Pikon Talo: On Flops and Ugly Faces

Eat Bulaga’s July 19, 2008 show in LA flopped? Tabloid news (Balita, sister company of Manila Bulletin) prompted Joey de Leon’s resignation as contributor from the major newspaper because he couldn’t take that some people thought their LA show was a flop.

Youtube video on one musical number in the LA show added to the controversy. This time, Joey de Leon targeted ABS-CBN’s Pokwang. The comedian called the comedienne “aswang”, which translates to “overwhelmingly ugly” in usual Filipino lingo.

So, ‘ugly’ calls are on now? Here’s the video of the LA show. In fairness, Joey did not put the words “aswang” and “pokwang” together in one stanza, but in two.

So who do you think is the quickest to jump to Pokwang’s defense? Who else but Willie Revillame, who couldn’t resist jabbing long-time nemesis Joey de Leon with calls of “FOUL”. Pokwang appeard on one Wowowee episode, but only had nice words for Joey de Leon. She did share how her daughter is being teased about having an “aswang” for a mom at school, which is causing the kid emotional pain and trauma.

As we have come to expect from Wowowee, Willie’s dibs bordered on the personal. He said (translation) “Pokwang’s son died while she was working in Japan, now her only daughter is crying because she’s being teased about her mom’s “new  status” (aswang)”

Opinion: 

1. Despite Pokwang’s hurt, she can’t deny that this is GOOD publicity, which could be causing her graciousness towards the whole issue. Babalu, Ai-Ai delas Alas (who coincidentally is rumored as Pokwang’s current arch-rival), and even Palito and Rene Requestas ALL capitalized on their “ugliness”. And excuse me, Pokwang wasn’t the  original “aswang” face in showbiz… does anyone remember Bella Flores? She took on “aswang-faced” roles numerous times, and now she’s a legend in Philippine showbiz.

2. I doubt if Pokwang’s “ugliness” is her sore spot, but Eat Bulaga’s ratings anywhere in the world is definitely Joey’s. Willie’s joining the issue could just ignite the veteran comedian into yet ANOTHER word war. Way to go, Willie.