Sharon on Bilibid issue: So ridiculous
Sharon Cuneta simply laughed off reports that included her in the list of artists who performed at the Bilibid.
The Megastar was one of the celebrities, along with Freddie Aguilar, Mocha Girls, Ethel Booba, mentioned in the ongoing congressional probe into the illegal drug trade at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prisons ( NBP).
Concerts featuring popular singers and performers were a regular occurence at the NBP, that the national penitentiary became a “Little Las Vegas” during the previous administration, according to a testimony by convicted ex- cop Rodolfo Magleo.
Sharon’s hubby Sen. Kiko Pangilinan had earlier released a statement clarifying Sharon’s past visit to Bilibid. The actress/ TV host finally had the opportunity to address the issue herself at a presscon held last Wednesday for her forthcoming concert at Solaire Resort & Casino.
Sharon said that when it was first mentioned to her by friends in the media, she got confused. “I said, ‘ I’m so sorry... I’m so apo-
litical. I do not know what those letters ( NBP) stand for. What are they associating me with? Kasi kumanta ka raw doon sa Bilibid. ( You sang at Bilibid).’”
“Oh my God, that’s for my show on TV5,” Sharon recalled.
This reportedly happened back in 2012 for her talk show Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid.
“It was organized by Gang Badoy ( of the NGO RockEd Philippines) and we were doing shows outside of the studio. We went to Pampanga, Davao and Cebu... and if I’m not mistaken, it was the holiday season. And everybody would do that, even with ABS- CBN, I even went to the correctional,” she continued.
Sharon said that they taped an episode at Bilibid in the hope of finding some positive stories from those living behind bars.
“When I went there, I actually talked to the ( inmates) — ( asking them) how is your life here, what do you do to pass your time — because I wanted the show to reinforce positive values and to give hope to those na
medyo wala na ( who feel somewhat hopeless). So gusto kong ipakita pati yung mga taong
nasa loob ng Bilibid. Others found God, and you’d see it in how they live their lives, others went into painting, I even bought a painting. ( I wanted to show) what are the things they do to be productive. Others were going to school or reading. Those were the people I interviewed.”
Sharon stressed she never encountered nor could she recall meeting any of the high- profile prisoners. “I never met any of ( them). Not even close. Not even their alalays.”
“It was so ridiculous,” she described the issue. “Sabi ko nga,
makagawa lang ng ( issue). Siguro nag-banggit lang yung tao, ng mga pumunta dito ( sa Bilibid).” She quipped, “Sabi ko nga, nagmagandang loob na nga ako at kumanta dun ( laughs) at ang banda ko, banda nila. Nakikanta ako habang nagbigay kami ng something — gifts na dala
namin. Tapos yung ending, ikaw pa yung... It was just so funny and ( it) died right away.”
“I don’t need to be ‘ chummy-chummy’ with druglords,” she jokingly added.
Meanwhile, Sharon is all set to return to the concert scene with a two- night “intimate” performance ( Oct. 15 and 22) at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino. Her second daughter Frankie will be her special guest.
She shared that her youngest son Miguel wants to appear in her concert as well. “I asked him what will you sing? And he said, ‘ Once I was
seven years old ( by Lukas Graham)’ then I told him, ‘ How can that be? You’re just turning seven.’ He’s so funny!”
“Siempre dahan- dahan ( one at a time),” she answered when asked about any plans of having all her children perform with her onstage. “Minsan lang nga ako kinuha
ng Solaire, ginawa ko namang Von Trapp family, the Sound of Music ang show,” she joked.
During the presscon, the media couldn’t help but notice how much weight Sharon has lost. Her battle with the bulge has been oft- reported in the press, and Sharon herself has no qualms talking about her struggles. But it is now apparent that she’s on the right track.
“When I was in Channel 5 ( her previous home network), I lost weight then I gained more. When I saw myself in my TV special on ABS- CBN’s ASAP in January this year, when I got home, I really cried. That’s when I really made a decision. So, in nine months, I dropped about 66 lbs. Not easy! Some months I drop three lbs., some months biglang 10, it depends on your determination.”
The Voice of the Philippines coach further shared, “I’m happy to be back with ABS, I’m happy with my career, and not for anything, it was my health. You have no idea what I was going through... I was hospitalized, my blood pressure hit 190/ 200. So, I almost died. After that, it was really for health reasons. Whether or not magka- career ako, I really have to lose weight. I want to see my kids grow up. It was a wake- up call, a serious wake- up call.”