“I am not perfect. I have made many mistakes and I am sure that I will make more. But when faced with something that is contrary to the principles I have learned to embrace, I will stand up for myself and for the people I love.

“Last June 23, 2012, Paparazzi, a showbiz-oriented talk show on TV5, which I was a host of, planned a birthday celebration for me. I was happy, excited and was truly looking forward to what the presentation would be.

“I was briefed before the show with a simple overview of the program flow but was not provided with details. No specific questions, no line up of guests, etc. As most TV shows go, 'surprises' are done for birthday celebrations.

"As such, not everything is cascaded to the birthday celebrant to be able to get an honest reaction on air. First they showed a video message of ‘Habitat for Humanity’ spokesperson & an AVON top executive, then birthday cards from Lorin & Venice were given to me which I read on air.

“The second part of the celebration was a 'BULUNGAN' portion. Right before going on air, one of the show's creative team members, Noel Ferrer told me to just be 'game' in answering the questions. My other co-hosts seconded the motion. I was feeling a little panic, still not knowing what the questions would be, but I went on with it as we were about to go on air.

“The portion referred to male actors I have been linked to in my late teens—Zoren Legaspi, Robin Padilla and Aga Muhlach who are all now happily married with their own children. The segment started with the first question whispered in my ear. I was absolutely appalled at the sexual content of the question most especially since their wives are my friends.

“I showed my discomfort immediately but tried to be a good sport and played along. But as the segment wore on, the rest of the questions whispered in my ear got worse pertaining to male private parts and sexual behaviour—all of which are definitely not appropriate content for airing on national television, most especially at a wholesome hour (lunchtime) with my children, my parents, my family & friends and other people's children, family & friends watching.

“I refused to dignify the lewd and offensive question with an answer. I was mortified, upset & it was beginning to show behind my smile. No one has a right to ask those questions to anyone on air or even off air.

“The questions may have been whispered, but they were resonating loudly as offensive, vulgar and degrading to a person. As a TV personality and as a professional I composed myself and smiled through my disgust, stomaching those inane questions to finish the show.

“As soon as the show finished, I felt that my dignity and integrity as a person along with the rest of my womanhood were violated. I knew right then and there that I would never come back to Paparazzi. I may not be faultless but I know where to draw the line between degrading and entertaining.

“In as much as I am grateful for all of the opportunities given to me by the Network and while I look forward to fulfilling more projects for the network in the future, I have given the format of the show 'Paparazzi' much thought.

“Regrettably, after evaluating the direction that the show has been geared towards as of late, I strongly feel that the values and the principles that the show stands for are no longer aligned to what I wish for myself and for my children and even the causes I stand for.

“Hence as of June 27, 2012 I have formally submitted my resignation letter to Mr. Perci Intalan, Entertainment and Creative Head of TV5."