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| en.wikipedia.org The MMFF scandal shocked the whole showbiz-loving nation in 1994. |
I have been wanting to feature the MMFF 1994 scandal here in Secrets and Scandals Philippines. Why? Because I was watching it when it happened - I was young then, fan of chismis and showbiz events. Anything that is Filipino showbiz is fun, entertaining and touching - it's close to the heart because it's what people talk about and what you see in local tabloids and most online local blogs.
How could I forget the look of Gretchen Barretto, the co-presenter, when former Miss Mauritius and Miss Universe pageant representative Viveka Babajee exclaimed "Take it! Take it!" to Rocky, Ruffa's younger brother who received the envelope. When the name of Ruffa Gutierrez was announced instead of Aiko Melendez as Best Actress, you'd see the eyes of Gretchen Barretto in shock . Who could forget the controversy, when it was not supposed to be Gabby Concepcion who won but Edu Manzano as Best Actor. Behind all this controversial night was allegedly Lolit Solis, who was managing Rocky, Viveka, Gabby and Ruffa during those times (according to http://no-benta.blogspot.com blog).
According to Mayor Alfredo Lim, the city mayor of Manila during the MMFF 1994 scandal in his interview with PEP.ph last March 31, 2008 (Mayor Lim To Check if 1994 Filmfest Scam Case in Manila Has Been Dropped):
"But not in my time ha," paglilinaw ni Mayor Lim. "In my time, si Lolit Solis, nag-plead guilty at nabigyan siya ng sentensiya under the probation law. Aba'y nung time na ni [former Manila Mayor] Atienza, parang na-dismissed."
What happened to the personalities involved in the scandal?
Gabby Concepcion moved to the US and started his real estate career.
Ruffa Gutierrez tried her luck in Hollywood showbiz and married Ylmaz Bektas of Turkey.
Gretchen Barretto remained as loving partner to her longtime partner Tony Boy Cojuangco, and now appeared in some television series.
Lolit Solis still managed young and veteran stars.
Viveka Babajee was reportedly committed suicide last June 25, 2010. She was said to move to India as top model.
Would a manager be able to rig such a prestigious award-giving body? Did the presenters know about the scam? Did this not ever happen again?
This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in once 7107 Islands, Philippines.
Keep asking.
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