My sympathies for Mo

I was in Dubai when DJ Mo said goodbye in “Paparazzi,” our show with Tita Cristy Fermin and Ruffa Gutierrez. So I was hoping to see him at his despedida party, after he sent me this invitation via text: “I would like to remind everyone of my ‘going away’ dinner/drinks thing at Edsa Shangrila’s E Bar on Friday, Dec. 2. Please do come. I beg you.”

But on the day itself, he called off the party and sent me this other message: “The despedida tonight is canceled. Sorry if it ruined plans.”

I was surprised that he was throwing a party in the first place because, by his own admission, he’s not much of a party animal. Too bad the party didn’t push through. Mo needs the support of his friends now more than ever.

Friday was when his controversial “tell-all” video circulated online. Perhaps that’s why he was no longer in the mood to party, lest he be bombarded with questions about what really happened to him and Rhian Ramos in Singapore.

My heart bled for Mo when I watched his video. It’s easy for people to pass judgment on him based on this. But when you get to see Mo’s soft side like I have, you will be able to understand him more. Since I’ve seen the pain in his eyes up close, I not only sympathize, but also empathize with him.

Wrong but real

That is not to say I am in favor of Mo and Rhian’s “getting rid of their baby” in Singapore as he revealed in his video. That was one painful but necessary decision they had to make. Abortion is wrong but it’s real.

I refuse to aggravate Mo’s pain by pointing an accusing finger at him. It’s bad enough that he is going away with a heavy heart. He could be charged for “excess emotional baggage” at the airport. The questions running through Mo’s mind beats all the forbidden questions he asks on air.

Mo may seem to be in control when hosting his radio and TV shows. But when it comes to matters of the heart… that’s his waterloo. He told me once, “I always want to be better than the last boyfriend of my girl.” There’s nothing he won’t do for love.

As I was watching Mo’s video, I suddenly remembered what he told me off-cam, “I am 10 steps away from becoming an atheist.” I hope Mo forgives me for saying this. But for want of a better explanation as to why someone like him, who has it all, would turn his back on a dream job and a charmed life, I guess Mo needs to reconnect with God so he could put back together all the broken pieces of his heart.

You will be missed, Mo. Thank you for the laughter between takes, the well-meant pieces of love advice, the fun and crazy “laglagan” moments in the show and, most of all, for the genuine friendship.

It’s sad that, just when we were starting to jell in “Paparazzi,” you have to go. It is my hope that you will find all the answers that your embattled heart yearns for. Just as the title of your top-rating radio show goes, may the “Good Times” last the next time you fall head over heels and with all your heart.

Other side

Since there are always two sides to a story, I asked GMA 7 people for their reaction to Mo’s controversial video. Mo mentioned in passing that the Kapuso network is very strict with Rhian, one of the station’s prized talents—that’s why she couldn’t keep the baby.

Here’s GMA 7’s side: “GMA Network is going to file charges against Mo Twister for malicious and false imputations against the network in his video posted on YouTube.”

Ooh lala! Were the facts twisted by Mo Twister? But as he said in the video, he never lies. So looks like it’s Mo’s “duguang puso” versus the Kapuso station. Take heart, folks!

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I am looking forward to my nth trip to the Seafood Capital, Roxas City. I have been invited by the president of the Capiz Lions Club, Patrick Honrado, to be a judge in the Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran 2011 tilt on December 8 at the Capiz gymnasium.

It is hosted by my “besty,” Alvin Anson, with guests Alex Castro of ASAP’s Boys R Boys, PBB alumnus Johan Santos and singer/host of Star Records “Kitakits,” Giuliano Comia.

For sure, the 17 candidates are as fresh and yummy as the seafood the province boasts of. Time to savor good ol’ Capizeño hospitality!