‘I Am Pinoy’ producer declines to state fate of show host

Ethel Cantor Constantino, the face of the pro-Duterte video program ‘I am Pinoy Proud Ako’

Ethel Cantor Constantino, the face of the pro-Duterte Internet-based program ‘I am Pinoy Proud Ako’

By Cristina DC Pastor

“It’s nothing personal.”

With these words, “I Am Pinoy Proud Ako” (IAPPA) producer Rena Avendula declined comment on the departure of Ethel Cantor Constantino as the show’s host and co-founder.

When reached by The FilAm, she stressed the two-year-old show – which features entertainment and politics — will continue to air via Facebook Live. Co-host Joel Inocencio will continue to host the program, and he will partner with Rianne Avendula, her niece.

“We will continue our advocacy and thank you and I appreciate (people’s) concern,” said Avendula, who is also the owner of Payag Restaurant in Queens, a cargo forwarding company, and a staffing agency.

By advocacy, she meant the IAPPA’s continued support for the government of President Rodrigo Duterte and his campaign to rid the country of drugs. His ‘war on drugs,’ resulting in the death of more than 8,000 suspected drug dealers and users, has raised concerns among human rights groups around the world. Human Rights Watch in New York called the killings “extrajudicial executions.” The show is identified as a supporter of Duterte.

Avendula declined to state categorically that Constantino has left, preferring to “keep quiet.”

“Akin na lang iyon,” she said. “Ang ayaw ko lang, ayokong magka watak-watak mga Pilipino. I want unity.”

She also stressed that whatever rumors are floating around, “it did not come from us.”

The commentary against a supposed fundraiser by opposition leader Loida Nicolas Lewis.

The commentary against a supposed fundraiser by opposition leader Loida Nicolas Lewis.

One of the rumors has to do with Constantino’s recent commentary about a fundraiser held at the residence of Loida Nicolas-Lewis, a Manhattan millionaire who has called on Duterte to resign. It was actually a fundraiser initiated by civil society leader Vicky Garchitorena for her non-government organization to benefit women in the Philippines. She was able to raise $500.

In that commentary aired recently, Constantino called out the opposition for its “shocking” and “disgusting” fundraiser.

She said: “Nakakainis lang kasi. Sa dinami daming puwedeng gawin ng oposisyon, dito sa New York nagkaroon po sila ng fundraising event. Fundraising para sa planong pagoust kay President Duterte. And of course para suportahan si Matobato at si Lascanas. I was really shocked nung nalaman ko ito.

“Napaka hindi makatao, masasabi ko, maraming niloloko and grupo ng mga Dilawan. Kagabi po ginawa nila sa tahanan ni Loida Lewis, and it’s disgusting kasi hindi nila sinabi talaga kung para saan yung event na iyan…nakakainit ng ulo.”

Avendula said she had not watched that episode of Constantino who delivered her blistering commentary outside of the show’s studio, while eating halal food.

“I didn’t see that video yun lang masasabi ko,” she said. “I have so much respect for Ate Loida.”

Avendula said her support for Duterte remains strong and undiminished. IAPPA will continue for as long as she is around and the show still enjoys the support of volunteers.

“The show will continue its advocacy for the Filipinos hanggang nandiyan ako, hanggang may volunteers,” she said. “Wala tayong inaapakan.”

About 70 volunteers keep the show running, she said. This includes the 25 mostly young people who assist in the studio during taping, and about 50 people called ‘partners for change’ who help out with special projects. She commended her motivated volunteers. They bring food and water during taping and make sure they do not impose on her hospitality as a restaurant owner. She said the show’s weekly Facebook Live has about 75K followers.

The FilAm has sent emails to Constantino. When a statement becomes available, we will update the story.

Constantino with IAPPA producer and co-founder Rena Avendula. ‘I want unity for all Filipinos.’ Facebook photo

Constantino with IAPPA producer and co-founder Rena Avendula. ‘I want unity for all Filipinos.’ Facebook photo



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