Divina Valencia castigates FAMAS, asks awards body to reimburse Eva Darren

Veteran actresses Marissa Delgado, Divina Valencia and Eva Darren at their table during the FAMAS awards night, May 26, 2024. Photo from the Facebook post of Darren’s son Fernando dela Peña.

Veteran actress Divina Valencia was not only dismayed, but was also angered by the supposed “rude” treatment accorded to her friend, fellow actress Eva Darren, by the FAMAS organization, which snubbed her after getting her as presenter during the awards nights last May 26.

Incidentally, Valencia is the godmother of Darren’s son, Ferdinand dela Peña, whose viral Facebook post made public the alleged disrespect that his mother suffered during the ceremony, especially after having to spend a P5,000 per plate meal (for herself and three of her companions, mostly her grandchildren), and other expenses she incurred to be able to attend the awards night.

In a message exchange with INQUIRER.net, Valencia said that the least that FAMAS could do to Darren was to reimburse her for the expenses she had to shell out, even though her presence was upon the invitation of the awards-giving body to be one of the presenters.

On top of that, Valencia said that FAMAS could show sincerity by personally offering its apology to Darren and her family for the pain they caused her.

“Bayaran nila lahat ng nagastos ni Ms Eva, hindi sila tatawag lang at magso-sorry. Ibalik yung lahat ng nagastos… Yung abala, abuloy na lang ni Ms Eva sa kanila,” she said.

Valencia enumerated the expenses that Darren had spent for the occasion: P20,000 dinner for the P5,000 per plate meal per seat at the venue; P34,500 for her evening gown; P2,300 gas expense; and payment for their driver amounting to P1,700.

On her Facebook, the veteran actress minced no words in castigating FAMAS.

“Dapat kung may pinag-aralan silang taga FAMAS, personal sila magso-sorry, my dalang flowers, tanungin ang mga anak kung pupuwede silang pumunta,” she further told this writer. “Hindi sila marunong ng ethics… walang gustong umamin sa kadiring ginawa nila.”

At the event, Valencia was seated on the same table as Darren, and another actress, Marissa Delgado, right across the stage. The fact that they were seated within sight of the stage was one of the reasons why Valencia said she could not buy FAMAS’ claims that Darren could not be located at the time she was called to present onstage.

Ironically, the FAMAS’ Gabi ng Parangal was to give recognition for them who are considered icons of the industry.

READ: Charo Santos praised for ‘locating’ Eva Darren at FAMAS awards night

Plaque for sale?

Valencia also concurred with the allegation made by entertainment insider Ogie Alcasid that there were some “undeserving” individuals who received plaques of award during the event, most of them are not even from show business.

“Yes, marami. At madaming mga hindi taga show business ang binibigyan ng plaque. People not from movie. Harang. Para saan ang pinapanalo? Isipin mo. Datung ba o ano?” she said.

Diaz earlier claimed on his Facebook post that he had a source who said that FAMAS gave awards to people who brought in sponsorships to the organization.

“Samantalang me nakapasabi sa akin (kayo nang mga taga-riyan ang sumagot kung true), binigyan nyo ng award ang ilang hindi naman karapat-dapat magka-award porke nag-sponsor lang nang malaki. True ba?” he questioned.

“Tapos, inabala nyo yung matandang nirerespeto sa industriya para lang mabastos sa Gabi ng Parangal? Iba talaga ang tinitingnan sa tinititigan,” he added.

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