Kris Aquino opens up on harassment in Philippine showbiz

MANILA, Philippines — In the face of sexual assault and harassment allegations against Hollywood film mogul Harvey Weinstein, multimedia star and now Hollywood actress Kris Aquino shared what she knows about alleged sexual harassment issues in Philippine show business.

During an exclusive round table interview with select media at her new home in Quezon City last Friday, Kris admitted that sexual harassment also happens at the local level.

“In this country, I feel there is more problem among men than girls,” clarified Kris.

She thinks fewer Filipina actresses get harassed as compared to their Hollywood counterparts because “mas maraming empowered na girls dito” and top directors in the Philippines are mostly gays and women.

“Especially ‘yung mga katulad nina Sarah Geronimo, Kim Chiu, ‘yung mga young superstars, ‘di pagdadaanan ‘yan,” Kris said.

While she cannot speak for her fellow Filipina actresses’ experiences, she assured that “even sa talent searches, walang ganyan kasi may nanay na nakabantay. Our culture is protective sa girls.”

Some of the country’s biggest female stars, Kris said, have a stage mom behind them, making it difficult for producers to make sexual advances.

“It’s a very different culture and we also have Catholic culture,” Kris said.

“Ang benchmark sa’tin ng success ng artista is paramihan ng endorsements, so we take care of the wholesome image.”

Kris explained that because they are taking care of their wholesome image, Filipinas in showbiz usually make sure they stay wholesome even when off-cam.  

According to her team’s research, more women last in the local showbiz industry, with an average of 20 years, than men do.

This, according to Kris, indicates that in general, Philippine showbiz is a relatively safe industry for women like her who want to pursue their acting passion and dreams.

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