A WISE man once said, “Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual.”
But it does come with some pretty basic rules on how NOT to be viral and hated in a span of 24 hours. This involves not wishing unemployment to anyone—or everyone, so to speak (direct or implied); not publicly accusing a major company of alleged sexual harassment and discrimination, or maybe not engage in a twitter/FB dialogue war with “Darna.”
However, it seems that Duterte-appointee Jimmy Bondoc didn’t get the memo on this ‘coz he blatantly violated all of the above and has now gotten himself into a position that nobody wants or would ever want to be in.
And so, we ask: how not to be a Jimmy Bondoc?
It started with a post that is, in my opinion, just asking – rather begging – for an expected reaction.
In Bondoc’s own words in a Facebook post:
“I AM EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR DEMISE. I know how this sounds. And I know the nasty comments which are bound to come. I don’t care. If you think COMELEC is bad, wait until you see the real machinery that is known as “the biggest network…This is not schadenfreude. This is hope! This is for real change. You have COUNTLESS VICTIMS, from sexual harassment to plain and simple bullying.”
“I am so happy that your time has come.”
It is impossible to ignore that kind of post. And as I have predicted, people would definitely react – and they did! Moments later, ABS-CBN contract artist Angel Locsin posted a comment calling out the singer (who was appointed vice president for entertainment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) saying, “Let me be the one to break this news to you so you don’t have to make excuses,” she began, playing on the lyrics of Bondoc’s hit song.
“The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you,” she said.
She continued:
“Nung sumikat ka ba may na experience ka na sexual harassment? (When you became famous, did you experience sexual harassment?) If yes, I encourage you and all the victims to report this to the police. But generalizing that sexual favor is a prerequisite to success is just wrong.”
On Thursday, May 23, Bondoc took to Facebook to clarify his statement. Calling her “Mam,” Bondoc said:
“Why would I be happy for loss of jobs? That is a false assumption. Kayo po ang nag-generalize, hindi ako (You were the one who generalized it not me). When a network (any network) closes, it can mean a change of management or ownership.
“Ibig po sabihin (It means), deserving employees would probably be retained. Therefore, there is nothing in my post that connotes happiness over the termination of employees, but rather, the termination of the network’s system; Thank you for your prayers, although I am not having a bad day. But prayers are always needed especially if sincere.”
To which Locsin replied:
“Let me ask: if you acknowledge the imperfection of the network, do you have any comments on the acquisition of ownership by its current owners in light of the allegations that it was transferred to them to the disadvantage of the government?”
In her recent tweet, Locsin said to Bondoc: “As you said ‘when a network closes it can mean a change of management or ownership’ keyword is can. I’m speaking for the thousands of employees that will have no job security if this happens.”
“The assumption I gave I coming from your statement that you are excited for the network to CLOSE. I am not a lawyer nor am I a politician. I have no knowledge of how it was acquired.”
On allegations of sexual harassment and rigged contests, Locsin encouraged Bondoc to report it to proper authorities. “Don’t just rant on Facebook. Your rant discredits the artists the truly worked hard to get to where they are,” she said.
“Magtulungan tayo at huwag magsiraan (Let’s help one another and not destroy each other). Let’s not wish ill of others rather let’s look for the proper solution. And yes, I was sincere when I said I will pray for you. Have a good day.”
While that was Locsin’s last statement, messages of encouragement and affirmation started pouring in from artists from other TV network and employees of ABS-CBN. I say, if there’s one good thing that’s been brought out by this man’s tirade, that is witnessing the overflowing support of the people who care to defend the station’s goodwill.
But what can you do to never be in Bondoc’s place? How do you not get yourself in situations that you could have easily avoided in the first place? My simple answer is: don’t use social media as an outlet of your personal vendetta and frustrations especially if it’s unwarranted.
Secondly, know your enemy. Bondoc obviously has some unsettled grudge against the TV network but it would be wise for him to settle that matter privately because apparently, not everybody shares his beliefs. Lastly, whatever you do, do not – I repeat – DO NOT ever pick a fight with Darna. Just kidding. On a serious note, a blanket statement such as “I eagerly wait for your demise” would inevitably be taken as “a message for everyone” and not to “someone in particular.”
In my experience, the saying “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” has saved me many times than I can count. Maybe people in a position like Jimmy Bondoc should do the same for his own sake.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
