MANILA, Philippines — "A gown is just a gown."
Kim Chiu tweeted this after complaints and questions surfaced over the gown Maine Mendoza wore during "Eat Bulaga's" Sa Tamang Panahon show on Saturday.
The "Eat Bulaga" mainstay wore a Francis Libiran dress, which is part of his Spring/Summer 2015 collection, for Saturday's show. The gown was chosen by stylist Liz Uy's Stylized Studio, Inc.
RELATED: #KiligPaMore: Maine Mendoza surprises Alden Richards in 'Sunday PinaSaya'
The gown was modeled by ABS-CBN actress Kim Chiu during the fashion designer's fashion show in 2013.
Fans of Maine criticized the decision for Maine to wear a gown previously worn by Kim, calling the dress "recycled."
Bat ganon parehas ng gown si kim chiu at maine mendoza? #ALDubEBTamangPanahon
— cathesparas (@cathesparas) October 25, 2015
Libiran took to social media to address the issue, saying the dress was merely previewed Metrowear Icon fashion show and was "never worn at any other event by any other celebrity."
"We are so glad, honored and grateful that Maine Mendoza and her official stylists, Stylized Studio Inc., chose a beautiful Francis Libiran dress from our Spring/Summer 2015," Libiran said.
"Maine Mendoza's gown at Eat Bulaga's 'Tamang Panahon' concert for a cause was bought and paid for by Eat Bulaga Production."
"The gown was first previewed during the 'Francis Libiran Metrowear Icon' fashion show held at the EDSA Shangri-la in 2013 where we launched an entire 100-piece collection, including the Pink Series."
READ: Teaser for Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza movie bared
"Our good friend Miss Kim Chiu was generous enough to model this gown for the said fashion show."
"This gown has not been worn at any other event by any other celebrity."
Although she did not directly address the issue, Kim also took to social media:
no hate please?.a gown is just a gown... its how you make people happy. i think thats more important.. happy sunday everyone!!spreading GV
— kim chiu (@prinsesachinita) October 25, 2015
Allan K, an "Eat Bulaga" mainstay, also commented about the isse on his Twitter account.
Wag na lagyan ng issue yung gown. Ang importante, nang sinuot ni Meng yun, history ang turn out. Argument anyone?
— allan k (@allanklownz) October 25, 2015
A gown is just a gown. Whats more important is the smile and the rawness of personality she wore. Ok?
— allan k (@allanklownz) October 25, 2015
Para matigil na lahat- ipasuot nyo yung gown kahit kaninong pinay, punuin nya ang phil arena tapos ibreak nya ang 39.5 million tweets. Ok?
— allan k (@allanklownz) October 25, 2015
Maine, together with Alden, headlined "Eat Bulaga's" "Sa Tamang Panahon" event on Saturday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The official hashtag for the show has amassed over 39 million tweets.
READ: Alden Richards tells Yaya Dub 'God gave me you' at 'Tamang Panahon' event