The complaint published by Filipino designer Jef Albea on social media had a mass reach after he claimed that the Miss Universe Philippines organization didn’t pay him a single cent for designing the trophies used for this year’s pageant.
In his post, Albea said that the organization “refused” to pay him despite his decision to prioritize the project and decline additional projects.
“MISS UNIVERSE vanished into thin air. They refused to pay me for the trophies I designed and crafted for the coronation night. All the effort, dedication and passion I put in creating these pieces, ended up ignored and disregarded when payment was due,” Albea said.
“I do not need nor will I accept a single centavo from the organization anymore. What I need now is for them to learn that ARTISTS DESERVE RESPECT. We pour our hearts and souls into our creations. Our ideas don’t just appear from thin air just to work for an xdeal. They are the result of intense thought, deep emotions, and sleepless nights. Not to mention, opportunities missed, money and years spent honing our craft,” he added.
However, the production head of Miss Universe Philippines, Borg Roxas, explained why Albea has yet to receive payment for his services.
According to Roxas, an event like Miss Universe Philippines was massive, so they were required to document all the expenses for the event, including Albea’s payment.
“During the MUPh finals, magulo na lahat sa backstage. I admit na kausap namin si Sir Jef. Pero on the day of the finals pinadala yung mga artwork, and on that day din namin nalaman through his asst na need magbayad ng 75,000 pesos,” Roxas wrote.
“Magulo na lahat backstage and wala naman may hawak ng cash. So sinabi namin na kailangan proper documentation like billing etc.
“Kausap din nila ang staff namin even until yesterday June 12 na inaayos lang for billing kasi ang daming suppliers sa production from artists to technicals etc.
“Lahat ng suppliers nagpapadala ng billing statement at invoice prior to May 22 para aligned na lahat. Nauuna nabayaran yung nagpapadala agad kasi may paperwork.