Jerald Napoles (left) and Valeen Montenegro
Actress Valeen Montenegro, who recently reacted to a negative post by a follower on Instagram, said she regretted having done it and wished she had just let it slide.
“Because of what I did, she also got attacked by other netizens. She didn’t deserve that, either,” the actress told reporters during an event for her latest movie, Dominic Lim’s rom-com “The Write Moment.”
“I hope I was able to send a clear message to bashers,” Valeen pointed out. “Be sensitive to what other people will feel about your comments, especially if you don’t know the person.
“The problem with them is that they’re so brave when they post things, but they become meek when they meet the subject of their comments.”
Valeen said she understood that online bashing has now become a downside of being a public figure. “A general principle for me is, ‘Huwag kang papatol.’ It’s just a waste of time. But I felt that she went too far and too personal by saying that … I merely looked like Heart’s alalay (assistant).”
Valeen was referring to Heart Evangelista, who plays her nemesis in the GMA 7 series, “My Korean Jagiya.”
“If it were other actors, I’m sure they would also feel affected,” she said. “I also apologized to her. I bet she got a lot of hate mails because I reposted her comment.”
She conceded that she should just have ignored it: “But I’m only human. I’m not perfect; I also get hurt.”
“The Write Moment” is an entry in the 2017 QCinema International Film Festival.
Valeen explained: “I can relate to my character. Once I decide to do one thing, I’ll push through with it.”