Benjie Paras defends Cathy Garcia-Molina in ‘Forevermore’ controversy

MANILA, Philippines – Actor and former basketball player Benjie Paras defended director Cathy Garcia-Molina, after a talent accused her of cursing at them on the set of the now-defunct show Forevermore.

In an interview with Pep, Benjie, who worked with the director in various projects described her as a perfectionist like any other director. 

“At saka pinapanood ko siyang palagi. Konting detalyeng mali, nakikita niya, which is good for our industry,” Benjie said.

(And I always watch her. Just a small wrong detail, she’ll see it, which is good for our industry.)

While he has yet to speak with Direk Cathy, Benjie said that she should not be blamed for the incident.

“Alam mo, hindi kasalanan ni direk Cathy ‘yan, kasalanan ng mga humahawak ng talents ‘yan. (You know, it’s not director Cathy’s fault, it’s the fault of the talent handlers.)

“Meron kasi tayong tinatawag na Class A, Class C. When the role requires Class A, tapos nilagay mo Class C, hindi puwede talaga yun, nakakairita talaga yun (We have what you call Class A, Class C. When the role requires Class A, and then you put someone fom Class C, that’s really not allowed, that’s irritating),” he said.

Benjie said that when a director does a job, he or she expects everything to be complete.

He also said situations like these are not an issue anymore, as he has been berated many times at work, both in showbiz and basketball. 

On talents who feel they are mistreated, Benjie said that they should be attentive and do their work. People should be less sensitive, he added.

“Ke maging talent ka, utility ka, cameraman ka, bayad ka rito. At oras na hindi mo magawa ang trabaho, may rason para makagalitan ka. (Whether you are a talent, utility [person], cameraman, you’re being paid to do a job. And the moment you do not do your job, there’s a reason for you to be scolded.)

On December 31, a letter by Rossellyn Domingo and her boyfriend Alvin Campomanes, who were extras in Forevermore, turned viral. Rossellyn wrote that Direk Cathy had no respect for talents, after she said that the director humiliated Alvin while they were on the set in Baguio. 

On January 5, ABS-CBN responded to Rossellyn and Alvin’s letter. Rosellyn later posted that she and Alvin were set to meet with ABS-CBN representatives and the staff of Forevermore about the situation.

Meanwhile, Alvin, in a Facebook message to Rappler on Wednesday, January 6, said that “a public apology and a suspension would be enough for us.”

“We are not after money. This is all about standing up against attacks on human dignity. This is all about honor,” he said. – Rappler.com