October 2007 Archives

Actor-singer Sam Milby demanded a retraction and public apology from TV host-talent manager Lolit Solis, who claimed in her tabloid column a week ago that she saw him and fellow actor Piolo Pascual sharing a sweet moment at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza coffee shop. If Lolit won't retract or apologize, Sam's threat: "I will sue." While Piolo has not made any statement regarding the controversy, his talent handlers have emphasized that the actor was studying his legal options. In an interview with "Showbiz Central" on Sunday, Lolit was wondering why everyone was making a big fuss about what she wrote. "...sa haba ng tinakbo ng istoryang ito, ako na ang nagtaka. Nagtataka nga akong lumaki ng ganito. Parang major event...Parang, ano ba dapat ang patunayan?...Walang dapat i-depensa. Walang dapat linawin dahil walang masama sa dalawang lalaking nag-uusap, kumakain ng sabay sa isang lugar, di ba? Kaya nagtataka nga ako bakit ang defensive defensive na nila.” Asked why she felt they were "defensive"? “Ayoko naman isipin na another case ito ng isang Rustom Padilla na baka later nag-ka-come out. Ayoko ngang mag-isip ng kung ano-ano eh. Kaya nga nagtaka ako bakit ganoon ang depensa. Kasi kung ano talaga, kung halimbawa magiging Rustom Padilla ang isa sa dalawang lalaki ang nakita ko, eh di okay, walang masama.” In his own interview with "The Buzz," Sam revealed his whereabouts during the time Lolit claimed she saw him and Piolo together.

“Well, we finished shooting. I was shooting the movie the day before. We finished shooting the movie around 3 a.m. and then I went home. Then I slept and 3:30 (p.m. Friday), I was at home. And then at 3:30 (p.m.) I left to go to Essensuals Toni & Guy in Galleria, Robinsons Galleria. From 4 p.m. on until around maybe 6-6:30 (p.m.), I was there at Toni & Guy. Right after that, I went to Alabang, Gold's Gym. I had a shooting for the movie again,” Sam narrated.

The Filipino-American actor was fuming with the insinuations.  

"This I think is below the belt, yes. I am upset, yeah, because if it's her opinion. If she has an opinion about me, that's fine, you know. She doesn't know me but if she's gonna write, if she's gonna completely fabricate a story and make something up, then that's where the line should be drawn. And that's wrong,” Sam said.

“When I first heard about it parang wala lang. It's just another issue, it's part of the business. But when I heard that she pinpointed na she saw Piolo and I at Sofitel, she says she saw us being sweet too. She says she saw us, and that when I got mad. It's completely made up. I don't know where it came from,” he added.

But Lolit claimed she did not have any motive in writing the article, titled "Piolo at Sam, naglalampungan."

“Wala akong dinagdag dun sa pakita ko. Wala akong sinasabing nakita ko silang naglalampungan. Yun lang ang linagay na headline nung editor ko pero wala yun sa loob ng article.”

“Nagkaroon ng roll call ngayon eh, loyalty check. Lahat na...nagsasalita...lahat na...kinukuha nilang witness. Ako wala akong kinukuhang witness, ang sarili ko lang. I mean, nakataya ang kredibilidad ko. Kung sino ang gustong paniwalaan ng tao, yun ang paniwalaan nila. Kung maniniwala sila sa akin, salamat. Kung hindi, okay. Dahil wala naman akong motibo dito sa pagsasabi nito eh.”

But in his "The Buzz" interview, Sam responded:

“I would like to throw that back to her. I mean, what are you getting out of this, honestly? Because you know it's made up. It's completely fabricated. I don't know what you are getting out of this. I'm sorry. I don't want to judge you. I don't know you. But I don't know what you're getting out of this,” Sam stressed.

“I'm demanding for a retraction, a public apology. I am (suing). If she doesn't retract or (make a) public apology, I will sue,” he added.

But Lolit may have partially answered Sam's demand in her earlier "Showbiz Central" interview via phone patch.

“Okay. Hindi ko sila kilala. Hindi nila ako kilala. Kaya ano ang magiging motibo ko para sabihin ang mga bagay na ito? At wala akong mapapala, di naman ako magkaka-pera dito. Kaya nga anytime they want to talk to me, okay. Kung sabihin nilang wala sila doon. Hindi sila yung nakita ko, okay maniniwala ako. Gusto pa nila, i-deny ko na eh."

Angel Locsin was placed on the defensive when asked about her take on the spat between her manager, Becky Aguila, and Jennylyn Mercado, a co-'alaga' of Becky.  Her response? She complained that she was always being blamed for the troubles of Becky's talents in GMA-7. In a press conference attended by a Showbiz Talk insider last Friday, Angel, according to him, was exasperated about the issue and said that Jennylyn's camp should not pin the blame on her transfer to ABS-CBN for the young actress' problems with GMA-7. "Hindi ko na problema yon," Angel was quoted as saying. She added Jennylyn should take care of her own career and not blame her for any misfortunes that had happened. She also dared her former GMA-7 co-star to "prove her worth." Jennylyn previously commented that she would rather severe ties with Becky than face the prospect of GMA-7 dumping her.  With a fiery tone, Jennylyn also noted she had not spoken to Angel since the US theatrical premiere of the Angel-Becky production "Angels" in early July.  Jennylyn was a lead star in that film. On July 20, Becky announced that Angel was not renewing her contract with GMA-7, the television network that built her successful showbiz career from scratch. A few weeks later, Becky confirmed Angel was transferring to ABS-CBN as an exclusive talent. Angel signed with ABS-CBN in mid-August. In this succession of events, Jennylyn admitted experiencing the lowest point in her young showbiz life. As the controversy raged, GMA-7 had since refused to ever talk to Becky again or acquire the services of any of her talents. Jennylyn was one of them. Despite having starred in a prime-time top rater, "Super Twins," Jennylyn had not been seen in any of the GMA-7 shows, much less cast in any of the major programs the Kapuso network had planned. Until recently when Jennylyn and Becky had allegedly engaged in heated arguments, the first Starstruck female ultimate survivor was allowed to negotiate with GMA-7 producers directly.  She will now appear in her first lead role in a prime time GMA-7 soap, "La Vendetta," since the controversy raged. I guess that answers Angel's dare. Due to her busy schedule, Angel might have been out of the loop. * * * Indeed, like the original Mexican version, the Filipino adaptation of "Marimar" is now a certified television phenomenon. Posting a 44% audience share is definitely one for the books. Filipino television dramas rarely get past the 40% mark. Kudos to the whole production staff and the cast for painstakingly coming up with a show most Filipinos, at least in Mega Manila, choose to watch.

Feisty show biz talent manager Lolit Solis dropped a bombshell on an otherwise lazy Monday morning.  That of an alleged Hotel Sofitel (formerly the Westin Philippine Plaza) rendezvous of two matinee idols by the poolside. Lolit bared in her tabloid column that she got "lost" inside the hotel purportedly searching for the venue of an exhibit she was invited to attend. While seaching she ended up in a cafe restaurant by the Sofitel pool, which had a few patrons on that Friday afternoon.  As she tried to look for a way out of the cafe, Lolit noticed two male patrons on the far end of the cafe from where she was standing who were "sweet" to each other. They whispered and talked intimately, she said, with their faces almost touching each other at one point. This was when she tried to get closer and take a clear look to confirm what she suspected. Restaurant staff, she said, called her by name and when they did, the two left the place in a huff. But before they did leave, she was very much sure who the "couple" was--Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby. This, she said, the restaurant staff confirmed. They said the two frequent the place because of its discreet location, which is far from any show biz follower's prying eyes. Camps of the two actors, however, belied Lolit's tale. In a PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) report, Piolo's handlers said the actor was doing a shoot for a Timex commercial at the time the alleged sighting took place, a claim corroborated by the watchmaker's executives. On the other hand, Sam was at the Essensuals Toni & Guy Salon in Makati at that time, a separate PEP report said. From there, the actor-model then proceeded to a shoot in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Was it a case of mistaken identity? Or did the actors find a way to "sneak in" a short yet blissful encounter despite their hectic schedules? Either way, it was quite strange for Lolit not to use the sleek camera phone she owns. If I had the chance, I would use it and create the biggest showbiz scandal of the century -- something unheard of even by paparazzi-laden Hollywood standards. Despite the potential "mother of all showbiz scoops," it remains a tale, which you would either believe or debunk depending on the biases you have.  This can't be a valid story unless the waiters Lolit spoke to would agree to corroborate the talent manager's claim for the record or if her Startalk staff could find eyewitnesses in Sofitel who could state without any doubt that the alleged "sweet couple" were actually at the hotel at that time.  This kind of claim can't hold with just one person talking about it. Not even a Lolit Solis, a once embattled personality herself who had credibility problems in past controversies. * * * GMA-7 found a winner in the Fremantle-franchised game show "Whammy: Push Your Luck," with its consistent high ratings.  The show had bested traditional daytime top raters like "Eat Bulaga!," "Wowowee," and its timeslot rival "Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal." The formula has proven to be irresistible to viewers, with its appealing concept, a good match of game show hosts, and an interesting mix of celebrity contestants.

Snooky Serna let out a flurry of controversial remarks in a radio program recently.  After revealing she had been raped at age 14, Snooky went on to disclose whom she thought were the most "plastic" (hypocritical) persons in show biz. She named two--comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas and teen heartthrob Gerald Anderson. Snooky justifies her choice. In an interview with ABS-CBN's "The Buzz" on Sunday, Snooky relates:

“Magkasama kami sa pelikula noon. Talaga, she was so friendly, ang ganda nung relationship namin ni Miss Ai-Ai. Di ko makalimutan kasi yon. In-invite kasi ako ni Direk Wenn (Deramas) sa premiere party at saka, I think if I remember right, birthday celebration din ni Miss Ai-Ai. Tapos the whole evening di niya ako pinapansin. Although binati ko siya. If felt so left out. To put it bluntly, I felt stupid na para bang trying hard ako na pinipilit ko ang sarili ko na magpa-in doon.”

Ai-Ai is out of the country and could not respond. According to Ai-Ai's manager and "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda, she will answer the charges next week.

After Ai-Ai, Snooky trained her guns at another showbiz personality, teen actor Gerald Anderson. She again relates:

“Pero ang feeling ko, pinakilala kang minsan, okay. Sabihin natin, nagmamadali ka. Pero pinakilala kang nang harap-harapan, pangalawang beses. At naka-ganyan ka lang. Parang, hello, helleur. Hindi naman ako siguro kasing superstar mo, Gerald, may karapatan naman ako sigurong galangin mo. I'm also an actor like you are.”

Snooky further gave Gerald some pieces of advice in treating actors from another generation:

“Gerald, you don't have to kiss my (edited out). You don't have to make me samba-samba. Sana lang naman, huwag lang naman tratuhin kaming mga medyo matagal na sa industriya na para bang hindi na kami mga sikat so, 'Do I know you?' Parang ganoon ang dating. Nasaktan ako siyempre. Baka kailangan ni Gerald ng memory pill.”

Unlike Ai-Ai, Gerald is in the country, surprised about the special mention and gave this reaction also to "The Buzz":

“Kung yun po ang tingin niya sa akin, ano po ang magagawa ko? You can't please everyone. Si Miss Snooky yan. Di ko alam kung paano ako nadamay doon eh.”

“Sorry po kung ganoon ang reaction ko kasi ngayon ko lang po talaga nalaman. Aminin ko, sobrang mahiyain po ako. Hindi po ako lalapit talaga sa ano hangga't hindi pinakilala.”

“Sorry kung meron po akong ginawang masama.”

Now comes Kim Chiu, Gerald's partner in the Kimerald love team, defending him at all costs while risking her own potential brush with her 1980s counterpart.

“Sabi ni Snooky? Di naman siya (Gerald) plastic. Ang bait-bait nga niya kahit hindi niya kakilala. Siguro naiingit lang sila kay Gerald. Sino ba ito, Snooky na babae o Snooky na lalake?”

* * *

Jennylyn Mercado has now started mending her ties with GMA-7 by agreeing to one condition network officials had allegedly pointed out to her previously -- have her manager Becky Aguila out of the picture.

Becky, who discovered Jennylyn before she ever set foot on GMA Network Center, had become persona-non-grata in Kapuso country after engineering the flight of erstwhile GMA prized actress Angel Locsin to the network's rival, ABS-CBN. After Becky had decided to make that gargantuan shift, the most affected were her other talents with live contracts in GMA-7.  While Angel had escaped the wrath, the other prominent talent of Becky, Jennylyn Mercado, was left with abandoned projects and a potential bypass of the remaining three or four years in her GMA contract since the network had since refused to ever talk to Becky again. 

While Becky had placed the blame on GMA for being an "unchristian" employer, an objective eye would always consider the move as extremely risky for someone in the business of talent management, unless her business revolves around just one talent. But, no, Becky has other talents, who gave their full trust in her expertise and connections. Now, they are all floating, waiting perhaps for the Kapamilya network to give out their "entry visas." But of course, ABS-CBN can't take them all.  Good thing Valerie Concepcion still made that slim cut. Valerie now co-hosts ABS-CBN's noontime show "Wowowee" with Willie Revillame, Mariel Rodriguez, and Pokwang.

This Jennylyn can't do--jumping to ABS-CBN like what Angel or Valerie did. She still has a live contract with GMA-7 for the next few years. The only recourse for Jennylyn was to arrange for a "semi-release" from Becky. This means, GMA-7 will speak directly to Jennylyn for television projects, allowing the first Starstruck grand female champion to receive the entire talent proceeds from negotiations. But Becky can still negotiate for Jennylyn's projects outside of GMA-7, like film projects or concerts.

According to Jennylyn she would rather be released by Becky than be dumped by GMA-7:

"Siyempre kahit sinong tanungin niyo, oo siguro yung sagot,” Jennylyn told GMA-7's "Startalk" in a taped interview aired Saturday.

“Ayoko nang pumasok ulit sa problema pang hindi naman ako ang may kasalanan. So ngayon sana huwag uli ako madamay. Trabaho na ulit ako sa GMA. Loyal naman ako sa GMA eh. Thankful ako sa kanila na binigyan uli ako ng opportunity after all."

Jennylyn will make her GMA-7 "Telebabad" primetime block comeback soon with the drama "La Vendetta" opposite Sunshine Dizon, Jean Garcia, Rustom Padilla and Mark Herras. She made her last appearance in primetime through the GMA-7 fantasy series "Super Twins" early this year.

Martin Nievera adds another chapter to the protracted word war with former wife Pops Fernandez. His interview with ABS-CBN's "The Buzz" on Sunday however shows something new--tears rolling down his cheeks as he wishes the best for his wife as he seeks an end to the controversy. The mere fact that the interview is granted shows Martin isn't really planning to end the word war. In fact he made a previous statement saying the "best reaction is no reaction." Well, he shows he isn't true to his word. But let us assume however that he read the entire YES! Magazine article on Pops' revelations about their separation nine years ago, despite his claim that he only read portions of it. Maybe then we can understand how this outburst of emotion emanates. He cried saying these words:  “I don’t even know why we’ve gotten this far with this problem. I don’t know why we can’t seem to fix this. So to Pops, I don’t know what to say.  Just try to forget about the nine years. I think she’s having a hard time also moving on. I know what I did to you was unforgivable but it’s kinda a long time ago so I’m hoping for the sake of everybody especially our children that you’ll forgive me for that. I know forgetting is a tall order. I don’t know why. Just take it easy and breathe. Enjoy life and all the blessings around you. I’m there somewhere. I’m rooting for you. I’m praying for you. I don’t want to say anymore I love you because everyone knows I do. Maybe I say it too much. Maybe I didn’t say it enough before. Whenever you need me I’m there. I’m not that show biz person who pretends to disappear then come back. I’m not leaving. You can’t get rid of me. I’m there for you if you need me.” End of story? Hardly. * * * In another startling confession, young star Patrick Garcia goes on air for the first time admitting illegal drug use earlier in his life but has gotten over it. Hopefully. Asked by Showbiz Central if he would "seal or reveal" a killer question the show presented to him, Patrick chose to reveal the truth. The "killer question"? Did he ever use illegal drugs? He answered without hesitation: “Depende kung anong klaseng droga. I’ve tried marijuana. It was a long, long time ago. It comes with teenage (curiosity). But of course with the guidance of my…you know, my sister’s there, my brother’s there, and my dad and mom. Kumbaga, I’ve lot of good things around me. So basically, I haven’t gone through any problems because it was nothing. It was being a teenager. Now I’m a better person.” Has Patrick indeed become "better"? Only family or colleagues can attest. But his willingness to open up about something bad in his past is definitely an improvement.

After successfully pushing a Senate investigation on alleged cheating in ABS-CBN's "Wowowee," veteran comedian and TV host Joey de Leon is now himself subject of a Congressional inquiry. Together with "Eat Bulaga!" co-mainstay Michael V. or known by his showbiz nickname, "Bitoy," a bill has been filed in the House of Representatives to check reality-based practical joke shows, which it said had exposed its victims to public humiliation. These shows--Joey's "Wow Mali!" on ABC-5 and Bitoy's "Bitoy's Funniest Videos" on GMA-7--allegedly subject their victims to ridicule, forcing them to situations they would not choose to get involved in full view of millions of televiewers. While we all know that this format has long been a popular fare in television worldwide, I can understand why this measure has taken its legislative course. Personally, I could not imagine being the victim of a practical joke by friends, much more by a top-rating television show. The feeling of being led to a false situation or incident, then caused me to react passionately or violently, and in the end told that it was just a joke and part of a television prank would be something I would definitely abhor. Yes, I would call the attention of the producers, network executives, or worse file a court case. But then again, people take such things differently. Some enjoy the TV exposure, the instant celebrity tag from such pranks.  Others appreciate the joke as even a "friendly gesture." Going back to Joey and Bitoy, yes they could shed some light on the allegations. But they are not fully at fault for any harm done on the show's "victims."  The probe should instead focus more on the TV executives and producers behind the shows.  They are in a better position to explain the relevance, necessity, and significance of these practical jokes shows in their programming. Being the faces on the frontline, however, these two well-respected and multi-awarded comics could not take this with just a mischievous grin. The bill has a valid point. * * * Now that ABC Studios and "Desperate Housewives" producers have decided to delete the controversial "slur" against Filipino medical doctors in its season premier for its future broadcasts and packaging (such as in DVDs) and have apologized, I think the Filipino-American community has proved its point. It's rare for such a highly-rated show to give in to a staggering show of dissent over the fracas. Well, considering how Filipinos were united in their protest, I think US television scriptwriters would definitely think twice before taking Filipinos lightly or making them the butt of jokes. And, the main lesson: consider facts, research well, and not depend on years of cultural biases to earn a living.

U.S. television network ABC, owned by Disney, released a statement apologizing for the "brief reference" to Filipino medical professionals in a line delivered by actress Teri Hatcher as part of the "Desperate Housewives'" latest season premiere.

Part of the statement read: "The producers of Desperate Housewives and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere. There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines."

According to reports ABC will consider re-editing the episode for future telecasts. However, Filipino-American physicians stressed that an apology or even a possible re-editing was not enough for ABC and "Desperate Housewives" to correct its obvious mistake. such as making an on-air retraction and acknowledge the contribution of Filipino medical practitioners and health professionals to the U.S. Another demand was for ABC to provide training in cultural diversity among its creative staff to prevent such slurs from happening again.

A protest action is planned in New York on Friday (US time) to pressure ABC and "Desperate Housewives" to make such amends.

The problem is deeply rooted. Unless such insensitive creative professionals change their view of the world, these offensive attacks would most certainly persist.

Such mobilization against the tide of hatred is very much welcome. It sends a stern message to these ignorant, callous, and insensitive individuals that Filipinos, most especially, won't take this sitting down.

* * *

Jean Garcia was in tears after showbiz reporters asked her about the alleged "advice" she gave daughter Jennica on the use of condoms amid the latter's rumored affair with GMA-7 teen heartthrob Mart Escudero.

Jean pleaded to the showbiz press and her colleagues in the industry not to "corrupt" Jennica, who has since been affected by the news.

"Sabi ko lang sa kanya, ‘Huwag kang magpapaapekto and you pray.’ Kasi, ‘pag sinabi ko na ganyan talaga ang show business. Hindi dapat ganu’n ang show business, di ba?," Jean said in a press conference of the upcoming horror movie Hide and Seek, which launches Jennica. Jean plays Jennica's mom in the movie.

"Huwag naman. Buti kung totoo. Pero ‘pag hindi kasi totoo, ‘yun po ‘yung hurting, eh! So, nasasaktan ang bata, kasi hindi naman totoo," Jean added.

FILIPINOS, especially our kababayan physicians, in the US were insulted when an episode of the hit series "Desperate Housewives" depicted Philippine medical schools as producing substandard, inferior and worse inept medical practicioners. Actress Teri Hatcher delivered a line reacting to a diagnosis of an OB-Gyne specialist which her character disputed and mocked: "Did you go to a medical school in the Philippines?" I can't blame Teri for that controversial line, since she was just following the script. The producers and scriptwriters of the show should apologize for something they obviously don't know as fact. Philippine medical schools produce well-respected, world-renowned and even internationally-awarded doctors. While I can't describe doctors who finished medical school in the Philippines as really the best in the world, they are definitely not the bungling, looney, or inefficient professionals these Hollywood employees falsely perceive. But why allow such blatant misconception in the script of the show viewed by millions around the world? Creative license, the Americans always say. But someone should draw the line between fact and fiction. Such judgment of another country's abilities, in this case in the medical profession, should be bolstered by fact before they integrate it in an environment of fiction, such as a popular television show. If newspapers or broadcast news programs have consistently reported that doctors who finished medical school in the Philippines had caused the death, further injury, or ill-being of their patients, then it is right to make that "truthful" remark. But the scriptwriter has obviously his own presumptions, pre-judgment not only of Filipinos practicing medicine, but of the Philippines and its people in general. That's grossly unfair, let alone a major Hollywood television production allowing such injustice to proliferate. * * * If you're a SkyCable subscriber and you've gotten used to the no-holds-barred action of the WWE in Jack TV, the rib-tickling comedy in the late night talk shows "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O' Brien" on ETC, and the dramas, current affairs and reality shows on "ETC Second Avenue," the NBA and coverage of other international basketball leagues on Basketball TV, and sports action on Solar Sports, well, brace yourselves for the cable guy to snatch that candy from you. Solar Entertainment channels will no longer air on SkyCable. This is part of the Lopez-owned pioneer cable TV firm's move to re-program its channel line-up due to "public demand." However, SkyCable will launch new channels that it said would more than make up for the lost channels. By late October or early November, SkyCable will launch five new exclusive channels--Velvet (general entertainment), Balls (sports), Maxxx (extreme action and sports), AXN Beyond (sci-fi, supernatural thrillers), Fox Crime (crime-related dramas, documentaries), and Kidsco (family entertainment). The programs on Solar, it said, can already be seen on free TV with the company's blocktime agreement with RPN-9.

AFTER that explosive revelation that he is the father of beauty queen Carlene Aguilar's son, Calix Andrea, Dennis Trillo seems so sure of himself that such an issue will not affect his career. In fact, history backs him up. Vhong Navarro did it. Piolo Pascual did it. Gary Valenciano did it (when he was still a struggling singer). Because of this, it is quite safe to say that he made a right decision because not doing so would definitely haunt him personally and in effect his career. Dennis tells GMA-7's "Showbiz Central," the show in which he made the revelation: "Kung ano man yung responsibilidad na nandiyan, wala akong balak talikuran. Siyempre, haharapin ko lahat yon. Sa dami ng blessings na dumadating sa akin, gusto kong isipin na itong dumating na ito isang malaking blessing ito.” But being a father henceforth is terribly a different thing. He should become the responsible father he vows to become and this entails a lot of sacrifices too even if he remains a "single dad." Obviously, he does not plan to marry Carlene, at least in the very near future. Apart from the monetary responsibility, his revelation should even commit him to a greater role--that is of being a father, not a mere provider. * * * Snooky Serna's shocking revelation that she was raped at age 14 really had my eyes glued to the television set last Sunday. Though she gave details like: 1) It happened in her home; 2) The perpetrator was someone close to her (since she allowed her home); 3) She revealed it first to her aunt and then her mother, Mila Ocampo; 4) She was forced to do the acts by the perpetrator. But she stopped short of even hinting who the perpetrator was. She said the person had been living in peace already and would not want to create further embarrasment to the person and purportedly his family. But why reveal it in the first place, two decades since? Well she has her reasons. But all victims of such cruelty should be given ample support to recover from the ordeal. And Snooky said she has.