Bebe is a female name, and Gandanghari is the combination of two Filipino words "ganda" meaning beautiful and "hari" meaning king. Loosely, the surname means king of beauty.
There is nothing so special about the name since Bebe is a very common nickname in the Philippines, and Gandanghari is a family name that is very long and has a tendency to call attention upon it's bearer. But Bebe Gandanghari caught the attention of the Philippines because this female name is used by 1. a once hunk actor; 2. who used to be married; 3. and who belongs to a clan known for being macho.
Bebe Gandanghari is now the name of Rustom Padilla, the brother of Robin Padilla, one of the most popular action star in the Philippines.
How this change came about, Endemol, the franchise owner of the reality "Big Brother" show has a role.
Rustom Padilla was one of Big Brother's house guests in Pinoy Big Brother celebrity edition, where Rustom revealed that he belongs to the third sex.
The revelation did not shock the country since the rumor that Rustom is gay had been circulating in tabloids and showbiz gossips for so long a time. His revalation only served to confirm the rumor and elevate it into a fact. But the revelation attracted sympathy for Robin Padilla who never missed an opportunity to defend his brother, Rustom, from being called a gay.
Bebe Gandanghari declares Rustom Padilla is dead. So, let us bury him, she said. When asked for her reaction, Rustom's ex-wife actress and talkshow host Carmina Villaroel said, since it is Bebe who says Rustom is dead, so he is.
Filipinos find Rustom amusing. He was not contended with revealing he is gay on national tv in a show with very high ratings, he also changed his name and appearance from a macho male to a sexy Bebe Gandanghari.
But with all this national amusement about Rustom Padilla=Bebe Gandanghari, one person does not get the publicity she deserves. Her name is Carmina Villaroel, actress, talkshow host and ex wife of Rustom Padilla.
My aunt who used to have a store where she read the newspapers and tabloid she sold, is a fan of Carmina. She noticed Carmina's silence at the height of her controversial split with Rustom long time ago. My aunt said, she never read a word about Carmina revealing Rustom's sexual preference as the reason behind the separation, nor did she read Carmina saying a word against Rustom. She gave Rustom the respect that he deserved.
Her conclusion was, Carmina is a decent and an admirable woman. She embodies the values of a true Filipina who is temparate and modest. One word best describes her. And that word is: hero.
Carmina Villaroel is a hero.
She has since married Zoren Legaspi, also an actor, with whom she has two children. Her family appears on TV endorsing Nido, and other products. Carmina is also one of the hosts of "Sis" a daily talk show in GMA 7, the second largest TV station in the Philippines.
Do you want to have fun and can tolerate a little ego tripping? Read my comedy skits.
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