Veteran actress Eva Darren recently opened up about the emotional ordeal she experienced during the FAMAS Awards last May. In an interview with host and entertainment writer Aster Amoyo, Darren discussed how she was supposed to present an award but was replaced at the last minute, leaving her heartbroken and embarrassed.
“Maganda naman na ngayon ang paghinga ko na pagkatapos ng nerbyos dahil sa pagkapahiya na hindi ko maintindihan bakit nangyari ‘yon. Ngayon medyo okay-okay na,” Darren shared. “Dati nga gusto ko magtago, parang ang liit-liit ko na gusto ko magtago sa ilalim na lamesa.”
Darren recounted being seated with fellow actresses Marissa Delgado, Divina Valencia, and her three grandchildren near the stage when the floor directors overlooked her multiple times. Tirso Cruz III, whom she was supposed to present the award with, ended up onstage with singer Sheena Palad instead.
“‘Yung sinasabi nung partner niya (Palad) dialogue ko ‘yon, binasa ko ‘yon nasa script na pinadala sakin, memoryado ko,” she detailed. “Sabi ko, ‘Baka nagkamali lang,’ Mamayang unti, ‘Aba ‘yung pangalawang dialogue ko ‘yon ah,’ Sabi ko, ‘Pambira naman ‘to, nenerbyos na ako,’ Pangatlo, sabi ko, ‘Wala na pinalitan na ako ng tuluyan.’”
Feeling utterly humiliated, Darren decided to leave the ceremony early. “Kasi parang gusto ko na maglupasay doon, kasi nahihiya ako,” she admitted. “Maraming nakakaalam, mga kamag-anak nag-aabang, pinapanood ‘yung FAMAS. Sabi ko, ‘Mare, pasensya na, nanginginig na ako, aalis na ako kasi nahihiya ako.’”
The incident left her deeply hurt, but Darren was moved by the public’s support after her son, Fernando, posted about it on social media. “Napahiya ako. Ang sakit,” she tearfully expressed. “Sa bahay (umiyak). Ewan ko nanginig talaga ako,” noting the overwhelming reactions from people who sympathized with her plight. “Hindi ko akalain. Hindi ko alam. Grabe. Ganon pala ang social media.”
Despite the controversy, Darren and her family have accepted FAMAS’ apology. Moving forward, she has continued her career, starring in GMA Network’s “Wish Ko Lang,” guesting on “Family Feud Philippines,” and preparing for an upcoming TV series.