[Philippine Daily Inquirer]
“She’s an ingrate. She was nothing when I revived her show biz career. Now that she’s earning a lot, she has become conceited,” said a fuming Annabelle Rama of her ward, actress Heart Evangelista.
At a lunch gathering that she hosted on Thursday, Annabelle said she felt hurt and disappointed with Heart and the actress’ mother, Cecile Ongpauco.
Still binding
“I sealed the biggest contract for her with GMA 7; I helped her get the biggest projects, but she still wasn’t satisfied,” the feisty talent manager said. “When her mom got hold of the contract, which was good for three years, naduling yata sa figures. The next day, the mother told me, ‘Ayaw ko nang mag-renew... Can I just manage my daughter’s career? I need the 30-percent (commission)...’”
Annabelle added: “I don’t mind her not renewing the contract, but I hope she’s aware that she is still tied to me for a year. In all my years as a talent manager, I’ve not encountered someone like her. Malalaos din ’yan.”
Annabelle claimed that “Heart was not able to get from her former home station even one-fourth of what I helped her get from GMA 7.”
From ABS-CBN, Heart transferred to GMA 7 on April 23, 2008. Her mom and Annabelle, who acted as co-managers, were with her when she signed an exclusive contract with the Kapuso network.
The actress again signed a two-year deal with GMA 7 on July 15, 2010.
‘Not a superstar’
She added that Heart turned down the chance to join a fashion show titled “Spotlight” on Oct. 28 organized by Royale Artist Management. The event, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig, features all of Annabelle’s talents. “When she found out that she was going on the ramp with other talents, she said no. Kapag may kasama siyang pangit, nandidiri siya. It shouldn’t be that way. She’s not a superstar,” said Annabelle.
Heart reacts
The actress, in her Twitter account @heart021485, posted this response: “I will always be grateful to everyone (who) helped along the way. No need for bad words... Contracts are made to end and not renewing it is something the other party [Annabelle] is not happy (about). (My) GMA (family) has always co-managed my career and there’s nothing wrong with that... ”
In a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment through GMA 7, Cecile stressed that she had always been her daughter’s “main manager.” She also said it is her and Heart’s “decision and prerogative” not to renew the co-management contract with Annabelle.
Cecile added: “We have always been behind Heart’s decisions, projects and career moves even (after) we hired Anabelle Rama (as) co-manager. We do not wish to dignify her wrongful statements toward Heart.”
