Nina Ricci Alagao apologizes to Toni Gonzaga

MANILA, Philippines - Nina Ricci Alagao apologized to Toni Gonzaga and her fans, after she made comments about the latter's hosting stint at the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 pageant on Sunday.

Some netizens, including Alagao, thought that the Kapamilya host-actress did an inappropriate hosting stint at the pageant.

“I apologize. If it will appease her fans then I apologize, but not without pointing out a few things,” said 2000 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe winner on her post on Monday.

One of the things she pointed out was that she is a fan of Gonzaga.

“I admire her confidence and determination,” she said. “I have seen all her movies, been moved to tears and burst with laughter with her acts, and will continue to do so in the future.”

She also denied saying that Gonzaga is not a good host, clarifying that “ I did not criticize her, nor her performance last night in general. It was specifically the Q&A I tackled, and my intention was not how many of you might have interpreted it.”

She even admitted laughing at the comedienne's antics, but emphasized that “we should apply humor where appropriate. I commend her for her effort to lift the candidates' spirits and ease their tension with her jokes, but I wish they were more carefully chosen.”

In another post, one point that Alagao clarified is the allegations that she's degrading “alalays” or assistants.

On her previous post, which was already taken down, the former beauty queen was quoted saying “try going back 15 years to the time when she was brown-skinned, her nose untrimmed; to the time when she would pass by and you would not take notice; and the time she was not allowed into a TV network building because she was mistaken for an alalay. Maybe that would remind her how it once felt to be humiliated, and be a little more forgiving with people who aren't perfect.”

On her recent post she said that the term “alalay” never had a negative connotation for her.

“I do not treat people on the basis of their appearance, race, class or accomplishments in life, so do not begin to lecture me on how I should treat people,” she said.

In the end, Alagao said she doesn't “crave fame or attention,” especially since many has been saying negative comments about her and even her family after he comments about Gonzaga's hosting stint.

“I choose not to dwell on the negative, and try not to miss the lesson in every circumstance. Let constructive criticism remain what it is, and not be turned into something it's not and should not be,” she said.