Twitter has become a rich source of news in showbiz.
The Ampalaya Anonymous—composed of Cristine Reyes, Maxene Magalona, Glaiza de Castro, Rich Asuncion, Bianca King, Bubbles Paraiso, and Angel Locsin—became famous in May 2010 because of a tweet discussion, where the ladies allegedly ganged up on Pauleen Luna. (CLICK HERE to read related article)
Kris Aquino's marital problems with husband James Yap erupted because of a revealing tweet posted on June 16, 2010: "I have never lied to all of u until now hindi pa completely na-fi-fix. That's y I've just chosen to keep quiet since it's something very private." (CLICK HERE to read related article)
The "Twitter War" between Claudine Barretto and Angelica Panganiban in August 2010 became one of the most talked about issues last year. It began with the Kapuso actress tweeting about a "traydor na kaibigan," and ended with the Kapamilya actress' legal counsel Atty. Joji Alonso issuing a demand letter to Claudine, who should "cease from making any more false accusations and damaging remarks against our client, and to stop threatening her life and well-being." (CLICK HERE to read related article)
The 27 tweets posted by Cristine Reyes against Sarah Geronimo hit the headlines in December 2010, and even dragged the name of Megastar, Sharon Cuneta.
TREND, TOOL OR THREAT? Social networking sites have started a trend that is slowly but surely affecting showbiz news gathering.
More and more stars are using Twitter and Facebook to break their own news and to keep fans updated.
They tweet their whereabouts, activities, and moods. They talk about their stand on a particular issue; some express when they're glad or sad or mad.
While stars use Twitter as a tool to connect with friends and fans, tweeting too much information can be risky and could lead to safety and privacy issues.
Indiscriminate and inappropriate tweets have been known to cause disgreements and even ruin friendships.
Early this year, results of the MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) awards night drew various comments on Twitter.
Leading the pack of tweeters posting their dismay was Alfonso Martinez (@fonzmartinez), son of actor-director Albert Martinez. The younger Martinez tweeted on December 27: "I am sorry, but how the fcuk can a shallow, stupid and over milked movie win best director? Apparently to the magical MMFF grading system, the pinacle of Philippine cinema is a brainless, rehashed, slapstick movie that would be the laughing stock of any filmfest outside the Philippines, OH WAIT! I guess the movie is successful afterall!"
Before the post was deleted, it was picked up by a tabloid, and had reached the Festival's Best Director, Wenn Deramas.
On January 10, 2011, Direk Wenn posted this on Facebook: "Pagkatapos kong mabasa kanina ung tweet ng anak ni albert martinez, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na Pag aaralin ko ng husay ang mga anak ko sa paaralang Itinuturo ang PAGTANGGAP NG MALUWAG SA DIBDIB KAPAG NATATALO!!!"
The following day, Liezl put a halt to the issue by apologizing on the Facebook Wall of the director of Ang Tanging Ina Mo movies.
On this particular issue, out of 593 PEPsters, 59.19 percent said they believe that stars are entitled to their own opinion. However, 38.45 percent said Alfonso shouldn't have reacted the way he did.
While more than half of the 593 PEPsters seem to have taken the side of Alfonso (based on poll results), PEP Pulse believes that in general, stars should think twice before they tweet. Remember: A whimsical one-liner can become an issue.