Nadine Samonte recalls getting 'snubbed' at GMA Gala 2024: 'Umiyak na ako doon'
Nadine Samonte detailed how she was allegedly snubbed and mistreated at the recently concluded GMA Gala, saying that the incident left her "frustrated," "down," and "lost."
In a video interview published on talent manager Ogie Diaz's vlog titled Showbiz Update, the actress claimed that she was not included in the guest list even though she was able to confirm her attendance ahead of the event.
“Paglabas ko kahapon sa event, hindi ko na natapos 'yung program. I was so frustrated and so down and lost. I guess that’s the right word na parang ‘What happened?’ Parang ganun 'yung nangyari sa akin," she recalled. "So, my team was so mad and hugged me when I went up. Umiyak na ako doon."
"Noong binigyan nila ako ng invitation for that gala, nag-RSVP kaagad ako. Kapag hindi ka raw kasama sa RSVP, hindi ka raw makakapasok. So nag-RSVP na ako. I even asked them if I can bring my husband pero sabi nila I cannot, walang plus one. So sabi ko, 'Okay, sige, it’s okay,'” Nadine said.
According to the local star, she even pointed out to the organizer that she has an upcoming show that's set to air on the network.
“Pagdating ko doon, kahapon, kagabi, my name was not on the list. Okay, so ang sabi ko, 'Pero nag-RSVP po ako.' My handler was there also. Tapos sabi, 'Eh wala ka po dito. Ano po bang apelyido?' Lahat na ng apelyido ko sinabi ko na. Sabi ko, 'Mayroon po akong show ngayon, 'yung Forever Young pero hindi pa ini-air.' They were looking, they were thinking saan ako iuupo," she recalled.
Nadine said she was later given a seat but she was the only person at the table. "Nagulat ako, it was dulong-dulong table and walang nakaupo doon, ako lang."
"Nakaramdam naman ako na 'What happened?' Nag-RSVP ako, they even messaged me lahat ng list ng pangalan ng artista na papasok ng 6 to 7 p.m. and andoon ako sa list. How come wala ako sa list ng registration? So dun palang, nagtataka na ako na I feel so kawawa na everybody was going sa akin, na parang 'Nadine are you okay?' 'Okay ka lang ba dyan?'" she shared.
The Kapuso star said she was frustrated over what happened because she prepared for the gala for a year. "I prepared for this since last year pa. Lahat ng efforts ko, binigay ko talaga. 'Yung team ko, they were so excited dumating 'tong event na to and I'm just hoping last night na naayos yung situation ko, 'yung nangyari sakin ng tama."
The actress, however, stressed that she remains grateful to GMA for inviting her to the affair. "Well, 'yun lang masama lang talaga loob ko, Tito Ogie, pero its okay, I'm thankful naman sa GMA kasi kahit papano na-iinvite ako sa ganitong malaking event na once a year."
"I hope next year, the production will be more vigilant," she said.
This comes after her stylist, Miss Keith, expressed her disappointment on X about the alleged unfair treatment of an artist at the recent gala. She didn't mention Nadine's name in the post.
"Treat your artists right. Kahit na di yan prime niyo. Ba't kayo magiinvite pero wala pala sa listahan. 'Wag niyo unahin mga influencers na ininvite niyo. So disappointing Sparkle GMA Artist Center #GMAGala2024 CHEAP!" she wrote.
Her post was followed by a photo where Nadine is seen wearing an Aubrey Hepburn-inspired look. Keith wrote in the caption: "She deserves a seat at the table."
GMA Gala is a fundraiser for the GMA Kapuso Foundation. Beauty queens, influencers, celebrities, and network executives attended the recently concluded event that marked its third edition.
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to Sparkle GMA Artist Center for comment, but has yet to receive a reply.