This morning, March 19, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) decided to directly get in touch with the supposed organizers of the tribute show in Dubai.
Somebody picked up the call after the third ring. It wasn't "George" who answered this time, but he's a "colleague."
We asked his name but he politely refused, and volunteered instead to speak on behalf of George and their independent organization. He said his group wanted to extend their deepest apologies to Pia and to the fans who "misunderstood" their true intentions.
When asked about the letter of their group to PNRC (Philippine National Red Cross), he answered that it was he who actually wrote it, and all he wanted was to be given the chance to clear his name (and that of his group) in the alleged "money making scheme" at Francis M's expense.
He added that it was not his first time to get in touch with the Red Cross. He's been ringing the organization's hotline so he could inquire on how his group could make donation. But, "May mga trabaho din po kami dito Dubai," so the task had been stalled repeatedly.
Writing to PEP was also part of the plan, but before he could do it, he received our call.
THE IDEA THAT REACHED BREAKING NEWS. The "rep" said that the Dubai concert was in the planning stage (it still is), and that announcements were just via word of mouth.
"The tribute concert here in Dubai is still just an idea. Wala pa kaming posters or brochures—just word of mouth dahil nasa planning stages pa," he told PEP.
He stressed that "it was their way of paying their respects to the late rap icon by helping out the PNRC."
The purpose, according to him, was to bring together performing artists in Dubai in one place. They would also perform "Bagong Bayani," from their compiled album, and dedicate it to Francis and the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) based there.
He also made it clear that they were not selling T-shirts, "Ang gusto namin, mag-suot sila ng Tshirts ni Francis [shirts from Francis' company 3 Stars and a Sun] sa venue."
And most importantly, he underlined: "But we still have to ask Pia for her permission. We should wait for her go signal."
But even before they could do that, the "tribute show idea" already reach the web, then Pia's Facebook, then a concerned citizen's inbox, then PEP.
THE KIMOSAVE CONNECTION. He confirmed that the "Kimo," mentioned by George, and DJ KimosaVe are one and the same.
"Affiliated siya sa Eat...Bulaga," the rep said, and he "sometimes travels to Dubai for events."
He went on to say that their intentions to mount a "tribute concert" was reportedly discussed with him.
But of late, due to Kimo's busy schedule, he said his group has not heard any update on whether Pia has given her blessing or not. He again stressed: "No concert to be held until they get the okay from her."
He added: "Desisyon talaga ni Pia...Pag ayaw ni Pia, okay lang," since it's still in the "planning stage."
IS THE "TRIBUTE SHOW" PUSHING THROUGH OR NOT? During our first phone conversation with George, we learned that the target date is April 5.
We asked calmly: If everything is still in the planning stage, how come George sounded certain about the April 5 date?
The rep replied with a tinge of amusement that George got excited. Must be his young age, according to him. George got excited at the prospect of taking part in a tribute concert for his idol.
But even their web announcements and invitations bore no date. He emphasized that it's a made-up date.
And at press time, there's a chance the idea will no longer push through. He explained: "Hindi na matutuloy dahil kailangan naming i-reformat yung event at hintayin ang approval ni Pia."
MESSAGE TO FRANCIS'S FAMILY AND FANS. All the thrashing that his group got from the PEPsters was alien to the "rep," who's been working as an interior designer in Dubai for eight years.
But he understood where the PEPsters are coming from, and he could only feel apologetic for the misunderstanding.
He pointed out that the idea was for the love of music, and his group doesn't need anybody's money. "Free will and contributions ng mga kasama namin dito," he said.
And he issued a request: "Sana bago i-judge kami [ng mga tao] ay pakinggan muna nila ang side namin. Nag-a-apologize din kami kay Pia dahil sa misunderstanding na ito."
PIA'S RESPONSE. Pia's reaction to the group's letter of apology to PNRC and the post of "GCC " reached the inbox of PEP managing editor Karen Pagsolingan at 12:45 p.m.
Pia Magalona wrote:
"This is the bottomline:
"I don't want FrancisM's name, image, etc, to be involved in their show/s in any form or manner.
"They wrote me using Consortium GCC but they don't use any real names.
"It's not just about earning off FrancisM's name, but the fact that we—his management team—have always had a clause in our contracts when he was still alive, that we have the final say on who or what acts will be guesting or performing alongside him so as to deter those who represent values that don't run alongside what FrancisM believes in.
"We continue to do so inasmuch as the Filipino people hold him in high esteem both in life and in death.
"I repeat, my family has not officially approved of any shows, concerts, tributes except for those that we ourselves will be supporting, hence, announcing on our individual sites and even via the local media.
"Thank you and God bless the Philippines."