A tamer Bela Padilla mag cover

FHM was forced to “tame down” its cover for the March issue featuring Bela Padilla.

The men’s mag had planned a cover that had Bela front and center with dark-skinned women crowding the background, and with the title, “Bela Padilla Stepping Out of the Shadows.” But when the cover was promoted, it created a furor for being “racist.”

Stung by the barbs, FHM’s publisher issued an apology. "We took all the points into consideration and have decided to take the side of sensitivity,” he said. “When FHM hits the stands in March it will have a different cover. We deem this to be the most prudent move in the light of the confusion over the previous cover execution.”

The magazine also apologized to Bela “for any distress this may have caused her. In our pursuit to come up with edgier covers, we will strive to be more sensitive next time."

Bela herself explained that the cover “had nothing to do with racial discrimination...The concept was stepping out of MY inhibitions, MY fears, MY shadows. Not bashing a certain race."

The new cover has Bela standing solo and the rather stilted title “I Want to Emerge in My Own Name.”

* * *

Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez has climbed another rung in her quest to be the American Idol. The 16-year-old from Chula Vista, California, has made it to show’s Top 13.

She received a standing ovation for her rendition of Jennifer Hudson's Love You I Do. "The voice to be reckoned with in this whole competition," raved judge Randy Jackson. "The whole thing is really so beyond your years - it's crazy," gushed Jennifer Lopez. "You've got exceptional timing. Your pitch is perfect," hailed Steven Tyler.

Five other Idol contestants of Filipino descent had reached the show’s finals: Camille Velasco, Ramiele Malubay, Jasmine Trias and Thia Megia.

Way to go, Jessica!

* * *

Also courting controversy is the music video of the Mocha Girls.

In the video for their song Pinay Ako, the all-female group wore outfits that were inspired by the Philippine flag. That sent up red flags among the ultra patriots. But the girls defended their get-ups, saying they did not mean to disrespect the flag.

The outfits symbolize the modern Filipina, who is courageous, open-minded, and wise, explained Mocha Uson, the group’s lead singer. “The concept is being proud as a Filipina and the most beautiful symbol of that concept is the Philippine flag,” she said.

Instead of waving the flag, the Mocha Girls choose to wear. Hmm, I see nothing wrong with that.

* * *

They have long been flinging nasty remarks at each other, but last week, Annabelle Rama and Wilma Galvante finally hugged and made up.

The occasion was Ms. Galvante’s 60th birthday bash which was hosted by Regal doyen Lily Monteverde. According to Philippine Star Entertainment Editor Ricky Lo, it was Mother Lily who brought the two together.

The feisty Annabelle had confessed that she texted “bad words” to Wilma, and she credited Wilma for ignoring her tirades. For her part, the Senior Vice President for GMA’s Entertainment Group said “walang personalan, trabaho lang” (nothing personal, it’s part of the job).

Will the truce hold? Keep tuned in, folks.

* * *

Music megastar Justin Beiber turned 18 last week, and guess what his manager gave him for a present?

A $100,000 Fisker Karma electric luxury car. That’s what I call a really expensive toy.

* * *

For the 100th episode of GMA-7’s AHA today, the cast gambols in the sands of Ilocos Norte.

Doorah Lakwatchera visits the spectacular sand dunes of Ilocos and tries the new craze: sand boarding Drew Arellano goes sand riding in his 4x4.

The team also drops by Ilocos Norte’s other famous landmarks, including Paoay Church and the Bangui windmills.