Sheena Palad, speaks out after FAMAS fiasco involving Eva Darren
Singer Sheena Palad, the woman who "replaced" Eva Darren as presenter in the 2024 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, has spoken up.
Acclaimed actress Eva Darren was supposed to be a presenter alongside Tirso Cruz III in the FAMAS awards night held at the Manila Hotel on May 26. According to social media posts of Eva's son, Fernando De La Peña, his mom has been preparing for the awards night for months.
However, Eva Darren was not called on stage to present and was replaced without explanation.
The one who replaced Eva was Sheena. The singer recently addressed the issue and explained her side of the story, emphasizing that she was only asked to present an award during the event and was not aware that she was replacing Eva.
Sheena Palad and Johann Enriquez
In a four-minute video posted on Sheena Palad's social media accounts, she addressed the issue with boyfriend and event host Johann Enriquez. He said, "We're so grateful, I hosted it and Sheena was chosen to perform. We would like to be very straightforward with what happened. We are extending our deepest empathy to the family of Madam Eva Darren. Whatever happened po, we feel sorry about it.``
FAMAS 2024
Sheena Palad explained how she was initially just supposed to perform two songs but while she was on standby, a staff member approached her. "Pinuntahan po ako ng staff, [ang sabi] 'Sheena, can we ask a big favor? Can you present the awards?' "Sabi ko, Okay, sige. No problem."
Hosting
She continued, "That's it, hindi ko po alam na si Ms. Eva 'yung magpe-present po. Actually, nung time na 'yun, I was clueless, hindi po kasi ako nanonood nang awards night because I was in the holding area. Hindi ko po alam kung paano mag-present. Sobrang kaba ko...I was not prepared. Hindi ko po nabasa 'yung script."
Last minute
"While on standby ang instruction lang po sa akin is 'Sheena, you're going to present after you do the production number. Once you're done with the production, punta ka na sa gilid, Sir Tirso will be with you.' So, sabi ko, okay po. I was just following instructions, I hope you are enlightened with the situation."
Bashing
Johann Enriquez pleaded netizens to refrain from bashing his girlfriend, saying she was not aware that she was a replacement for Eva Darren. "Ako na po ang nakikiusap na itigil na po ang pang-ba-bash kasi wala po talaga siyang kinalaman doon sa nangyari. He continued, "She was just following instructions, she was just doing her job. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen."
Accusations
Sheena Palad further explained her side through her video caption, revealing she has been receiving "offensive accusations." "Hi, Everybody! I am Sheena Palad, the 'young singer' who was mentioned alongside Mr Tirso Cruz III. And we (Johann Enriquez and I) would like to give our statement regarding the situation. I am being harassed, maligned, called names and thrown offensive accusations today online and ALL I CAN SAY IS… Buti na lang may Lord Jesus Christ ako sa buhay ko. Honestly, Hindi ko kaya to! It's also a lesson for everybody to not QUICKLY judge a person. And makes me think too that what I'm going through doesn't even come close to what my Savior had to go through when He suffered and died on the cross for me. Thank you po!"
Acceptance
Eva Darren's son, Fernando De La Peña has also accepted the apology from FAMAS, saying, "My mom was seated in a table front and center adjacent to the stage, rubbing elbows with my second mom, Ninang Divina Valencia and my awesome Tita Marissa Delgado. For the reasons I stated above and on behalf of my mother, Ms. Eva Darren, our family accepts the olive branch that FAMAS has extended and only hope that future events would prove to be contrasting."
