Phoemela (and friends) in defense of Anne

Don’t drink when you drive. Or, don’t drive when you drink.

That piece of reminder for drivers might indirectly apply to people who unwind in a public place like a luxury bar, the favorite hangout of showbiz guys. Of course, there’s nothing wrong in relaxing (everybody, especially hardworking people, is entitled to it, right?) but if you drink, make sure that you, to borrow a motoring term, don’t go beyond the speed limit.

From the unfortunate incident at the Prive Luxury Club that happened almost two weeks ago but went viral in social media only a few days ago, we learned that, as she herself admitted, Anne Curtis had “one drink too many” and, although he has yet to admit it, John Lloyd Cruz is also fond of the bottle.

In that incident, Anne and company were at a cordoned-off area of the Club’s VIP Room hosting a party for a friend who was getting married. In the same area was the group of JLC including Phoemela Barranda, Jake Cuenca, writer JR Isaac, Leah de Guzman, one Nix Alañon and stylist Charina Sarte (said to be JLC’s close [special?] friend).

According to a PEP report, Anne was inside the comfort room (presumably Ladies’ Room, unless a high-end like Prive has a common CR) when she was irritated by persistent knocking on the door, screaming, “Who’s banging my door?” Upon opening the door (being “banged”), she saw, the report added, JR, JLC and Leah standing there and right away slapped JR and Leah but not JLC (contrary to initial reports).

In her apology, Anne admitted that she had “one drink too many” (although she didn’t appear “drunk,” JR was quoted in another report) and said that she was sorry for letting her fans down, adding that somebody (not named) who committed an “inappropriate behavior” against her had also apologized to her. Lesson learned? “Drink in moderation.”

Funfare requested friends of JR at The STAR (where he writes for the Y Style weekend feature of Life section) but JR begged off. The rest of JLC’s companions were not available for comment.

Did Anne give Phoemela a tongue-lashing and call her “a whore?” Did Anne boast  that she could buy all those in Phoemela’s group and even including Prive Club (an unconfirmed remark that generated “Janet Napoles” jokes among netizens)?

Here’s Phoemela’s official statement verbatim, furnished Funfare by Viva Films (her and Anne’s home studio):

Much has been said of the incident which transpired last November 23, 2013, at the Prive Luxury Club between Anne Curtis and several other personalities including myself. Although I am not in a position to give a full account of the entire incident, I can confidently say that the reports on what transpired between Anne and myself were not accurate. She never expressed any anger towards me. She did not point a finger at me nor did she dismiss my presence. She also did not say the now-famous line “I can buy you, your friends and this club.”

All she did was express her disapproval over the actions of some individuals present that night. In a matter of hours, Anne apologized to me for her behavior that night and I had accepted her apology.

As far as Anne and I are concerned, we harbor no ill feelings towards each other and have put this incident behind us. I hope that the public will do the same.

Other friends came to Anne’s defense.

 Luis Manzano (photo, Anne’s ex-boyfriend): I will always be there for my best friend. I won’t say or tell her what she did was right but the fact that she asked for forgiveness from the offended parties shows that she is really sorry for what happened and more importantly learned from the whole unfortunate incident…

 Kim Atienza (photo, Anne’s co-host on the ABS-CBN’s noontime show It’s Showtime): Anne has a good and generous heart. I am witness to a lot of her goodness that is not seen on TV. On her free time, she quietly visits sick children in the hospitals just to cheer them up. Tunay na tao siya.

Her fame is also not in her head and she is totally unaffected by it. She’s always there as a real person and friend. I love Anne and I am there a hundred percent for her, hang in there as a friend. She is also very humble and is quick to admit her mistakes. Wala sa ulo niya ang fame niya.

Anne, your goodness will see you through.

In fairness to and in defense of John Lloyd Cruz, a senior actress who is with him in a teleserye described JLC as “mabait at magalang,” the same thing those close to JLC would say.

“When he arrives on the set a bit late,” a Funfare friend quoted the actress as saying, “John Lloyd would approach me and say, ‘Sorry po, Tita,’ and give me a kiss on the cheek. “He is respectful, very professional and easy to work with,” unlike another (female) co-star who would come late, disregard everybody around, not saying sorry at all, and walk straight to her dressing room  as if she’s blind to people around her.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)