In Dubai, actress-singer sees worst, best of Pinoy

MANILA, Philippines – Glaiza de Castro has learned a valuable lesson about trust.

During a recent trip in Dubai, where she did a two-night show, the actress-singer became a victim of a scam, courtesy of a shady producer.

That experience really scared Glaiza because she couldn’t believe that a kababayan (compatriot) would do that.

“Actually dito pa lang, nagkaroon na ng gulo [the trouble began right here],” she recalls. “This producer wanted us to pay for our own tickets to Dubai [and said she would] reimburse na lang daw pagdating doon [when we arrive there].

“Ayoko na ngang pumunta pero iniyakan ako ng producer. Nabenta na raw ang mga tickets at mapapahiya raw siya roon.” (I didn’t want to go but the producer made this crying jag. She said the tickets had been sold and she would be embarassed [if there was no show].)

“Ako naman, naawa ako sa kanya. Kaya pumunta pa rin kami ng mommy at daddy ko sa Dubai.” (I took pity on her and I flew to Dubai with my mommy and daddy.)

“Pero ginawa ko na ‘yung show at lahat, hindi siya nagpakita after.” (I did the show and everything, and then she disappeared.)

Pinoys helping out

“Mabuti na lang mababait ang mga Pinoy sa Dubai at sila ang nag-asikaso sa amin.” (It’s a good thing the Filipinos there were helpful and they took care of us.)

“Nag-ambag-ambag sila for us to be booked in a nice hotel at binigyan pa kami ng mga pasalubong. Sila pa ang gumastos para makapagpasyal kami sa Dubai.” (They pooled their contribution for us to be booked in a nice hotel. They even gave us presents to bring home and even took us around the city on their expense.)

“Kaya very thankful ako sa mga Pinoy doon kasi alam kong busy sila [That’s why I’m very thankful to the Pinoys there because I know they’re busy] but they went out of their way to make us feel comfortable.”

The latest news from Dubai is that the police had arrested the producer.

“Kaya I have no plans to file a case against her. Nalaman ko na marami na pala siyang nalokong mga artista roon.” (I heard that she had defrauded many artists there.)

“I can only pray that this producer has learned some lessons na huwag siyang manloko lalo na sa kapwa Pinoy [that she shouldn’t be victimizing her fellow Pinoys].” – Rappler.com