Jessica Soho: ‘This is not about me, but rape not being appropriate for comedy’

Ms. Jessica Soho, GMA Network’s Vice President for news programs, had issued a statement regarding the issue involving her and ABS-CBN talent Vice Ganda. The statement reads:

 â€œI acknowledge the public apology given by Vice Ganda, by way of his TV program.

I sincerely hope and pray that this was done with the purest intentions and determination to put this issue behind us.

Just to clarify certain points about my phone conversation with him – his call came without warning as his number was not programmed in my phone directory.  I told him I wasn’t feeling well and I wasn’t sure I was ready to talk to him.  But I clearly remember thanking him for his call.

As I’ve said, this is not about me, but about the issue of rape not being an appropriate subject matter for comedy.

Rape transcends age, economic class, gender – and even one’s weight.

Once again, I thank everyone who gave their support.”

Many people have reacted to Vice Ganda’s unsavory jokes which maligned Ms. Jessica Soho, a respected journalist and host of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (which is aired on GMA 7) and news anchor of State of the Nation with Jessica Soho (which is TV). Vice Ganda drew flak for his joke and even if he had apologized, many people are still saying that the apology lacks sincerity.

Of course, the supporters of Vice Ganda are taking the cudgels for the embattled Kapamilya talent, saying that the host of Showtime had apologized and as such, the issue should already be considered a closed case.

Well, we sure hope that Vice Ganda has learned a valuable lesson with this issue. While he has said that he won’t change his style of comedy, we believe he should refrain from bashing celebrities. Maligning other people is not a good way for a comedy act to work because it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Despite what Vice Ganda joked about Ms. Jessica Soho, we hold her in deep esteem and acknowledge that she is one of the pillars of journalism in the country. She still maintains the respect of everyone and her accomplishments cannot be diminished by one ill-advised joke.

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Callalily and the 6cycleminds are doing their first major back to back concert titled “Switch” to be held at the Music Museum on June 7.

According to Kean Cipriano, lead vocalist of Callalily, the idea to do a concert together with 6cycleminds happened during a breakfast after they had a gig.

“We’ve done shows together in places like 70s Bistro and we saw how much the audience enjoyed and accepted our performance. So we talked with 6cycleminds and thought of having a concert at the Music Musem.” This is also a preparation for a concert tour that both bands will have in the United States this coming July.

“We will be doing songs that we have not done before,” said Tutti Karingal, the vocalist ng 6 Cycleminds. “Pwedeng kaming magpitan ng Callalily ng kanta or we sings some songs na normally di naming kinakanta before like songs of other local or foreign artists whether boy or girl.” That Callalily and 6cycleminds are together in one concert is a cause for celebration.

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As the saying goes, you can’t keep a good man down. And JM De Guzman is proving that. He is one person who is loaded with talent and it’s just a matter of picking the right project to return to the entertainment scene. After some absence, JM is bouncing back as he promotes his single on  May 31, 7pm  at Ayala Center Cebu in time for the back to school sale happening from  May 31 to June 2.

After the successful release of his debut album, ABS-CBN’s Prince of Drama, JM De Guzman, is here once again to captivate the hearts of fans with his newest album, “Tensionado”!

Released under Ivory Music & Video,  Tensionado  is a collection of JM De Guzman’s renditions of his favorite songs featuring “Have I Told You Lately”  by Rod Stewart,  “Lost In Space”  by  Lighthouse Family,  “Don’t Give Up On Us”  by David Soul and “Tensionado”  by Soapdish.

JM’s collaboration with singer Jaq Dionisio  of Kiss Jane in the hit Itchyworms song  “Akin Ka Na Lang,”  the track chosen to be the album’s carrier single is something to watch out for.  Acoustic Diva  Suy  also showcased her soulful and relaxing voice in her duet with the singing heartthrob in the special track  “Terrified”.

Catch this soulful event only at Cebu’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination on  May 31, 7pm  during Ayala Cebu’s Back to School Sale weekend.