‘It’s Showtime’ reacts to MTRCB call-out, criticism over ‘Pastillas Girl’ segment

MANILA, Philippines – The management of It’s Showtime denied that they are “pimping” Angelica Jane Yap, known as Pastillas Girl in their show.

In a statement aired on TV Patrol, Thursday, October 8, the show maintained that the segment features positive values after the The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summoned the executives to a meeting on October 13 following complaints and feedback from the public. 

“Angelica Yap has the freedom of choice to do and reveal what she wants. She was never forced to do anything without her full consent.

“Nasaan Ka Mr. Pastillas also shows the values of forgiveness, honesty and being open to new possibilities.

“For people to suggest the show is pimping Pastillas Girl is not only unfair and irresponsible, but also hurtful and offensive to women like Angelica who has done nothing wrong but to share her story with the hope of getting another shot at love,” part of the statement said.

Meanwhile, in the same report, MTRCB chairman Toto Villareal clarified the meeting they called next week with It’s Showtime is not a hearing. 

“We would like to be very deliberate on the matter with prudence. Para magpag-usapan ng mabuti ang bagay na ito. Dialogo po ito na maganda na mailahad rin po and bilang ang MTRCB po ay conduit po kami ng industry at ng taong bayan,” he said. (So this kind of matter will be clear to all. This is a nice dialogue that everyone can share and as the MTRCB is conduit to the industry and to the people.)

The Pastillas Girl segment has its share of both passionate fans and vocal detractors. In an interview on It’s Showtime last September 29, Angelica’s mom defended her daughter, saying she was hurt over the criticism thrown against her. 

“Hindi naman nila kilala ang anak ko. Ayaw ko na kung sinu-sinong tao lang ang lalait sa anak ko,” she said. (They don’t know my daughter. I just don’t want anyone criticizing my daughter.)

“Sobra akong nasasaktan. Sana ‘yung mga taong humuhusga sa anak ko, tingnan muna nila ang sarili nila. Wala namang perpekto.” (I’m very hurt. I hope those who are criticizing my daughter will look at themselves first. No one is perfect.)

Last September, Angelica became popular after she posted a video of her reciting ingredients in making pastillas de leche (soft milk candy) in relation to her being dumped by her boyfriend. (READ: Meet ‘Pastillas Girl,’ on a quest to find love)

The video led her to an appearance on It’s Showtime, which has dedicated a segment for her in her quest to find a new relationship. – Rappler.com