Robin Padilla is being criticized for the way he treated a Korean contestant in the January 13 episode of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 6.
Some netizens described Robin's comments as "racist" and said he had a "false sense of nationalism."
The Korean contestant introduced himself as Kim Jiwan, a magician.
In a pre-recorded video interview, the auditionee disclosed, "I'm from Korea but I haven't stayed there very long. In fact, I just stayed there the first three months after I was born.
"My dad, he brought me, my mom, my older brother to Manila. The Philippines is basically my home and I want to live here for the rest of my life.
"I met a particular special someone, just when I thought Philippines wouldn't get anymore beautiful, apparently it did."
Aubrey Sy, the girlfriend of Jiwan, said they have been together for one year.
Jiwan declared at the start of his act, "I'm Korean but Filipino by heart." He admitted that he does not understand Filipino.
"I grew up in the Philippines and I met a special someone and that makes me more Filipino."
Vice Ganda asked Jiwan what he likes most about Aubrey and he answered, "She's more beautiful than any other Korean I ever met."
The comedian asked the Korean if he knew how to speak the vernacular.
"In international schools, they don't teach me," explained Jiwan.
Jiwan asked if he could "use" Robin for his act, but the action star refused.
"I'm very sorry, you cannot use me. Can you see that?" said Robin as he pointed at the sign Pilipinas Got Talent.
"Firstly, mag-Tagalog ka muna bago mo ako kausapin," Robin said tersely to Jiwan.
Angel Locsin tried to diffuse the tension by teaching Jiwan how to ask for help in Tagalog.
Only then did Robin agree to be part of the act. "Okay, bilang isang Pilipino na marunong tumanggap ng bisita namin, sige gamitin mo ako."
Jiwan continued, "Can you please put your hand like this?"
Robin was visibly irritated, saying, "Tagalog nga, e."
The actor tapped him on the arm and said, "Hijo, Pilipinas Got Talent. Mag-Tagalog ka kasi magmumukha kaming katawa-tawa kung magi-Ingles kami dito para sa iyo.
"Pilipinas Got Talent. Mag-Tagalog ka, hijo."
When Jiwan continued speaking in English, Robin muttered, "Ayaw talaga mag-Tagalog nito. Dun ka."
Jiwan then went to Angel so he could perform his magic trick.
His sleight of hand trick involved putting a cross mark on Angel's fist.
His other trick was to make his smartphone disappear after putting it inside a casing.
Jiwan again approached Robin and said he would use Tagalog. Hearing this, Robin hugged Jiwan, exclaiming, "Welcome to the Philippines!"
After his card trick, Robin was so impressed with Jiwan that he stood up and shook Jiwan's hand.
Robin told the Korean, "Salamat. Salamat sa pagmamahal mo sa Pilipina, ha."
Vice Ganda added fuel to the fire, saying to Jiwan, "You owe yourself the learning [of Tagalog]. It is your social obligation to learn the language of the Philippines because you are living in the Philippines."
Robin told the contestant, "Jiwan, una, salamat sa pag-ibig mo sa aming ka-uri, sa aming kalahi. Respeto ko nasa iyo.
"Pasensya ka na kasi mayroon akong kakilalang Koreano, si Ryan Bang, na mas magaling pang mag-Tagalog sa akin, kaya nabigla ako na hindi ka marunong mag-Tagalog.
"Pasensya ka na, anak, nadisiplina la lang ng tatay mo. Yun na lang isipin mo. Nadisiplina ka lang ng tatay mong Pilipino.
"Napahanga mo ako kasi under pressure ka, nagawa mo pa rin yung trick."
Pilipinas Got Talent judge Freddie M. Garcia said that in his seven years in Pilipinas Got Talent, "I've seen them all, and you didn't show me anything new, so I would say no to you."
Vice Ganda, Robin, and Angel gave their yeses, allowing Jiwan to move on to the next round.
Angel told Robin, "Na-stress ako! Namawis ang kili-kili ko sa 'yo! May point ka."
Here are some Twitter posts from netizens on the actions of Robin, Vice Ganda, and Angel on Pilipinas Got Talent:
