MANILA — Actress Coleen Garcia on Tuesday came to her husband’s defense, after singer-host Billy Crawford was subjected to criticism over his appearance.

Crawford was a trending topic on social media due to his leaner physique and natural look, which spurred a slew of negative comments from netizens.

Garcia, with a touch of love and humor, gave a reality check for the naysayers while posting her own imperfections in a series of Instagram Stories.

“There’s this viral photo kasi of Billy going around kaya I felt the need to address it without directly addressing it,” said Coleen, referring to a snapshot that has been circulating on social media, causing quite a stir among fans and bashers alike.

The photo in question showcases Billy in a light seldom seen by the public, devoid of the makeup and styling that accompanies his television appearances.

Coleen Garcia’s response to her husband’s critics. IG/@coleen

The actress then sheds light on what is often hidden behind the camera. “Actually, I don’t know if you’ve ever seen him before without makeup. But long before we even started dating, he’s always had dark under eye circles and major hair loss na,” she revealed.

It’s an intimate revelation that humanizes the man often seen as an indefatigable entertainer on shows like “Showtime” and “ASAP.”

Garcia pointed out that Crawford’s current appearance is nothing out of the ordinary for those who know him offstage.

“Natatago lang talaga pag naka hair and makeup,” she said. She emphasizes that the “major hair loss” and “dark circles” have always been part of Billy’s look, well before their relationship began, and that the only real change is his weight loss.

“I wish we had photos from 10 years ago to show na he’s always had those dark circles and matagal na siyang walang hair,” she says with a hint of jest.

This statement not only defends her husband’s natural look but also calls out the unrealistic standards set by the industry and the public’s perception of celebrities, most importantly the pressure to always appear picture-perfect.

Coleen’s heartfelt words are a reminder that the glitz and glamor seen on screen are often just a veneer. “Syempre people just see the glammed-up version of us lang, which isn’t really how we look on a daily basis,” she said.

In speaking out, Garcia seeks not just to protect her husband from the harsh glare of public opinion but also to champion the right of individuals to be comfortable in their own skin, famous or not. She also assures their fans that they are doing “better than ever,” though she candidly reveals the pressures of their demanding schedules.

“Medyo ngarag lang cause we’ve both been working more than usual while balancing a lot of things. Lalo na si Billy. He’s out of town now overnight lang, but he just came from France for a month, then he’s leaving for the US next week,”  Coleen shared.

The international component of Billy’s schedule is notably packed, with extended periods away from home. “He’ll mostly be in France again for the remainder of the year, ang daming travels,” said Coleen.

Her statements not only set the record straight regarding her husband’s well-being but also highlight the strength of their relationship amidst the constant buzz of show business.

MANILA – Kapamilya actor Coco Martin is excited to bring joy to Filipinos as he headlines the TFC Happy Hour at the Philippine Christmas (PASKO) Festival 2024 in Sydney, Australia this Sunday.

Joining Martin are “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” cast members such as Lito and Mark Lapid, Kim Domingo, Ate Gay, Smugglaz, and Bassilyo.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News before flying to Australia, Martin expressed gratitude for the love and support that TFC viewers have given to ABS-CBN shows, particularly to “Batang Quiapo.”

“Sisiguraduhin namin na paliligayahin namin sila at sulit ang paghihintay nila dahil talagang naghanda kami para dito,” Martin said.

Martin said the fans inspire and motivate him to continue providing an enjoyable teleserye.

“S’yempre iku-kwento ko sa kanila pano ako nagsimla, pano nagiging successful yung mga show syempre dahil sa suporta at pagmamahal nila sa lahat-lahat ng hirap kasi sabi ko nga masarap panoorin ang mga teleserye, mga programa ng ABS-CBN pero kung alam lang nila ganpo kahirap yun gawin,” he said.

Asked about the performances he prepared for the show the fans, he said: “Ako naman gagawin ko ang lahat, sing and dance, at kung anu-ano pa para lang makabawi at nakakapagpasaya sa lahat ng pagmamahal na binigay at ipinakita nila samin. Kaya ito na yung pagkakataon para makapag pa-salamat kami sa kanila.”

Prepare for an exciting month ahead as “Batang Quiapo” offers more surprises and plot twists.

“Itong November sabi ko nga abangan ninyo ang mangyayari sa karakter ni Lena sa pasabog nya talagang…sa lahat ng mga mangyayari sa character ni Tess, ni Rigor, ni lola Tindeng, at syempre yung takbo ng character ngayon ni Tisay at ni Tanggol,” he said.

With the finale of “Pamilya Sagrado,” Martin said he’s proud to be a part of the show as a director of some of the show’s action-packed scenes.

“Sobra akong proud kasi ang sarap na yung parte na tumulong kami sa Pamilya Sagrado napakabait ni kuya Piolo, ng lahat ng mga direktor nila – si Direk Andoy – lahat ng mga artista,” he said.

“Sabi ko nga basta sa ABS-CBN, basta para Dreamscape, basta para kay sir Deo anytime nandyan kami para tumulong kung ano yung makakaya namin,” he added.

Smugglaz, who will join Martin and other “Batang Quiapo” cast in the festival, said Filipinos can expect thrilling production numbers to showcase the Filipino Christmas spirit in Australia.

“Syempre dahil kasama natin ang mga gang, dadalhin namin yung init ng Pilipina dyan sa Sydney sa pamamagitan ng aming pagtatanghal.”