Kate Valdez apologizes, explains ‘natatakot na ako’ statement while stranded in Davao
Image: Instagram/@valdezkate_
Teen star Kate Valdez issued an apology after she was criticized online for saying that she wants to go home because she’s getting scared, while she was stranded at Davao International Airport last Saturday, Aug. 18.
“I would like to extend my sincerest apology to those whom I’ve offended with my post yesterday,” wrote Valdez in a post she shared via Instagram yesterday, Aug. 20. “I am just a bit frightened that I could not reach Manila on time. I have several duties and personal commitments to fulfill. It is not aimed to put malice or maligned (sic) any reputation.” Said post appears to have been deleted, as of this writing.
Her apology came after she drew flak for one of her Instagram Stories which she deleted not long after. Tagging Davao International Airport alongside the photo of many stranded passengers, Valdez said, “Gusto ko ng umuwi natatakot na ako (I want to go home, I’m getting scared).”
Valdez was in Davao for a mall tour in celebration of the Kadayawan Festival. During the time Valdez posted her Instagram Stories, it can be noted that hundreds of local and international flights were canceled, while others were diverted to other airports, after Xiamen Air Flight MF8667 slid off the runway at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Aug. 16. Normal operations at NAIA resumed 36 hours later on Saturday.
Because Valdez was unable to explain her reasons for her statement when she posted her Instagram Stories, netizens thought her comment was aimed at Davao City. Some took to Twitter to express their sentiments, asking who Valdez was.
I just saw this from my fb's wall. Who's Kate Valdez anyway? pic.twitter.com/eF8rgRXagH
— Belle Jadraque (@BelleJadraque) August 19, 2018
the nerve of the girl name "KATE VALDEZ" who you po?
— 봄 bom (@beniozt) August 20, 2018
Kate Valdez? Who are you again? Get out of Davao we don't even want you there. Girl bye.
— Tango India (@raphaelortuoste) August 20, 2018
Others went as far as calling for Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to declare Valdez persona non grata.
Kate Valdez who? i checked her IG she deleted the post already. I wonder what the post was about. if nag-inarte lng cya i hope Mayor @indaysara would consider her a persona non grata. Don't ever comeback in Davao City. But f there was indeed a threat sa Dvo Airport, investigate.
— Winterfell (@AtimanaImongLyf) August 19, 2018
Stop shitting and never come back to Davao @ValdezKate_ ! @indaysara should declare her as persona non grata!#hilas #KateValdez
— Mia ❤ Bella (@QueenBee9257) August 20, 2018
One netizen, rafaelle enoc (@rafaelleenoc), asked Valdez if she thought Davao is the land of terrorism because of her post. He wrote, “Kate Valdez. Ano te? San ka natatakot? Paki-explain nga saming mga Davaoeños? Takot ka dahil nasa Davao International Airport ka? Anong akala mo sa lugar namin? Land of terrorism? P***ng ina ka girl!”
(Kate Valdez. What now? What are you afraid of? Please explain to us Davaoeños? Are you scared because you are at Davao International Airport? What do you think of our place? Land of terrorism? You’re a f****r, girl!)
Kate Valdez, who is one of the lead stars in the television series “Onanay”, is celebrating her 18th birthday today. JB
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