In what seems to be the current theme of 2023, another vlogger/actress has earned the ire of the Internet. Alex Gonzaga is under fire for an incident where she was filmed smearing chocolate icing on a server during her 35th birthday celebration. The video, first posted on Dani Barretto’s Instagram story on Jan 16, triggered negative comments and criticism against Gonzaga, even by fellow celebrities.
DJ Mo Twister, the actor’s former co-host on a defunct TV show, called her “stupid” and a “narcissist.” Fellow content creator Janina Vela reminded people of the power dynamics between the server and the person served. Finally, Miss Universe semi-finalist Ayn Bernos said jokes should be fun for all involved.
Siguro mas-acceptable ito kung ka-close mo yung tao, pero dahil sa “power dynamics” dito —Kuya as the server and Ms. Alex as the served— hindi niya magagawa yun ☹️
— Janina Vela (@janinavela) January 16, 2023
Service workers are our equals. It’s their job to serve, but it’s our job to give them the respect they deserve. https://t.co/6i7wZHDLcQ
Several media practitioners shared their supposed “horror” stories, reviving Dina Bonnevie’s viral interview years ago about an unprofessional young actress she worked with, which many believed to be Alex Gonzaga.
“Who do you think you are? Are you famous? What name have you made? Have you carved your name in stone in show business?” Bonnevie asked the unnamed actress, who allegedly arrived three hours after the set call time in her pajamas.
But amid the onslaught of criticism come the defenders. Alex’s mother, Pinty Gonzaga, clarified through their publicist that the waiter, whose name is Allan, is an old family friend. Allan has served the Gonzagas in past events and is used to Alex’s “joking” nature. The publicist also denies that Alex was drunk in the video, as speculated by critics.
A quote by Mikee Morada, Alex’s husband, is also being used as a rebuttal by supporters. But while Pinty Gonzaga’s statement directly responded to the criticisms against her daughter, Morada’s was taken out of context, as his was part of a birthday speech he gave the night of the incident.
“I am very thankful dahil akala niyo si Catherine makulit, nakakatawa, pero sa totoo, sa bahay, siya po ang nag-aalaga sa akin,” said the Lipa City Councilor. “She’s very generous, very loving, she gives me vitamins every night, and she prepares my food. Siya narin ang naglalaba, kaya I’m very thankful. Hindi niyo yan nakikita”.
Morada is not one to shy away from defending Alex, who he tied the knot with in January 2021. He previously appealed to showbiz columnist Lolit Solis on Instagram to stop spreading rumors that his wife supposedly miscarried.
Ibinahagi ni Laboching sa kanyang IG story ang message ni Mikee Morada para sa kaarawan ng kanyang asawa na si Alex G. last night. 🫶
— TV5 (@TV5manila) January 16, 2023
Mapapanood sina Alex at Laboching sa #TropangLOLTV5, Mondays to Saturdays, 11AM sa #LunchtimeSayaTV5!#IBAngSayaPagSamaSama
🎥IG | @laboching pic.twitter.com/N2JeWm9voP
Mikee Morada has since come out with an official statement, saying that while his wife learned a valuable lesson, there is still no excusing her actions. He also clarifies that they've sent their apologies to Allan, which the latter confirmed in a separate post.
“Madaming mga rason na maari kong sabihin kung bakit niya nagawa iyon pero walang excuse sa kanyang pagkakamali. Nagkamali talaga siya. Na recognize niya ang kanyang pagkakamali at napagdesisyonan na agad na humingi ng dispensa kay Kuya Allan.”
And while the comments have been hurtful, Morada commends Alex for owning up to her actions and promises to support her in spite of the issue.
“Catherine, masakit at mahirap na lesson ito pero ang mahalaga ay ginawa mo ang dapat mong gawin at inako mo ang iyong pagkakamali. Patuloy man ang mga masasabing hindi maganda patungkol sa iyo at sa atin ay nandito ako para sa iyo.”
Alex Gonzaga also tweeted her apologies to Allan and her family, saying that “God taught me a hard and important lesson. Humility, kindness, and better judgment.”
On my birthday, God taught me a hard and important lesson. Humility, kindness and better judgment.
— Alex Gonzaga-Morada (@Mscathygonzaga) January 18, 2023
I am truly sorry, Kuya Allan.
To my family, I am sorry for causing you pain and embarrassment. I will rise from this a wiser and better person.
Any interested marites looking for a more thorough explanation from Alex could try tuning in to her podcast Ano Na Catherine, where she last acknowledged the Dina Bonnevie allegations. In an episode titled Hi, it’s me I am the Anti-Hero, she claimed that she's always painted as “The Bad Guy” due to her joking and outspoken nature. Whether the birthday incident will get the same pod treatment remains to be seen.
