(SPOT.ph) If you've watched the hugot-filled Camp Sawi or the blockbuster hit that was Love You to the Stars and Back, then you've probably heard one of Moira Dela Torre's songs. The singer recently came under fire when she performed for an event called "Marcos Fest" in Ilocos Norte on September 15. Some users on the Internet called out the singer for performing for the Marcoses. Dela Torre defended herself, saying that she didn't know the event was called Marcos Fest as she was told that the event was called "Ilocano Millennial Night."
No i didn't.???? From the earlier reminders til before we got there, they addressed it as the Ilocano Millenial Night. Not once was his name brought up. So let me be clear about this: i performed for the people of Ilocos and NOT for Marcos. pic.twitter.com/0ks5XJXZF5
— Moira Dela Torre (@moirarachelle4) September 15, 2018
In a tweet, she says, "From the earlier reminders til before we got there, they addressed it as the Ilocano Millenial (sic) Night. Not once was his name brought up. So let me be clear about this: I performed for the people of Ilocos and NOT for Marcos."
It's been two years. I've seen more things, i've learned more. I deleted it because that came from a time when I didn't know any better.???? This Marcos Fest was supposed to be called I-Millenial Fest. I AM NOT A MARCOS APOLOGETIC. Never will i be.
— Moira Dela Torre (@moirarachelle4) September 15, 2018
Another user brought up a screenshot of Dela Torre's since-deleted tweet about President Duterte. "While I do believe President Duterte can still improve his speeches, I also believe that God did not make him our leader by accident," she says. Dela Torre again explains her side, saying she didn't know any better at the time. She also declares that she isn't a supporter of Marcos. "This Marcos Fest was supposed to be called I-Millenial (sic) Fest. I AM NOT A MARCOS APOLOGETIC (sic). Never will I be."
It was the producer who failed to give us all the information. I think he purposely left that out to keep us from not accepting the event.... which makes me even angrier.
— Moira Dela Torre (@moirarachelle4) September 15, 2018
Dela Torre claims that the producer of the event didn't inform her team that the event was organized for Marcos.
But the organizer of the event, Aian Raquel, refuted Dela Torre's claims on a Facebook post. "Nobody tricked you, Moira Dela Torre. You knew that the event was called 'Marcos Fest,' at the very least posters were up even before you flew to Laoag. Don't make it seem like we lied to get you to perform. Ask your agent and your manager about it and please, don't blame the 'producers.'"
The Internet seemed to be divided about the issue. Some sided with Dela Torre and believed her explanation of what happened—or at least, gave her the benefit of the doubt.
Ang kitid ng approach na to. While I’m not pro-Marcos, I will give Moira the benefit of the doubt kung bakit hindi niya macall-out if niloko nga siya into performing for the Marcoses
— FJ (@AngryFerds) September 15, 2018
Hindi sila basta-bastang pamilya na binabangga mo. Especially if you’re not a nobody, like her https://t.co/dAWrKmJe6p
actually instead of attacking or “cancelling” Moira for not knowing any better regarding the event, can we put all the blame on the organizers instead who did not disclose the festival would be for Marcos, the dictator.
— Renzo Lumanog (@renzorg) September 16, 2018
And sa totoo, she has managers handling her bookings. https://t.co/n7WR4diiYi
Tbh, di ko gets ‘yung pagcall out ng “liar,” “closet apologist” kay Moira, bringing out receipts after she spelled M-A-R-C-O-S out az a cannot be now?
— CJ Galunan (@whimwanders) September 16, 2018
Guys, our politics develop in a process ok, we’re allowed to have had problematic opinions before we arrived at where we are now
Others dug up what is supposedly proof that the singer knew it was called "Marcos Fest" as she liked Facebook posts about the event. Marcos supporters attacked her for declaring that she herself isn't a supporter. Meanwhile, those who are anti-Marcos called her out for hugging and performing with Governor Imee Marcos beside her.
You knew it was for Ferdinand Marcos days before the actual event. pic.twitter.com/0QUT3eYc68
— Andro (@paranoid_androo) September 16, 2018
From what I understand Moira isn't telling the truth when she said hindi niya alam na Marcos event yung Sept. 11 concert kasi she was liking pubmats for the event Sept. 7 palang. She could've easily backed-out instead of issuing statements after the backlash, but that's just me.
— claudine (@stephjaurigue) September 16, 2018
Moira: It's been two years. I've seen more things, i've learned more. I deleted it because that came from a time when I didn't know any better.???? This Marcos Fest was supposed to be called I-Millenial Fest. I AM NOT A MARCOS APOLOGETIC. Never will I be.
— hana (@hiraghannah) September 16, 2018
Me: uhHhHHm.???¿??? pic.twitter.com/rnOv6AC6Q4
Moira dela Torre is a different kind of mess. She managed to make both anti-Marcos and pro-Marcos people mad at her lmao
— kae #EndContractualization (@kaeofficial) September 16, 2018
Tbh I don't get the sudden outrage towards Moira dela Torre now. She's been riding on the fame of her song that's incredibly problematic and regressive to the LGBT struggle. Not to mention she did a jingle for SM who's notorious for contractualization.
— MM (@MaraMadrid) September 16, 2018
so the real name of “ilocano millennial night” was “marcos fest” that allegedly tricked moira dela torre into performing
— jade francis castro (@castrojade) September 15, 2018
other possible real names of things that may be tricking you & me:
charter change = marcos fest
elections = marcos fest
anything duterte does = marcos fest
Some wanted to bring up what the real issue is amid all the miscommunication and confusion.
Paalala lang: ang alyansang Duterte-Marcos-Arroyo ang kalaban natin, hindi si Moira.
— PT International Normie Ratio (@SabiNiDok) September 16, 2018
Dela Torre has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.