Heated words were hurled at each other, and even glasses reportedly came flying—this was how spectators described the tussle, which took place last February 2o at the Rembrandt Hotel, involving the two close friends Gretchen Barretto and Nadia Montenegro.
What caused the rift between these two formerly bosom buddies?
According to showbiz insiders, Nadia was blamed for leaking the details of Gretchen's rumored affair with Dody Puno, a 58-year-old government official, to some media people. It was also said that she was the source of that news item which claimed Tonyboy Cojuangco kicked Gretchen out of their house in Dasmariñas Village, Makati.
And why would Nadia badmouth Gretchen?
Cristy Fermin revealed in her radio show that Nadia reportedly got upset when Gretchen failed to help her in keeping the Asistio house in Caloocan.
QUICK BACKTRACK. In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last February 13, Claudine Barretto, the younger sister of Gretchen, revealed that they already know the culprit behind these intrigues against Gretchen.
She said, "Tanong ko nga, bakit hindi namamatay ang isyung ito? Dahil pala mayroong isang insider sa showbiz na naglalabas at consistent siya sa mga balita niya. Marami na akong napagtanungan at na-confirm na rin nina Gretchen at Tonyboy."
On February 20, an upset Nadia said in her interview with Ogie Diaz on Umagang Kay Ganda: "It's time to defend myself coz if there's one thing I'm good at, it's being a loyal friend. Hindi ko kayang tapatan ang pera nila, but the truth will set me free. Masakit na umabot sa ganito, Og. I kept quiet coz of Dody [Puno]. But now, I have to tell the truth.”
Out of her rage, she even described Gretchen as "ang itim ng puso."
That same night, the eventful meeting at Rembrandt Hotel happened.
AFTERMATH. Yesterday, February 23, Gretchen sounded more calm when Startalk hosts Joey de Leon and Lolit Solis asked her to comment on her issue with Nadia:
"You know, masyado na kaming matatanda para mag-away. Ako, sa dami-dami ng blessing na binibigay ng Panginoon, eh, I will always find a place in my heart to forgive Nadia and to understand Nadia. Ayoko magsabi ng negative tungkol sa kanya dahil ayoko lunukin yun bukas or next week. Gusto kong magbagong-buhay, gusto kong mahalin siya at patawarin siya. In time, that will all happen."
For Nadia's part, here's her statement sent via text: "Marami na pong kuwento ang lumabas. Marami na ring tao ang nasaktan. Kung ano man po ang mga nasabi ko nung araw na yun, iyon po ang naging opinion ko dala ng galit. Kaya sa mga nasaktan ko, pasensiya na po. Mainam na rin siguro ang manahimik para hindi na lumaki o lumala pa ang mga usapin."