Did action star Robin Padilla push the boundaries when he forced a Korean contestant in “Pilipinas Got Talent” to speak in Pilipino?
This after netizens slammed Padilla who described him as rude when he scolded a foreign contestant during the broadcast of the reality show last Sunday night.
At the show, Padilla asked Korean Kim Jiwan, 20, to speak in Pilipino when he showed his talent in performing magic tricks.
“Iho, Pilipinas Got Talent. Magtagalog ka kasi magmumukha kaming katawa-tawa kung mag e-English kami dito para sa’yo. Pilipinas Got Talent. Magtagalog ka, iho,” said Padilla who refused take part in his magic tricks unless he would speak in Pilipino.
Actress Angel Locsin, a co-judge in the reality show, came to the rescue and coached Kim on how to speak the Filipino dialect.
Kim eventually made the effort to speak in Pilipino. When he did, Padilla went up to the foreigner, hugged him and shook his hand.
The Korean also apologized to the judges as he vowed to learn how to speak the Filipino language.
“Sorry for my lack of Tagalog. I do apologize, Robin, again for my lack of Tagalog. I promise next time I will learn,” said Jiwan.
Padilla also apologized to Kim. “Pasensya ka na anak ha, anak na rin kita. Nadisiplina ka lang ng tatay mo. ‘Yun na lang ang isipin mo. Nadisiplina ka ng tatay mong Pilipino.”
Last Sunday, Padilla posted a patriotic message on Instagram. “Filipino Hospitality is far different from slavery and stupidity..mahalin mo ang bayan mo at ang lahimo lalo ang wikamo bago ang lahi at wika at bayan ng dayuhan. Always Fight for your freedom to gain respect never allow a foreign power to intimidate you in your country just because they are rich. Be a proud Filipino!!! Mabuhay ang lahing kayumanggi!! Mabuhay ang Tagalog Republic!!!”
Some fans of “PGT” praised Padilla for his patriotism.
A foreigner who identified himself as Malcolm wrote an open letter to Padilla. A portion of the letter read: “I have watched the clip of Pilipinas Got Talent several times where a Korean national is performing a magic set as part of his audition to the judges;
“The contestant explained that he had grown up in the Philippines but had not learnt Tagalog as he attended an international school;
