Mc Richard Paglicawan
Actress and content creator Kristel Fulgar has taken a stand regarding the controversy surrounding her hosting duties for Korean idol Seo In Guk’s recent fan meeting in the Philippines.
Previously, Kristel became the center of attention when she was suddenly replaced as the event’s host just before it started. She explained earlier that the Korean technical director was dissatisfied with her energy during rehearsals, which led to her removal as the host.
However, it appears that some critics and detractors are unwilling to let go of the issue. In response, Kristel posted a video to clarify certain backstage events and to call on everyone to move forward.
She stated, “Hindi na talaga ako magto-talk about this matter kasi okay naman ako.”
“Aminado ako na hindi ko strand ang hosting. So bakit ako kinuha? Actually nagulat din ako ‘nung inoffer sakin ‘to tapos inannounce pa ako na ako ang magho-host,” she said while displaying her poster for the fan meeting, which was reposted by the organizers.
Kristel also clarified that her initial intent was only to secure a VIP ticket when she learned about Seo In Guk’s fan meeting.
“Tapos same day ng selling ng tickets, doon sinabi sa akin na magho-host ako,” she revealed.
She further explained, “Hindi ako agad nag-yes. Ayoko ‘nung una kasi alam ko naman ‘yung kapasidad ko. Zero experience pa ako sa hosting. Alam ko na super challenging ‘yun sakin.”
However, Kristel accepted the offer because she received full support from the Seo In Guk fan club administrators.
She continued, “5 a.m. ako gumising. Call time ko is 7 a.m. Nag-start ‘yung rehearsal 8:30 a.m. tapos naka-tatlong rehearsals.
“Sa tatlong rehearsals na ‘yun, wala man lang nagsabi sakin na, ‘uy kulang ka sa energy, uy baka naman pwede ka mag-exert o ibigay ‘yung best mo.’ Walang ganun.”
“Nagulat nalang ako ‘nung pangatlong stage rehearsal with Seo In Guk. Pinatawag ako sa tech booth para sabihin sakin na papalitan na nga ako. Nagulat ako, pero umokay agad ako kasi parang at the top of my mind, makakanood ako ng performance ni Seo In Guk,” she explained.
Kristel mentioned that the Filipino director and event organizers were initially against replacing her, but the Korean technical director created a scene.
“Nagmamatigas ‘yung Filipino director and ‘yung organizer na huwag akong palitan doon sa Korean technical director. Pero nakita ko talaga kung gaano siya nanindigan na palitan ako at sabi pa niya, ‘kung hindi ako papalitan, ako ang aalis.’ So shokot ang ante niyo! Ayoko nang mag-cause ng gulo kasi nakikita ko na lahat na-stress na,” she recalled.
To avoid further complications, Kristel chose to step down, even though she knew it would be embarrassing for her.
“‘Yung interpreter nga niya hindi na malaman kung paano niya ma-interpret ng in a nicer way ‘yung sinasabi ‘nung Korean director na ‘yun e. So ako, ‘okay na, tama na, I’ll give way.’ Wag lang magkagulo or huwag lang ma-delay, magbibigay nalang ako ng statement,” she said. “Sa 20 years na existence ko sa entertainment industry, ngayon lang ako nagbigay ng statement na ganun para sa public. Alam ko kahihiyan ‘yung pagdadaanan ko pagkatapos ‘nun, pero sige na. Kung ‘yung sinasabi ng Korean director na para sa ikagaganda ng show, sige na.”
Ultimately, Kristel clarified that she wasn’t too affected by the incident because she knew she had no prior experience in hosting.
“Madali ko siyang natanggap kasi alam ko naman na hindi ko forte ang hosting. Kung siguro pinalitan ako sa acting, sa role na ganito or sa singing, doon medyo ma-hurt ako. Pero ‘yung sa hosting, hindi siya ganung ka-big deal para sa akin,” she said.
Her message to everyone was, “So sa mga nagwo-worry sa akin, okay na okay po ako. At doon naman sa mga ginagawa pa ring isyu ‘to tigilan na natin, mag-move on na tayo. May mga nangyari na hindi maganda pero tingnan nalang natin ‘yung brighter side.”
