Showbiz Roundup: Pia Wurtzbach at NYFW show; Enzo Almario vs Danny Tan

(From left) Pia Wurtzbach, Enzo Almario and Gerald Santos. Images: FILE PHOTOS

Pia Wurtzbach was accused of faking her attendance at a New York Fashion Week (NYFW) show, which she apparently denied.

According to Wurtzbach, she was invited but missed it due to traffic, leading her to make up for the New York and Spain-based brand by reposting their content.

On the other hand, former teen singer Enzo Almario came forward to reveal that he, too, allegedly suffered from sexual abuse at the hands of musical director Danny Tan when he was 12 years old.

While the mid-week of September is bursting with showbiz news, allow us to refresh your memory by recalling INQUIRER.net’s biggest entertainment headlines from Sept. 13 to 19.

Did Pia Wurtzbach fake her attendance at NYFW show?

Pia Wurtzbach at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Image: Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Pia Wurtzbach confirmed that she missed the Carolina Herrera show in NYFW due to traffic, in response to netizens accusing her of “faking” her attendance in it.

On Instagram, Wurtzbach added that she made up to the fashion brand’s team by reposting their content, which was the post that went viral.

She also shared behind-the-scenes photos of her NYFW experience, including invitations to other shows.

“Felt so bad to have missed the Carolina Herrera show by a few minutes. Decided to shoot the looks they sent and repost the curtain call to make it up to them. Expect more CH content coming through!” she wrote in part of her caption.

On Sept. 13, Wurtzbach posted a video from the runaway of the show after netizens pointed out that the video was already posted on Style Not Com’s Instagram three days prior, accusing her of “stealing” content.

After the post went viral, the “My Perfect You” actress then took down the video and reposted it, now crediting the fashion account.

Wurtzbach posted a separate video revealing the shows she attended aside from Carolina Herrera. She was captured sitting in her car outside the venue, saying to the camera, “We missed it.”

Danny Tan accused of rape by Enzo Almario

Enzo Almario and Gerald Santos, the alleged sexual abuse victims of Danny Tan. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Gerald Santos

Enzo Almario, one of the members of the now-defunct pre-teen musical group Sugarpop, spoke up on the alleged sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of musical director Danny Tan when he was just 12 years old.

Almario came forward through a YouTube video with Gerald Santos on Sept. 12, who earlier revealed Tan as his alleged sexual abuser.

Santos said the Sugarpop alum reached out to him and disclosed a similar experience with Tan.

“Sya po ay mas bata pa sa akin. Magkakasama kami noon sa GMA at siya po ay miyembro ng Sugarpop na mina-manage nitong si Danny Tan,” Santos said.

“Nung lumabas po ako, nagkaroon daw sa kanya ng sign si Lord, ng green light na siya ang lumantad na rin,” he continued. “Dahil hindi na rin po makayanan ng kanyang kunsensya na hayaan na lang ang mga nangyayaring ganito.”

Santos noted that Almario already gave testimony about the abuse that transpired in 2008.

Santos stated that the latter’s father also got in touch with him to reveal further victims of Tan.

Almario then shared Santos’ video on a Facebook Story, with the former saying he is no longer afraid to speak up about the alleged abuse. “It took me a while to finally take action on this issue, but now I am no longer afraid and I shouldn’t be the one living in fear. I was raped and deceived by the same person who also raped Kuya Gerald.”

In a succeeding post, Almario also addressed those reaching out to him and lamented how he is still “struggling to find the right words or feelings to respond.”

“To anyone else who was a victim of this person, speak up and free yourself. This wasn’t our fault; HE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF OUR INNOCENCE,” he said, referring to Tan. “I sincerely hope [to] get justice, not just for ourselves, but for the potential victims he may be targeting and everyone he already preyed on.”

‘Wil to Win’s’ new timeslot

Willie Revillame. Image: screengrab from Facebook/Wil To Win

Willie Revillame informed fans of the adjustment to the time slot of “Wil to Win,” saying the variety show will now air at 5 p.m. instead of 4:30 p.m. after the removal of its 30-minute segment.

“Starting on Monday (Sept. 16) po, alas singko na po tayo magsisimula. Five o’clock para kasama nyo na kaagad ako,” Revillame said during the show’s Sept. 13 episode.

“Wala na tayong magiging ‘Sakorera,’ 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. ‘yon. Kasi ang gusto nyo ata ay lumabas na agad ako nang alas singko—sama-sama na kaagad tayo,” he added.

“Sakorera” is the segment that begins the show, although it does not include Revillame and is only hosted by his co-hosts Cindy Miranda, Ana Ramsey and Roberta Tamondong, among others.

Revillame did not immediately expound on the show adjustments, but he teased upcoming surprises for their viewers.

Is this Kris Aquino’s rumored BF?

Kris Aquino (left) on board a plane back to the Philippines with one of her 11 companions | Instagram/@mercicaniagonzales via @KrisAquinoWORLD/X

As mysterious as Kris Aquino‘s autoimmune diseases are, the identity of her rumored doctor-boyfriend is just as intriguing to her fans and followers.

The guessing game went wild when the actress-host came back to the Philippines recently with a mystery man beside her on the plane.

In her latest Instagram post, Aquino made a special mention of a certain Dr. MP who she said she would like to thank for helping her in her journey with several autoimmune diseases.

Speculations were rife that the Dr. MP she was referring to was a general surgeon named Dr. Michael Padlan, who is connected to two of the biggest hospitals in the country.

Padlan’s Instagram account is currently set to private, but a quick look at their followers showed that he and Aquino are following each other on the platform as of writing.

Ogie Diaz, who had interviewed Aquino in California a few months back, previously shared on his new vlog that his friend and kumare went home to the Philippines with 11 companions, including her youngest son Bimby and her rumored doctor boyfriend.

Diaz likewise showed a photo posted by one of the actress’ companions inside the plane, wherein Aquino was captured sitting next to a man, who appeared to have a striking resemblance to Padlan.

“Ang chika nga ay kasama rin ang doktor na boyfriend nya. Sino kaya doon, ha? Hula-hula lang kayo!” the showbiz insider said.

According to some reports, Padlan is the same age as Aquino, 53, a native of Pangasinan, and also has two kids from his previous relationship.

A son of a doctor, Padlan is said to specialize in trauma surgery.

Liza Soberano decided to leave Careless — James Reid

(From left) James Reid and Liza Soberano. Image: Instagram/@lizasoberano

Careless Music CEO James Reid confirmed that Liza Soberano herself decided to leave the agency, citing that it was due to the actress deciding on a differing career track with its management.

Reid addressed Soberano’s departure from the label in an ABS-CBN News’ interview, saying all Careless artists have a termination for convenience clause in their contracts.

“Decision niya… We decided to make a statement [about her departure] because there were a lot of rumors na hindi na siya Careless. So we decided to release the statement just to confirm it so there wouldn’t be any confusion,” he said.

The actress’ departure was confirmed on Sept. 17.

Reid pointed out that Soberano leaving the agency was due to the actress and agency having different “career paths.”

He also pointed out that Careless is more focused on its activities in the Philippines, while the “Forevermore” star is eyeing a career in Hollywood.

“We’re really focused here in the Philippines… Well, I did help her a lot with the initial meetings with her co-management in the US, even with that first film (Lisa Frankenstein). I introduced the director, but everything after that was really her,” he said.

Despite Soberano’s departure, Reid vouched for the actress’ “proactive” nature as an artist, noting how firm she is in what she wanted to accomplish in her career. “Liza has been very proactive with her career ever since she joined Careless. She has a very clear idea of where she wants to go with her career and everything.”

“Towards the end, basically, mina-manage niya ang sarili niya,” he continued. “And you know, now that she’s in the US, it makes sense that Careless is no longer in the picture, which I’m okay with.”

When asked if Reid is aware of Soberano’s career plans post-Careless, he shared that the actress is managing herself with the help of US-based entertainment agency Transparent Arts.

James Reid on Jeffrey Oh: ‘He’s a fraud’

(From left) James Reid and Jeffrey Oh. Images: Screengrab from YouTube/Ogie Diaz, Facebook/Jeffrey Oh

James Reid broke his silence on Jeffrey Oh—ex-CEO of Careless and his former business partner—revealing that Jeffrey owed him more than P100 million and had several liabilities from other companies that haven’t been settled, as of this writing.

More than a year after Oh’s detention and release from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Reid addressed the Korean-American businessman’s termination from Careless in an interview with Ogie Diaz on Sept. 17.

He was accompanied by his legal counsel, Atty. Rodel de Guzman, during the interview.

Oh was terminated from Careless on July 2, 2024, and his connections with Careless Holdings Ltd, Careless Music Manila, Inc., Careless Productions OPC, Island City Music PH OPC, and Premiere Private Label Inc. were cut off as well, per Reid.

Reid shared that he sought the help of de Guzman when Oh was detained at the BI in August 2023 due to a lack of work permits and other related paperwork.

It was also revealed that the Korean-American businessman would get into several transactions with several companies using Reid’s name, which eventually led him to owe him money.

“I had no idea a lot of this was happening. It was actually happening for months and had kept me separate from the rest of my team, kept me in the dark about all of these business dealings, telling me, ‘Oh nothing’s happening, I’ll let you know.’ It wasn’t until I came forth and finally met with [Atty. Rodel de Guzman] and explained to him all of the business dealings I had with him and all the relationships I had with Jeff,” recalled Reid.

“And how much money he owed me, the contracts that he never gave me, and finally when all of that came out, his official recommendation to terminate him and give him a chance to sign those contracts and make those deals right, wala. He left. He tricked me. I’ve been working with him for a very long time and it turns out he wasn’t the person he said he was,” he further explained.

De Guzman shared that he, Reid and Oh discussed his termination in the process, which included the planned audit of Careless.

It was also discussed that Oh was required to submit financial- and business-related reports that would show his previous transactions under the label’s name.

“Ang nangyari, nag-postpone na lang siya nang nag-postpone until mabalitaan namin na lumipad na siya papuntang [Los Angeles]. Hindi na kami binalikan. Nagpasabi sa kaibigan nya na ayaw na nyang makipag-usap sa’min. Ang ginawa namin, pinadala namin siya ng mga sulat kasi marami siyang naging accountabilities sa ’Pinas. Hanggang ngayon, wala pa kaming sagot,” de Guzman added.

The singer-actor also chimed in, saying, “More than a hundred million is (owed) to me personally, and there’s more for the company [and] other companies.”

De Guzman stated that his auditing in the company is not yet finished, as of press time. And they are still unearthing more of Oh’s questionable business practices.

“At the end of the day, his true colors showed, and he’s a fraud. I’m very happy that he’s gone now. Our entire team, staff, and everyone is a lot happier that he’s out of the picture and things are starting to make sense,” Reid added.

Michelle Dee on her ‘Voice For Change’ award

Michelle Dee. Image: Doc Marlon via Instagram/@michelledee

Almost a year after winning Voice for Change at Miss Universe 2023, Michelle Dee revealed on her Instagram Broadcast channel on Sept. 16, that she hadn’t received the plum until now while noting it as the “most personal award” in her pageant stint.

“The Voice For Change Award was undoubtedly one of the most important and THE MOST personal award to encompass my journey. As you all know—my brothers and those on the autism spectrum have been a lifeline of purpose and passion for the things that I do—even before my 7-year pageant journey started,” Dee said.

Dee reiterated her dedication to pushing for autism awareness.

The actress-beauty queen admitted that she’s “still waiting” to receive her award. She then pointed out that her win came with the “Bayanihan spirit.”

“But of course, winning would not have been possible without the #bayanihan spirit, which didn’t come cheap. At present, I’m still waiting for the release of the VFC award and I’m hoping that they do before the next set of winners,” she said. “Definitely excited to learn more about the advocacies the delegates are championing for though. All love.”

Dee is one of the Gold winners of the global tilt’s Voices for Change awards, which turned the spotlight on her advocacy for autism awareness.

Angola’s Ana Coimbra and Puerto Rico’s Karla Guilfu also earned the Gold titles.

Delay in Michelle Dee’s Voice for Change prize caused by MUPH

Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@michelledee

Hours after Michelle Dee revealed that she had not received her “Voice for Change” award, the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Organization confirmed that the delay in her plum was due to the communication process in the national tilt, and not the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

On Instagram on Sept. 17, the MUPH organization apparently followed up with the beauty queen-actress’ statement, saying she will be present at the ASP to be recognized for her feat.

It also announced that she would present her plum to the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) within the week.

“We are excited that this week Michelle Marquez Dee will go to the Autism Society of the Philippines to present her Voice for Change award. Even after her Miss Universe stint, MMD remains a staunch ally of her advocacy. A sign of her solid commitment to advance her causes. A real queen, indeed,” it said.

The national pageant’s organization added its administrative and accounting personnel have resolved the matter, as of press time.

“The admin [and] accounting personnel assigned have resolved which account to deposit the prize to. Thank you, Michelle, and ASP for giving voice to — and a bigger platform — for such a worthy cause. Thank you to the Miss Universe Organization for amplifying the voices of women around the world. This clearly demonstrates that MUO practices what it preaches on the cause of Women Empowerment,” it said.

The Facebook page of the MUPH also updated its post hours later, saying the delay was due to a lapse in the communication process of the national tilt — not because of the MUO itself.

The Miss Universe Organization, co-owned by Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip and Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, has yet to address the matter.

Heart Evangelista on MFW attendance: ‘This is not edited’

Heart Evangelista. Image: Instagram/@iamhearte

Is Heart Evangelista taking a swipe at someone? Fans think so after she quipped that her Milan Fashion Week video is “not edited.”

Evangelista documented her preparation for a show at the fashion event through a video on her Instagram page on Sept. 17.

In the clip, Evangelista looks elated as she opens an invitation from luxury brand Fendi’s artistic director Kim Jones.

Reading the letter that came along with it, the actress said, “‘Dear Heart, welcome to Milano. Love, Kim Jones.’ Thank you so much, Kim!”

“I love Kim and this is not edited,” Evangelista says while winking at the camera.

One of the members of Evangelista’s glam team, Memay Francisco, then said in the comments section, “Dun tayo sa realtime and not edited.” The actress laughed it off.

Curious netizens chimed in and underscored the authenticity of Evangelista’s fashion week content. Her followers could not help but laugh as well over her “not edited” remark.

Coincidentally, Evangelista’s remark came after fellow fashion week regular, Pia Wurtzbach, was accused of “faking” her attendance at a show in New York Fashion Week.