Showbiz Roundup: Bea Alonzo vs ‘1521’ producers; Joey de Leon on self-censorship; Pura Luka Vega’s arrest

Making the entertainment headlines the past week was Bea Alonzo’s tiff with the producer of her upcoming period film “1521,” who asserted that the actress made some “disappointing claims” that were not part of their contract.

Joey de Leon, on the other hand, made an explosive statement against “jealous” critics, as he cited fellow comedian Michael V.’s sentiments about self-censorship.

Meanwhile, drag performer Pura Luka Vega’s arrest in Manila also made the headlines amid charges of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows”. They were provisionally released after posting bail of P72,000.

All these and more, as we look back at INQUIRER.net’s hottest showbiz news on the week of Sept. 29 to Oct. 5.

Bea Alonzo’s ‘demands’ during ‘1521’ filming

The producer of upcoming film “1521” accused its lead actress Bea Alonzo of having unreasonable demands, as it insisted that they have fulfilled what was stated in their contract.

A representative of film producer Francis Ho refuted the claims of Alonzo when her camp alleged the actress appeared not inclined to promote her own film, citing “disappointing” experiences while filming.

In a statement to INQUIRER.net, Ho’s publicity representative said they paid for the actress and her team’s accommodations during filming. However, the actress brought with her additional staff “which is not in the signed contract,” therefore they did not shoulder the additional expense for accommodation.

The actress also allegedly didn’t show up during the fitting schedule for her film costume, then later “wanted to redesign the costume according to her style.”

“She refused to have [her costume] fixed by the production-design-contracted tailor. So she ended up paying for the repair herself since she refused the services of the production tailor,” the rep said.

The producer’s camp further refuted claims that the talents and dancers were not compensated, there were no transportation services for them, and their snacks and drinks were provided by the actress. As per Alonzo’s camp, there were instances when she offered to buy food for the talents but she wasn’t the only one providing those.

“All talents were paid. We have payroll receipts from all talents,” the rep stressed. “Dancers volunteered their services [free talents] because they believed in the mission of ‘1521.’ They offered their services for free. There was no promise of compensation or picture taking with Bea.”

READ: How Bea Alonzo, Dominic Roque’s romance came to be

The rep also responded to several other claims by Alonzo’s staff and clarified that the producer had rented and bought filming equipment himself, the air-conditioned tent at the filming was delayed only for the first three days of shooting, film director Michael Barder suffered an injury because of an accident during break time and not during the filming, and real bolos were only used for still photos and not during fight scenes.

They also noted that Alonzo’s “1521” co-star, Hollywood actor Danny Trejo, had no complaints regarding the film production and has remained “good friends” with producer Ho.

Joey de Leon on self-censorship among comedians

Days after the management of noontime show “EAT” apologized for Joey de Leon’s “lubid” joke, the veteran host clapped back at his critics who he labeled “inggitero’t inggitera,” while citing Michael V.’s statement about comedians’ responsibility to practice “self-censorship.”

Michael V previously stated that it’s the comedian’s responsibility to observe “self-censorship,” as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) seemed to be watching comedians more closely.

The “EAT” host appeared to stand by Michael V, as he spoke on X (formerly Twitter) last Oct. 1 about certain people who were allegedly “jealous” of him.

“Ayon kay @michaelbitoygma, isinatula ng @AngPoetNyo — Mahirap na ngayong magpatawa. Marami na ngayong namumuna. Tingin nila mas magaling sila, sila ang dapat narito pala,” he wrote. “Eh ano ang tawag sa kanila? Kung sa lugar mo’y ang tagal mo na? Mas kwela sila palagay nila. Ayunnn… inggitero’t inggitera!”

De Leon then shared a screenshot of his poem in a separate post, however, he didn’t address them to anyone in particular.

During a Senate finance subcommittee hearing, MTRCB chairperson Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio said the management of the TV5 noontime show had already issued an apology to the regulatory board, amid issues of conflict of interest.

Bunny Paras elated over daughter’s engagement

Bunny Paras announced on Instagram last Sept. 28 that her daughter Moira, her daughter with disability, is set to tie the knot with her boyfriend Nicholas Asbury soon. Asbury popped the question at Asbury Park in New Jersey.

“Congratulations Moira Greenway and Nicholas Asbury,” Bunny said. “I’m so happy I can’t ask for anything more. You are both an inspiration and to Nick, thank you for loving my Moira unconditionally.”

“I can’t wait to see you both again soon,” she added, who appears to be currently away from her daughter.

Fellow celebrities congratulated the couple for their engagement, with singer Jamie Rivera admiring their “true love.”

Moira is Bunny’s daughter with radio personality Mo Twister. Moira is suffering from Friedreich ataxia, an “inherited condition that affects the nervous system and causes movement problems,” according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, which affected her ability to walk.

Rudy Fernandez’s promise

Lorna Tolentino disclosed during an interview with Korina Sanchez last Sept. 24 that her husband, the late action star Rudy Fernandez, had made a promise to himself when she was just seven years old to someday marry her — a promise that he eventually fulfilled.

Tolentino shared what Fernandez told her as his promise to himself even when she was still young then, that he would marry her when she finally grows up. Tolentino is 10 years younger than her husband, which means that the late action star was 17 when he saw her for the first time.

“Actually ang sinabi niya sa akin, tinupad daw niya ‘yung pangako niya noong pinakasalan niya ako… ‘yung pangakong pakakasalan niya nga ako noong makita niya ako noong seven years old ako. Palakihin daw nang mabuti ‘yung batang ‘yan at pakakasalan ko siya,” she said.

Tolentino also said she didn’t have any experiences when it comes to relationships except with Fernandez. “Wala akong experience kundi si Daboy lang,” she said, referring to her husband using his showbiz moniker. “Mas okay para sa’kin [kasi parehas kami ng industriya]. Maraming tinuro sa’kin si Daboy na dala-dala ko hanggang ngayon.”

Tolentino and Fernandez tied the knot in a civil ceremony in 1983 before exchanging their vows in a lavish affair in 1992. They have two sons named Renz and Raphael. The late actor is also the father of the actor Mark Anthony Fernandez with Alma Moreno.

Fernandez died in June 2008 after battling peri-ampullary cancer.

Sarah G’s ‘unexpected medical condition’

Sarah Geronimo’s scheduled Pampanga concert with Bamboo on Oct. 1 was moved to a later date as the singer-actress is still recovering from an “unexpected medical condition.”

The concert postponement was announced by VIVA Live and G Productions on their Instagram pages last Sept. 28. However, further details on Geronimo’s condition were not immediately disclosed.

“We regret to inform the fans of Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo that the Pampanga leg of Sarah G x Bamboo tour originally scheduled for Oct. 1 at SMX Convention Center Clark is postponed and will be moved to Oct. 29 (Sunday) instead,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, our Popstar Royalty needs to rest due to an unexpected medical condition. Her health is now our top priority. We ask for everyone’s understanding and support for the fast recovery of Sarah Geronimo,” it added.

Geronimo also apologized to her fans who immediately sent their well-wishes to the singer.

“Hi guys. I’m so sorry we have to reschedule our Pampanga show due to medical reasons,” she said via her X page. “Thank you for your support and understanding, my dear Popsters.”

Pura Luka Vega’s arrest

“Drag Den Philippines” alum Pura Luka Vega was arrested last Oct. 4, months after their viral “Ama Namin” performance which drew flak from religious groups and lawmakers.

Pura Luka, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente and goes by the pronouns they/them, was arrested in Manila following charges of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.”

The drag performer was placed in custody at Manila Police Station 3 (Sta. Cruz). They were served the warrant of arrest issued by Acting Presiding Judge Czarina Encarnacion Samonte-Villanueva of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36, despite filing a motion to reopen the investigation on the case.

According to Manila Police, the arrest warrant stemmed from the criminal complaint filed by devotees of the Black Nazarene led by the Hijos del Nazareno based at the Quiapo Church, or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. The group described itself as a “brotherhood” established in 1939, with the primary duty and responsibility of “ensuring the safety of the Holy Image of the Black Nazarene before, during and after the procession.”

Pura was released last Oct. 7 after posting bail of P72,000. Their motion for bail was granted the day prior, but they remained in police custody as the court was already closed for the processing of their release.

A separate case is filed against the drag artist before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office by the Christian churches under the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) for their “Ama Namin” performance. The religious group cited a supposed violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Since their viral “Ama Namin” performance in July, Pura was tagged as persona non grata or unwelcome person in 17 areas in the Philippines, including the capital city of Manila, where the image of the Black Nazarene is kept and is celebrated during its feast day in January. EDV