Daboy was hopping mad at Robby after he found out that Robby and Joed Serrano were responsible for the humiliation his group had suffered at the Narita airport in Japan the other weekend.
The group, which included Alma Moreno, her boyfriend Gerald Martin Madrid, and her two children, Vittorio Jose and Maria Maal, were detained by Japanese immigration at the airport apparently on the strength of a letter Robby sent to the Japanese embassy in Manila.
Robby said one of the group, Viva Hotmen Justin de Leon, was going to perform in Tokyo without the consent of his employer. After being detained for several hours, Daboy and company were loaded into a plane back to Manila.
No wonder the action star began hunting for Robby and Joed the moment he returned from Narita. On Tuesday, he learned that Robby was in the Viva office at the Tektite Towers in Pasig City. Robby holds office there as consultant for International Events and Bookings.
What happened next was straight out of one of Daboy's action thriller. He caught up with Robby at the Viva office and confronted him. According to Robby, Daboy was livid and shouted at him: "You humiliated me! Do you know who you are up against?"
Robby had the bruises to show when he went to the Eastern Police Department headquarters to report the incident.
Robby has since filed formal charges against Daboy and Daboy countered with charges of his own.
The incident revealed the bitter rivalry between groups who regularly send celebrity performers to Japan. It appears that Robby and Joed themselves regularly book name actors and singers for shows there.
The two, who are alumni of That's Entertainment, reportedly tell on rival promoters. My source tells me Robby and Joed were responsible for the similar humiliation JayR and Jenine Desiderio were subjected to in Japan.
Lolit Solis, Rudy's manager, was among the first to denounce Robby and Joed for their supposedly underhanded tactics. Tita Lolit marched to the Viva office to clear things up with Viva Big Boss Vic del Rosario.
Tita Lolit was shown the letter Robby sent to the Japanese embassy and it all became clear to her.
Here's the letter in full.
Ms. Shuhei Ogawa
Japan Embassy Manila
Dear Ms. Ogawa,
This is to inform you that Michael de Leon (a.k.a Justin de Leon) of Viva Hotmen as of this writing, is on his way to Japan to render his services as a performer tonight at Musikhall Club, Tokyo, Japan, with Rudy Fernandez, Alma Moreno (Vanessa Lacsamana) and comedian named Hubes (a.k.a Ariel Azarcon).
Please be advised that Michael's booking was not authorized by our Company. Michael has an Agency and Management Agreement for three (3) years with our Company, Viva Artists Agency Inc. This notwithstanding, Michael was able to secure a booking for an engagement without the consent of our Company.
In view of the foregoing, this request is for any assistance you may be able to extend to our Company, including stopping Michael from performing in said unauthorized activity.
Looking forward to your kind accommodation.
Very truly yours,
(signed) Robby Tarroza
Consultant for International Events and Bookings
"The letter is proof of malice on Robby's part," said Tita Lolit. "Their purpose is to stop the show because it will coincide with the show of Aubrey Miles and Gary Estrada which they are promoting. And they did it without even notifying Gary's manager (Arnold Vegafria). As a result, Arnold has dropped Gary."
Tita Lolit also explained to the Professional Artist Managers Incorporated (PAMI) which met Tuesday night that Alma was invited to Japan by the Filipino community there. "If she were performing, she wouldn't have brought her two children with her."
Robby reportedly denies that he implicated the entire group in his letter. He said he was only after Justin de Leon. The irony of it all is that only Justin was the only one allowed to enter Japan!
Speaking of Direk Laurice, she walked out during the Cinemanila awards night. The reason? Manila Mayor chose the occasion to announce that Jackie Atienza (who happens to be the mayor's cousin) was taking over as head of the Film Development Council. It wasn't totally Mayor Atienza's fault. Direk Laurice had not been informed that her appointment at the council had not been renewed. The mayor meanwhile had no idea his cousin's appointment had not yet been officially announced.