Last July 6, people were shocked to learn about the strong words uttered by folk singer Freddie Aguilar against fellow singers Charice and Arnel Pineda. The OPM singer told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that these internationally renowned singers just prove that Filipinos are "monkeys" who merely imitate what they see around them. (Click HERE to read related article.)

During the July 12 episode of The Buzz, Arnel Pineda, lead singer of the international group Journey, gave his reaction to Freddie's criticism.

He said, "Alam mo, in a way, I understand where he is coming from, about being patriotic. But at the same time, I think medyo nag-overboard siya nung sinabi niya yung the word 'monkey,' kasi kapwa niya kami Pilipino and we are only trying to do our best para maging kapaki-pakinabang din para sa bansa and para sa kababayan natin. Pero despite the fact na sinabi n'ya yun, I still respect him as an artist."

In his previous interview, Ka Freddie also mentioned that Gary Valenciano was merely copying the style of Michael Jackson.

Gary could not even mention the word 'monkey' as he pointed out, "It is not true that the Filipino is what you just mentioned what the Filipino is. I think that Charice is...[it's] just stepping stone, nabigyan siya ng pagkakataon. But I think now that she is recording an album, it's just a matter of time that her originality begins to come out. I'm sorry but I don't agree."

The Buzz contacted Ka Freddie once more so he could clarify his earlier statements.

He explained, "Si Arnel, hindi ko siya isinama doon, binanggit lang yung pangalan ni Gary. Tapos si Regine din, tinawag ni Mariah Carey na ganun, dinugtong ko na lang yun, pero actually isa lang yung tinanong—si Charice lang. Wala akong galit kay Charice, kay Gary, wala. Tinanong lang ako, tinanong ako sa opinion ko. Alangan naman ang ibigay kong opinion hindi yung nararamdaman ko?"

The veteran singer then gave his message to the 17-year-old singer: "Charice, magaling kang singer, pero mas bibilib ako sa 'yo kung kakanta ka ng sariling atin."

Ka Freddie once again issued a challenge to all Pinoy singers.

"Hindi ako nagsasabi ng monkeys, ang sabi ko kaya tayo binabansagang mga Pilipinong unggoy dahil manggagaya tayo," he emphasized. "Ako, magtatanong sa lahat ng mga singers na mga Pilipino, bakit puro mga banyaga ang kinakanta ninyo? 'Yan ang tanong ko, hindi yung tinatanong n'yo kung bakit ko kayo tinatawag na unggoy, kayo ang nagpatawag na unggoy, dahil gaya-gaya kayo."