Friends are practically family – that’s why when it comes to protecting your friends, you would be more than willing to put anything on the line.
After getting much criticism for the viral video of her and her friends laughing at a letter sent by a mom who was asking for help, actress Gretchen Barretto decided that this is where she draws the line – and stopped her wish-granting campaign on social media.
But this is not because the bashers were attacking her. In fact, she boldly said she doesn’t care about the insults hurled at her. The actress even said she was proud to be called a kabit or mistress, which was what many of her bashers were calling her.
But when she learned that the bashers were already targeting her non-showbiz friends Patty Pineda and Mimi Que, who were both part of the viral video, she decided to put her foot down.
The actress feels that she is responsible for the backlash against her friends, both of whom are private individuals. She further expressed that she feels shame that her friends and family are now also being caught up in the issue.
Gretchen Barretto Will Still Be Helping Others, Though, But Not As Publicly
image courtesy: Gretchen Barretto Instagram account
“We are going to bid goodbye not because we are… not because we are gonna back down, but because marami po ang mga tao na nadadamay rito,” Gretchen shared during her live session on Instagram last Tuesday, June 12.
The actress further thanked her Instagram followers for allowing them the chance to become a blessing, and said that she’ll do it “the other way around” and will be as quiet about it as possible.
But wait, theres’ more. Gretchen then addressed her bashers by bringing on a challenge.
“I hope you can take on the challenge each time you bash me. Why don’t you try and do what we are doing: grant chemotherapy, grant dialysis?” the actress said.
As a public figure, we all know Gretchen is one of the strongest women celebrities out there – that’s why the way she reacted to the issue is a little surprising.
However, a battle involving her friends is no doubt a totally different matter.
Need help?
It’s truly heartwarming to see celebrities like Gretchen Barretto who doesn’t think twice to extend a helping hand to those in need!
But let’s not forget that if we need any sort of assistance, there are lots of other places where we can ask for help. Such as:
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
- Non-profit Foundations and Charities: UNICEF Philippines, iVolunteer Philippines, Make a Wish Foundation, World Vision Philippines, etc.
If it is in our power to help, as long as our time and resources allow, then we should strive to help others. One small act of kindness can go a long way, even if we don’t broadcast it on social media.
source: PEP
Also READ: “I am happily his mistress”—Gretchen Barretto on longtime partner Tonyboy Cojuangco