Netizen Defends Robin Padilla On Instagram For ‘Rude’ Comment Made On PGT

Robin Padilla drew flak from some netizens for a “rude” comment he made during the audition of Kim Jiwan on Saturday’s episode of Pilipinas Got Talent on Saturday. But one, in particular, went on and wrote an open letter on Instagram taking the side of the actor saying he wasn’t being racist and hopes that others were able to stand up for their beliefs like the actor did.

Korean Kim Jiwan auditioned on Pilipinas Got Talent Season 6 Saturday episode as close-up magician. He mentioned that although he was Korean, he lived in the Philippines for more than 8 years. As he went on to show his talent, he asked actor and judge Robin Padilla to help him out. Robin refused and said, “I’m very sorry you cannot use me.” Robin then pointed to the show’s logo on stage to make a point saying Jiwan was on a Filipino talent show and, therefore, had to know the language.

Judge Angel Locsin came to Jiwan’s rescue and helped Jiwan with a couple of Filipino words that he could use to ask for Robin’s help. As soon as he learned them, Robin said since he is a Filipino who welcomes visitors and finally agreed to help him. But as soon as Jiwan spoke english again, Robin insisted he speak tagalog. Robin then said, “Ayaw talaga mag tagalog nito, dun ka,” referring to Angel Locsin. Angel then helped Jiwan.

The 11-minute video clip by Pilipinas Got Talent went number one trending on YouTube and has had almost 2 million views. Watch the full video here.

Hello oppa! #PGTisLife pic.twitter.com/e8kXezzfxr

— Pilipinas Got Talent (@ABSCBNPGT) January 13, 2018

Netizens react to Robin Padilla’s comment on PGT, Malcolm on Instagram takes his side

Since the incident on national TV, netizens have been flooding social media with some saying Robin wasn’t being nationalistic but was actually being a racist. On the YouTube video thread, more Filipinos bash the actor calling him unprofessional. While some go for the neutral side saying there wasn’t anything wrong with what he said. It was in the manner of how he spoke to the contestant that made it quite negative.

Amidst all the bashing, there was one netizen with user handle filevent who wrote an open letter to Robin Padilla on Instagram calling him an incredible ambassador for the country. His post was reposted by Robin himself and was given a thumbs up by his wife, Mariel Padilla. Check the Instagram post below.

Filevent on Instagram said he watched the video of the incident several times and congratulated Robin for his patriotism and love for country. He added how it is not an excuse for Jiwan to not learn the language while in fact he has been in the country for several years. He also said how Robin was a comedian  and in a way it was just “having a little fun” while making a valid observation.

"An Open Letter to Robin Padilla Dear sir, I just thought I would write to you personally to congratulate you on the patriotism and love that you have shown for your country. As I am sure you are aware, like you, I love the Philippines very much. In fact, my greatest dream would to one day become a Filipino citizen as well as course retain my British nationality as I love both countries equally. I have watched the clip of Pilipinas Got Talent several times where a Korean national is performing a magic set as part of his audition to the judges. The contestant explained that he had grown up in the Philippines but had not learnt Tagalog as he attended an international school. To me, this is not really an excuse. If you have grown up in the Philippines and clearly called the Philippines your home, you should at least make some effort to learn the language. When the Korean national got into his act, clearly he can in fact understand and speak a little Tagalog. I believe your intentions were just to coax it out of him a little. In fact, you are a comedian too and in a way was just having a little fun, whist making a valid observation. I know you very well that you love the Philippines and your fellow countrymen very much. I would like to thank you personally for being there for Filipinos across the globe. You are an incredible ambassador for the country and a much loved icon on Philippine cinema. Thank you also so much for supporting President Rodrigo Duterte, who like yourself loves the Philippines and her people very much. You were never racist at all, as some filipinos have claimed, in fact I truly wish others were able to be outspoken and stand up for their beliefs in a very clear and passionate manner. Mabuhay ka sir at maraming salamat po. Respectfully yours Malcolm”

A post shared by robin padilla (@robinhoodpadilla) on Jan 14, 2018 at 2:11pm PST