How do you handle rumors about you?

When I was studying in UP, I was so amused by a schoolmate of mine whom I met for the first time and who told me stories about my dad. I let her tell her stories and then when she was done I calmly told her that the stories she told me were untrue. She asked me how I was so sure that her stories were all lies. "I know because he’s my dad," I said. My schoolmate was so embarrassed by what she had said and she apologized to me.

These rumors were started after my dad, who just entered politics, won as Member of Parliament in 1986. It was then that I realized how much a part of the daily lives of prominent people rumors were moreso if the person was from showbiz or politics. Rumors can be so destructive because they are created and spread by people with nothing better to do, and chances are these people are insecure and they envy the people they seek to destroy. For this week I asked famous people how they deal with rumors about themselves, here’s what they had to say.

Majority Floor Leader LOREN LEGARDA: I take everything in stride, perform my work the best way I know how and focus on my blessings. That makes me both happy and fulfilled.

SHARON CUNETA-PANGILINAN, megastar: I just don’t make them pansin, whether these are true or not. Kasi it’s my life and I know myself best. When the rumors get out of hand, sometimes I decide to issue a statement. If they still won’t die down, I ignore them! I’m so sanay na. Sometimes nga I’d read something about me na di ko alam! Rumors have taught me early on not to judge people too quickly just by what I hear about them. That is one good thing naman that was brought about by lots of chismis about me.

KRIS AQUINO, TV host: I’ve learned to laugh at rumors and roll with the punches. I’ve learned to pick myself up. Most of all, I’ve learned to distinguish between what deserves a reaction and an explanation and what is best left ignored.

KORINA SANCHEZ, news anchor: There was a time when I would scurry and my heart would skip a beat to correct nasty rumors. Being in the news I didn’t believe I had to gauge my popularity by being talked about. I have realized that I should feel flattered that I make such a good copy thus it comes with the territory. There are unbelievable rumors even about Jesus Christ, for goodness sake. So let them talk. Now I react only to published falsities that aim to destroy my parents’ hard-earned reputation for honesty. Otherwise all these rumors apparently even increase my likability and trust ratings. I came out no. 1 in the four news categories for news anchors nationwide in an SWS Survey and I am humbled. Well, it should be an honor to be a constant topic in the Filipino’s national pastime, right?

MARTIN NIEVERA, singer: I don’t handle the rumor. It handles me. I am only human. I make mistakes too, but since I have chosen to be in showbiz, I almost always have to expect a rumor or two from time to time. It’s the price we pay for being who we are. I am glad to be who I am and not who I want to be. The greater the mission, the higher the price.

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POPS FERNANDEZ, singer: If I’m hit by rumors, I usually don’t answer them na. The less of a big deal they are, the better that is for me. Hopefully, they just die a natural death.

DIETHER OCAMPO, actor: Since rumors are inevitable, I just ignore them. Less talk, less mistake. I make more effort to develop my image so that I can earn people’s respect. With that, things will be rectified on their own.

Ilocos Representative IMEE MARCOS: I don’t. I blithely ignore the nasty little what-nots, or if I’m in the mood, I get creative and add new bits like "when I was hijacked in Ecuador with the rest of the Pasha’s harem." That should confuse even the original rumor monger.

Lipa City Mayor VILMA SANTOS-RECTO: I used to be very sensitive when I was younger. Through the years I’ve learned my lessons. I’ve been in this business for more than half of my life and as long as the issues or intrigues are not true or are mere fabrications, I don’t owe anybody any explanation. By now I think that people know me well.

RAJO LAUREL, fashion designer: My reaction is based on the type of rumors that are being spread about me. If the rumors are inconsequential or petty, I just shrug them off. However, if the rumors are harmful and vicious, specifically against my family and loved ones, then this is how I handle them: 1) I cry, because that’s what I do when I feel bad; 2) I seek solace and support from my family and friends; 3) I also seek comfort and guidance from God through prayers, so as to enable me to overcome the negative rumors; and 4) after all this, I let go.