Artist Moira Dela Torre is now receiving a tremendous amount of criticisms from the Ilocanos after she denied that she was aware that she’s performing in an event organized to commemorate the 101st birthday of late President Ferdinand Marcos.
In Twitter, Dela Torre clarified to her disappointed anti-Marcos fans that the organizers told her that she’s going to perform in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on September 11 for an event called “Ilocano Millenial Night.”
The discussion started when netizen Jericho Rayel Timbol (@jerichorayel) tweeted about Moira’s past post about President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that “President Duterte can still improve his speeches” and she also believed that God did not make him as a President “by accident”.
Later on, Timbol approached Dela Torre, asking about her deleted tweet and the artist’s recent performance during the Marcos event.
“I think Moira and I are on the same faith. Usually, we say this to emphasize God’s works. But categorically, it should be, “God allowed it to happen.” Mas malala ang pagkanta niya sa Marcos Event.” Timbol said.
“However, ano kaya ang masasabi ni @moirarachelle4 two years after that tweet? Dapat hindi mo dinelete ate.” he added.
Screenshot: @moirarachell4
In response, Dela Torre told Timbol that she deleted her tweet because her beliefs about President Duterte already changed.
The artist also denied that she was aware that she’s going to perform for the late-President.
“It’s been two years. I’ve seen more things, I’ve learned more. I deleted it because that came from a time when I didn’t know any better. This Marcos Fest was supposed to be called I-Millenial Fest. I AM NOT A MARCOS APOLOGETIC. Never will I be.” Moira said.
Screenshot: @moirarachell4
To prove that the organizers fooled her, Moira disclosed a reminder from her phone, showing that she got reminded that she’s going to perform at Ilocano Millenial Night.
“No, I didn’t. From the earlier reminders til before we got there, they addressed it as the Ilocano Millenial Night. Not once was his name brought up. So let me be clear about this: I performed for the people of Ilocos and NOT for Marcos.” Dela Torre said.
Screenshot: @moirarachell4
She said that the producers lied to her which made her more disappointed.
“It was the producer who failed to give us all the information. I think he purposely left that out to keep us from not accepting the event…. which makes me even angrier.” she said.
Screenshot: @moirarachell4
The said thread has gone viral on the internet and sparked outrage among Marcos supporters mostly from Ilocos Norte.
The organizers of the said event also slammed Dela Torre for denying that she was not aware of the Marcos Fest.
Aian Raquel, Head of Provincial Tourism Office of Ilocos Norte criticized Moira and accused her of being unprofessional before and during the event.
In her open letter, Raquel said that Dela Torre was aware by the Marcos fest before she flew to Laoag.
He also said that Dela Torre was in the bad shape during the event and even showed up late.
“Nobody tricked you Moira Dela Torre. You knew that the event was called “Marcos Fest,” at the very least posters were up even before you flew to Laoag. Don’t make it seem like we lied to get you to perform. Ask your agent and your manager about it and please, don’t blame the “producers.” Thank you for bringing your music to Ilocos, and we were really appreciative of you even if you were late for 20 minutes and with a bad, sickly voice. You were supposed to perform @ 10pm. We all had fun, Moira.
But now that you are complaining about performing at an event where you’re requirements and demands were given, including your fee, bakit parang nambabastos ka?” Raquel said.
To prove that she’s aware that she’s going to perform at the Marcos Fest a netizen shared a screenshot, showing Dela Torre liked the promotional poster of the said event.
However, when we checked the promotional poster, it seems that Dela Torre already removed her reaction, but some of the netizens’ heart reaction remains in the post.
Ilocos Norte Journalist and Vera Files contributor Bernard Ver also disclosed another shocking information about Moira, accusing her of showing lousy attitude during her visit in Laoag.
According to Ver, Moira became demanding in choosing her hotel because of her allergy from “wood, dust, and pollution.”
He also said that Moira only sang 40% of her songs during the performance, saying that the artist asked the audience just to sing her song.
I was there during the concert. Hinintay ka namin ng matagal. Wala kang magandang boses kasi namamaus ka. 60% ng kanta mo sa audience [pasa ang microphone] pinagawa. Limang kanta, para sa isang singer na iniidolo ng karamihan (baka hindi naman lahat). Humirit si Gov. ng isang kanta pero hindi mo manlang pinagbigyan.” Ver said.
“I love your songs, but I don’t like your attitude.Tinuring ka ng maayos ng mga kababayan ko. Ngayon naman, umayos ka.” he added.
Xavier Rafales Ruiz, a tourim professional also claimed that Moira and her team acted like a “Royal Family” during their stay in Ilocos.
“Pwede ba Moira Dela Torre. You knew you were performing for the Marcos 101 event. Kung di ka Marcos “apologetic”, you could’ve declined the event. Ah wait, money. I forgot, money. And your team acted as if you were part of the Royal Family while you were in Ilocos! So many demands na pinagbigyan ka naman. Sorry, wag kami. Kakatama lang ng bagyo dito.” Ruiz said.
As of writing, the Ilocos Norte government is not yet releasing a statement on the issue.
Dela Torre is known for her songs “Malaya”, “Titibo-tibo”, and cover of Imago’s “Sundo”.
Presidential daughter Veronica Duterte also said that she idolized Moira, even showing an Instagram photo of her together with the artist.
““when @moirarachelle told me “I hope you enjoy this album and that you’re always reminded of your worth— so precious and worth fighting for” that hit me hard 
WE LÜV YOOOOOOUUUUUU 
,””
However, Veronica already deleted the Instagram photo as of writing.