance of a priest. Your parents are somehow seeing Ge as a competition for your love and attention, that's why they can’t let go. Ge even said in one of his interviews “to understand your Mom bec you’re their baby”.

You have accomplished and done a lot in your career at a very short 10 years. You’re such a great performer, actress, host, endorser and I admire you. But you being in that spotlight, has shown us that at 24, you’re not consistent with your actions and words, afraid to speak on your own convictions especially around your folks. You’re trying so hard to be that perfect image but first you have to be true to yourself, to your own feelings, and views in life ( and not bec your parents said so), then only you can be true to others, to your fans, to your friends, to the man you’ll love someday.

God gave us this beautiful life to enjoy, He also authored love itself and created our hearts to feel such wonderful emotions, without losing our souls. Your parents being so traditionalists wanting you to be courted at home only and not through texts seems out of touch with reality and with the times. Of course, Ge should court you in your house, but they must also allow you to go on dates still with some guidelines because it would be nice to go on a dinner or a movie or just stroll and get to know each other. Besides, this is your chance to experience new things in life that you’ve missed out on. It doesn’t mean you’re going to do the “wrong thing” which parents are afraid of, but with proper discussion about saving your purity/ chastity until marriage, it can be done.

Just look at Nikki Gil and Toni Gonzaga, their respective boyfriends know and respect their boundaries, and it’s admirable and achievable. Texting and calling on cellfone are the ways to communicate now, what are your parents thinking? As much as you’re wanting to to tell your parents that you’d be obedient and try to please them, the episode with them last nite showed how very strict and overprotective they are of you, and that was very evident and made a lot of us very sad for you . Like Ge said, time lost will never be found again, live life, do the things you want to do, say the things you want to say, ( I don’t think he implied be rebellious to your parents and do whatever you like), take risks, be not afraid, trust God and those you love. Enjoy life, there’s more to life than just lots of career, popularity, awards, good family image, ( there’s no such thing as a perfect family even if you're intact), You’ve given so much to your family, to your fans, to your bosses and management. It's time to give time to yourself and what matters most to you.

My heart aches for Ge, he’s matured and appreciates all that he’s learned from knowing you and he might not be the intellectual man that your parents wished for, but it’s very evident he is the more emotionally matured of the two of you. The spiritual aspect is something that the two of you together can grow into and it’ll even be more fruitful .

Sarah, I am in my late 40′s and I’ve never followed a love story like yours and Ge. It reminds me of Sharon Cuneta’s days with Gabby, Richard, and made us relive our hopeless romantic days in our college years when we're in love ourselves. I believe that your team up with Ge was the most genuine so far out of all of them, bec it blossomed after the movie was over. You didn’t really need each other’s help to promote something, and that you each on your own have names established already. That’s why it was very clear and sincere to all of us when Ge started courting you.

Forgive me Sarah for giving you my unsolicited views but I hope this gets to you. Other people will say very nice words to comfort you but you need to know that this is how we see it from the fans point of view , and my intention is for you to learn there are well meaning people out there that truly care for you, your growth as a young, confident, woman with conviction.

Sarah, you and Ge are in my prayers as well as your parents, and the many fans out there who are a bit disillusioned like me, may God’s holy will be done!

Sincerely,
Maria
CA, USA
July 30, 2012 at 10:17 am

Letter from a Reader: Wrong Credit

Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma, 2012 SONA 

Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma, 2011 SONA

Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am an aspiring fashion designer. I built my clientele over the years thru referrals without using and hiring any PR to do it for me. I am a one-woman show.

I have no paid advertisement to any form of media except some features in Bridal Magazines. Those were struggling years indeed, that paid off eventually in the end.

It is a great experience and pride to get noticed by celebrities and other high-profile personalities and  get me to make clothes for them.

One of them is my friend Assunta de Rossi - Ledesma who tasked me to create gowns for her for the  SONA 2011 and 2012.

Both gowns were featured in Stylebible.ph, and I was quite proud of that. Being new in the fashion industry, having my creation featured in that fashion magazine was certainly big an achievement.  However an "error" was committed as the dress was credited in favor of Mr. Rajo Laurel.

I hate to think that this is a common practice done by some known and pompous designer towards a fellow designer of my status.

I am sharing this with you so that other designers will be forewarned. This negligence that has not been rectified may cause me to lose opportunities.

Thank you very much, Fashion PULIS for taking the time to accommodate this letter in your blog.

Respectfully yours,

Sheryl Vicente