'I didn't think it was racist'
Ever since she started, controversy has hounded Bela Padilla. In a teen model search she joined five years back, she accused the judging panel of bias and made headlines. She almost had a tiff with Marian Rivera when she appeared in a TV series with Rivera's boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes. She's now on the cover of the anniversary issue of last week FHM Philippines magazine, which was branded as racist and pulled off from newsstands. tabloid! caught up with Padilla to find out more about the controversy and her future plans.
Let's start with your cover for FHM, which was changed abruptly because of accusations of racism. What's your reaction?
I didn't think it was racist. It was a creative take on the essence of my interview which has me coming out of the shadows — so the girls made up in black were not really an allusion to a particular race or skin colour. We did not mean to offend anyone, but if we did offend any sensibilities, we apologise. The cover has been changed.
With this sexy pictorial, you've ditched your "sweet" image for a more mature one. What does this mean for your career?
I'm really ready to come out of my shadows. I want to be a star, and I'm going to do what it takes to be one. And I feel that this is the way. Not really becoming sexy, but being more mature in the roles that I play.
But this also means giving up your chance to join Binibining Pilipinas to become a beauty queen?
I hope not. I believe the photos were done in good taste and they came out really nice. I don't think anyone should be offended — it's my story as a teenage girl coming out to become a lady. Let's see what happens if I join. I hope they won't disqualify me.
But you are aware that there have been candidates who were disqualified in the past for appearing sexy in magazines.
Yes, but I am going to take my chances. I've thought this through, and if it's not Binibining Pilipinas, there are other beauty pageants of note that I can join. I'm sure they are going to take it on a case-by-case basis, it depends on the quality of the photos and the story, among other things.
It's been a busy year so far for you. You've been appearing on one soap after another. What's up with your career?
I'm really happy with the way things are happening in my career. I'm on my way there, I can say.
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On a roll
Young star Jennylyn Mercado has signed a three-film deal with Regal Films. Mercado, best known as a singer, made a mark as an actress in Blue Moon, Say that You Love Me and So Happy Together. She was last seen in Rosario, which won her much critical praise for her performance. Mercado also added TV hosting to her repertoire, and she's doing well — from just being a guest co-host, she's now a regular anchor in Showbiz Central and singing-competition show Protege.
Family Affair
Gary Valenciano is all set for a comeback concert at the Dubai Aviation Club on Friday where he will be performing some of his most popular hits. This year's added attraction will be his two sons — Gab and Paolo — who will join him on stage for a few electrifying dance numbers. Well loved by the Filipino community in the UAE, Valenciano is back by popular demand. For tickets, call 050-6467083.
Climbing his way to the top
Polo Ravales is bent on becoming one of the top actors in the business. He has been under the radar for some time, playing supporting roles in TV series and movies. Even when he was launched as a teen star, he never reached the status of a matinee idol. Despite his career's slow grind, Ravales said he is intent on rising to the top. "Slowly but surely," said the actor who will be next seen in a lead role in new TV series Hiram na Puso, four months after appearing in Sinner or Saint.
Ticket to Hollywood
The Philippines' Concert King, Martin Nievera, made no bones about his intent to join The X Factor in the US. The Filipino-American singer, who has been eyeing a career in the US, says this could be the ticket to his Hollywood dream. Although many consider Nievera to be past his prime, he is without a doubt an excellent singer. "There is no age limit to dreaming," he told tabloid!.
