Malu Fernandez Resigned. It’s over. I hope.

Aug 23, 2007 in Daily dose of me

23 August 2007 4:39pm GMT+4

I heard from a friend who watched TV Patrol a while ago, that Malu Fernandez resigned. I did some searching and found this. Here’s the alleged statement:

Statement from Malu Fernandez on the OFW Controversy

I am humbled by the vehement and heated response provoked by my article entitled ‘From Boracay to Greece!’ which came out in the June 2007 issue of People Asia. To say that this article was not meant to malign, hurt or express prejudice against the OFWs now sounds hollow after reading through all the blogs from Filipinos all over the world. I am deeply apologetic for my insensitivity and the offensive manner in which this article was written, I hear you all and I am properly rebuked. It was truly not my intention to malign hurt or express prejudice against OFWs.

As the recent recipient and target of death threats, hate blogs, and deeply personal insults, I now truly understand the insidiousness of discrimination and prejudice disguised as humor. Our society is bound together by human chains of kindness and decency. I have failed to observe this and I am now reaping the consequences of my actions. It is my fervent hope that the lessons that Ive learned are not lost on all those who through anonymous blogs, engaged in bigotry, discrimination, and hatred ( against overweight individuals , for example )

I take full responsibility for my actions and my friends and family have nothing to do with this. To date I have submitted my resignation letters to both the Manila Standard and People Asia, on that note may this matter be laid to rest.

This statement hasn’t been verified if it did really came from Ms. Fernandez, but one thing is for sure.. The People have spoken, and their voices were heard!

Forgive and forget?? DONE But that’s just me All that matters to me now is that we, the Filipino People have triumphed!

for more related info, click HERE

————————————————————————

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

ABS-CBN Interactive posted this on their site:

SOCIETY COLUMNIST QUITS AFTER OFW BASHING

Complaints sent via the Internet and through other types of media led a Manila-based society columnist to resign from her job following her negative comments about overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau reported Thursday.

Bureau chief Dindo Amparo reported that Filipinos in the Middle East proved they can make a difference by uniting for a cause against columnist Malu Fernandez.

CLICK for MORE on THE ABS-CBN Interactive Article

CLICK for the GMA-NEWS TV Article

Here’s a video footage from TV Patrol about the apology and resignation of Ms. Fernandez

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cW6MV8J1sQ]

My intention in posting this entry is to inform readers on what has been happening lately regarding this Malu Controversy, how in one way or another it has affected the lives of thousands of Filipinos, and how the power of the blogosphere made a difference.

Hindi na mainit ang ulo ko. Naibsan na ang aking cravings sa pork at wala na ako balak maghanap ng kawayan bukas. Titigil na rin ako sa pagdarasal sa tuwing ako ay nakaupo sa trono. I am moving on, and I hope you are too. Salamat sa alaala Malu. Buburahin na kita sa aking isipan. Paalam.. Wag ka na babalik.

Good work Bloggers! Congratulations mga Kababayan! Mabuhay ang mga OFWs! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

A little tribute to all OFWs…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFCj7X1fOOw]

Possibly Related Posts:

A Z R A E L : Husband. Father. Son. Expat. DJ. Storyteller. Amateur Photographer. Vermin Exterminator. Bounty Hunter. Asskicker. Pornstar. Hustler. Professional Bullshitter.

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38 comments

Clovis Sangrail on August 23, 2007 at 5:05 pm

No… it aint over till the fat lady sings

Boycott anything associated with this hawg!

[Reply]
mabelle samuya on August 23, 2007 at 5:21 pm

this is not enough for a public apology. she should ask an apology on broadcasted on a televison so that all OFWs all over the world will know how sincere she is. tuloy ang laban!!!

[Reply]
Yes, We Can Make a Difference « isagani x, medical assistant on August 23, 2007 at 7:02 pm

[...] Selvo 2. Azrael 3. Maruism 4. [...]
zsazsa on August 23, 2007 at 9:56 pm

can forgive but can’t forget.

[Reply]
OFW on August 23, 2007 at 11:15 pm

Probably in a year or so… she’s back…

[Reply]
Pinay_sa_Manc on August 23, 2007 at 11:34 pm

If I may, I have been following this controversy from Manchester, UK and I am appalled at what Ms Fernandez wrote and how she has apologized.

To wit, Ms Fernandez wrote:

It is my fervent hope that the lessons that Ive learned are not lost on all those who through anonymous blogs, engaged in bigotry, discrimination, and hatred ( against overweight individuals , for example )

Noong nag-iwan ako ng comment sa isang blog, kinilatis ko rin ang hugis ng kanyang katawan dahil nagalit ako sa kanyang sinulat at dahil hindi niya muna tiningnan ang sarili niya. For Ms. Fernandez’s information, mataba din ako (pandak na mataba) pero naiintindihan ko ang galit ng kapwa Pilipino so she should take that in stride. If there is anyone who deserves to be called a bigot, discriminatory, and a racist, it is Ms Fernandez. I do not think that she has completely learned her lesson kasi binalik maylast hirit pa siya sa mga taong inalipusta niya. Still I agree to let bygones be bygones.

Ang Pinoy, di nakakalimot. Kahit saan siya pumuntang lupalop ng mundo naku! i-huhunting siya ng mga Pilipinong ininsulto niya.

Huwag na lang siya lumabas ng bahay.

Yun lang.

[Reply]
dubaipinoyexpat on August 23, 2007 at 11:40 pm

it is not over yet. she still is full of haughtiness as this statement implies: I”It is my fervent hope that the lessons that Ive learned are not lost on all those who through anonymous blogs, engaged in bigotry, discrimination, and hatred ( against overweight individuals , for example)”.

[Reply]
blog ni ella » Vox populi… on August 23, 2007 at 11:40 pm

[...] this from Azrael, thanks, [...]
paulomartinez on August 24, 2007 at 12:24 am

the messege simply reads… “BITE ME!”

Lomar

[Reply]
bursky on August 24, 2007 at 4:59 am

that’s easy for her to say…
what’s done is done. i have friends abroad and have now begun to understand why it is sometimes necessary to leave one’s country to work for your family. and it is such a noble thing to do. ang problem lang talaga eh yung mga taong di marunong umintindi ng ganoong sitwasyon dahil sa kanilang lack of experience and interaction with the working filipino. dahil lagi silang nasa sosyalan.
a pity that the brilliant tongue of Ms. Fernandez is tied to a calloused awareness.
congratulations to the victorious working filipino…

[Reply]
tiga higop ng langis on August 24, 2007 at 5:10 am

napanood ko na yan on national tv noon

“I am Sorry”

the damage has been done the whole world who read now knows

wait of a new update on the dictionary for the new meaning of “OFW”
- the craving for yourself to slash your wrist when you are with them inside the economy class aircraft

[Reply]
jojie on August 24, 2007 at 6:44 am

ay andito pala ang links. pingbak ko ha.

sure jojie

[Reply]
tabang Malu… ang hirit ko. « SPONTANEITY on August 24, 2007 at 6:49 am

[...] makitang episode kagabi na pwedeng ilink para ma-ishare ko naman sa inyo, o sadyang tamad lang ako [just check this out: Malu Fernandez Resigned. It’s Over. (updated)]. Actually, ti-next lang ako ni opismeyt-slash-kablog menggay kagabi kaya nagulantang ako at super [...]
sanjeddah on August 24, 2007 at 8:05 am

to my fellow kabs, let us unite and boycot is the only answer to her personal apology let us begin to campaign not to buy a material or product that she belongs before resigning they are all part of this DIVAPRESS conclusion now her apology is in our hands do she merit or smell like jo malone or axe her statement towards the so called UNSUNG HEROES //???????????//

[Reply]
kengkay on August 24, 2007 at 9:30 am

salamat sa update!

walang anuman kengks. hamishu!

[Reply]
kikotri8 on August 24, 2007 at 9:56 am

Kill the PIG!!!

[Reply]
Che on August 24, 2007 at 11:42 am

Malu Fernandez — may you Rest In Peace… ;-)

[Reply]
pinoyexpat on August 24, 2007 at 11:51 am

i-lechon na yan!!! :-D

[Reply]
kHeN on August 24, 2007 at 11:52 am

i am truli surprised the way each nd every1 of us reacted..
wer lyk sleeping dragon being awaken the hard way..
atleast, we hav proved to ourselvs dat wer rili s a TRU BLUDED Filipino
for the spirit of “patriotism” nd “nationalism” dat had tuk thousands of lives series of yirs ago fyting for it had nver diminish.
wEr proud of our noble tRadiTion. Wer pRouD to bE PinoY.
leT us not let any1 step on it. Let us continue the legacy…
Tich maLu fErnandez d leXon sHe’d bin cRaving 4…
sHe is not worthy of being a fiLipino.. she shud be throWn to a man-less islanD.away from everythng xo dat she may realze d value of RESPECT!

[Reply]
A Z R A E L on August 24, 2007 at 12:24 pm

mga galit pa rin.. taragis! hahahaha!

[Reply]
diamond on August 24, 2007 at 1:09 pm

The HIPPO thinks resigning or letter God knows who wrote it is enough.
I think She should publicaly apologize along with the EDITOR of manila standard & asia people.
these publications should be banned from printing they are the disgrace to the philipino
community. Insult of our nation. Lets make the PIG realize the shit she has put herself is to much for her to eat.

Love Lucifer

[Reply]
BUDOY_NG_JEDDAH on August 24, 2007 at 6:58 pm

LESSON LEARNED FOR MALOU >>>>> “MAGBIRO KA SA LASING , WAG LANG SA BAGONG GISING”……WE, THE OFW’s ARE LIVING A QUIET LIFE…..KASO, BINULABOG MO THRU YOUR “ASCERBIC WIT” AS YOU CALL IT….BUT AS A CHRISTIAN , I CAN FORGIVE….FORGET..?…YEAH, I CAN DO IT TOO….BAKIT HINDI….I DON’T CONSIDER YOU A CRIMINAL PARA HINDI KA MAPATAWAD….AND YOU HAVE ALL THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE TO REDEEM YOURSELF MALOU….

ON A POSITIVE NOTE, YOU JUST MADE THE OFW’s EVEN MORE UNITED…YEAH, AND WE’RE MILES AWAY FROM EACH OTHER….

PEACE PO SA LAHAT…..
MABUHAY ANG MGA OFW’s……

[Reply]
Qatar Boy on August 24, 2007 at 9:53 pm

Gustong sumikat ng babaeng baklang ito kaya kahit sa masamang paraan isinulat niya at kinalaban pa kaming mga oFW. Nagkamali ka ng kinalaban.Hindi ka yata tinuruan ng iyong mga magulang ng magandang asal kaya asal baboy ka kagaya ng pagmumukha mo. maraming galit sa iyo at dahilan diyan segurado ko mamalasin ka sa buhay sampo ng iyong mga kamag-anak. Sa halip na humingi ka kaagad ng patawad sa aming mga OFW ginalit mo pa kaming lalo kaya yong apology mo hindi acceptable at hindi sincere. Mapapatawad ka lamang naming mga oFW kung ikaww mismo ay magiging isang domestic helper at magtrabaho dito sa Middle East para maranasan mo ang hirap na dinaranas ng mga kababayan mo para makapagpadala lamang ng pera dyan sa Pilipinas. Brutal kang magsalita at masahol ka pa sa walang pinag-aralan. Masama ang budhi mo at ginagamit mo ang mga pahayagan para manlait ng iyong kapwa Pilipino. Isang kang mabahong isda na tinutukoy ni Rizal.Yang gimnawa mong yan ay magiging parusa sa iyong lahi hanggang sa iyong kaapoapuhan maniwala ka. Huli na ang pagsisis mo sinira mo ang aming dignidad na mga OFW na siyang tumutulong para di bumagsaka ang ekonomiya ng bansa. To hell with you!!!

[Reply]
peacci on Bigoted Malu Fernandez Resigns on August 24, 2007 at 11:19 pm

I hope that this is the last I hear from her and a warning for those like her.
Thank goodness for bloggers and forwarders. Now we can heave a sigh of relief.

[Reply]
Ms. Red on August 25, 2007 at 7:03 pm

di rin pala nasayang yung pagkakalat ko ng issue sa Dubai lalo na sa Phil Embassy don, weeeeeeeeee!!!!

[Reply]
Adrian_Oman on August 27, 2007 at 2:42 am

Yan! matutu kang magsisi sa mga pagkakamali mo, pero di pa rin kami lubusang naniniwala sa sinsiridad mo hanggat di ka lumalabas sa TV at pagsisihan ang pang aalipusta mo sa lahat ng naperwisyo mo.Tutal wala ka ng marangal na trabaho at malamang wala ng tatanggap sa iyo dahil sa kahihiyang ginawa mo, subukan mo kayang magtrabaho rin bilang katulong tutal mukha ka namang katulong, para malaman mo kung gaano kahirap kumita ng pera at kung papano pagkasyahin ang kinikita para sa pamilya at di para sa luho sa katawan. TIP:hwag sa pamilya ng OFW dahil tiyak lilitsunin ka.
So alam mo na ngayon kung gaano kami ka united na OFW? you’ve just awaken the dragon my dear…yan ang pinoy …walang iwanan…

[Reply]
Adrian_Oman on August 27, 2007 at 3:01 am

Yan! matutu kang magsisi sa mga pagkakamali mo, pero di pa rin kami lubusang naniniwala sa sinsiridad mo hanggat di ka lumalabas sa TV at pagsisihan ang pang aalipusta sa lahat ng naperwisyo mo.Tutal wala ka ng marangal na trabaho at malamang wala ng tatanggap sa iyo dahil sa kahihiyang ginawa mo, subukan mo kayang magtrabaho rin bilang katulong tutal mukha ka namang katulong, para malaman mo kung gaano kahirap kumita ng pera at kung papano pagkasyahin ang kinikita para sa pamilya at di para sa luho sa katawan na tulad ng nakasanayan mo. TIP:hwag sa pamilya ng OFW dahil tiyak lilitsunin ka.
So alam mo na ngayon kung gaano kami ka united na OFW? you’ve just awaken the dragon my dear…yan ang pinoy …walang iwanan…

[Reply]
OFW Doha, Qatar on August 27, 2007 at 12:09 pm

Ponyeta!!! Baboy ka maigi nga sayo pero kung na ikaw ang ang magdusa dapat pati ang mga publisher ng article.. dninyo kya ang OFW hiwa-hiwalay nga kmi pero true internet kya nmin mag ka lapit-lapit.. kung sa pagsulat mo kmi cniraan dto kring namin pababagsakin at ang mga publisher mo..at sana sa mahal na pangulo ngayng mo ipakita kung gaano kmi kahalaga sa gobyerno bigyan mo na punishment ang malu fernandez na yn at ang mga publisher.. dmo alam kung gaano hirap ang nararamdamin nmin d2 ang skit ng mawalay sa mahal sa buhay nkha mpang magsalita were’s ur bloodi mind OiK Oik Oik..puro kasinungalingan ang article mo gusto isasahin ko..

1)Pano sasabhin na Para kang sandinas sa sabrang sikit..ang sardinas isda at d baboy..
2)Pano masasabing eletista ka ung asa economy class ka. sa Busines class ka dapat..
3)Kung talagang u born with the golden spoon..bakit Baygon ang ginagamit mo at d Anti Mosqiuto Lotion..
4) bakit mo alam ang amoy ang axe cruro ung dati ang pabango mo..

Kung gusto sumikat wag kang manira ng iba..

[Reply]
dildil_asin on August 28, 2007 at 5:06 am

“I take full responsibility for my actions and my friends and family have nothing to do with this. To date I have submitted my resignation letters to both the Manila Standard and People Asia, on that note may this matter be laid to rest.”

Asa ka pa!!!!!…si Tessie Aquino nga sumayaw lang e. Buong (literal) araw nag-apologize sa media at may paiyak-iyak pa sa TV habang nag-so sorry…wala din, hindi parin binoto ng tao.

Si Malu ni hindi nagsorry sa TV…maghahanap at maghahanap ng paraan ang mga Pinoy na makaganti dahil sinaktan at ininsulto mo mga kamaganakan at kaibigan namin.

THE FILIPINO PEOPLE IS DEEPLY HURT!

[Reply]
sigmund on August 28, 2007 at 4:02 pm

There really isn’t any need to insult Ms. Fernandez further; I think she’s quite miserable on her own. I’ve encountered her enough to know that she’s pretentious and obnoxious. I also know that although her family may have some affluence, I certainly would never include her among the truly high-end of Philippine society she aspires to associate herself with. Sure she may orbit the circle, but she lacks the financial gravitas to truly live the lifestyle at that level. But even that aside, her complete lack of finer sensibilities or circumspect in her utterances indicate a mistaken concept of how the higher strata generally operate. The upper-crust manner, in my humble opinion, is one where there is the absence of a need to prove it to anyone. The traditionally rich guard the private details of their lives, perhaps just sharing it with a few intimates. Bragging about the inconsequential accoutrements of �the fabulous life� as Ms. Fernandez does in article after article, smacks more of an arriviste rather than a person already �to the manor born.� The classic signs are all there - name-dropping, an obsession with expensive accessories (and the need to highlight the brand), the feeling of entitlement, the clear disdain and lack of empathy for those she feels are not of her strata. It must be very difficult for her to constantly try to keep up with a crowd she just can�t keep up with financially. If she could she would have easily bought a first-class ticket and we would have all been spared of her tirade.

Feeling alienated from a crowd she so desperately wants to be a part of must make her very frustrated. Many bloggers also made fun of her portliness. I would imagine that the insults concerning her weight we�re not the first time she had heard such comments. She was physically large when I met her, and she still is to this day. There must also be a great deal of frustration in not being able to lose the weight. Part of being �Fierce and Fabulous� is the glam-factor. Obesity isn�t generally considered glamorous. There is so much out of her control that I can only imagine her seething anger as she sat in economy with her fellow Filipinos from Dubai. Powerless to do anything to extricate her from that circumstance, she lashed out by berating them, by trying to convince people that although she sat in economy with them, she is not one of them. She is high class and they are not. That kind of venom, that kind of irrational anger is so deep-seated that it can only come from a life she felt she had no control of � much like her weight and her social status.

[Reply]
rewel bigcal on August 28, 2007 at 8:55 pm

mga kabs arborin ko na lang si malou ala pang laman ang piggery ko ehh…gawin kong inahin

[Reply]
Batang Api on August 28, 2007 at 10:22 pm

Kabayan sala ka ng inalbor masamang baboy c malu d bagay sa piggery ng pinoy yng sisiraan niyng ang ibang baboy mo pati dapat mamahalin ang pabango mo dyn d pwede axe lng… payong veterinarian..

[Reply]
the jester-in-exile on August 29, 2007 at 6:18 am

apparently she hasn’t really quit: http://cmfr-phil.blogspot.com/2007/08/malus-back.html

[Reply]
jediknight on August 29, 2007 at 10:01 am

to sigmund
you hit the proverbial nail on the head there, man. I met some fat females who behave like her; you know, feeling beautiful, rich, etc. Nagpapakasosyal. The Malu Fernandezes of this world should be pitied, but not this one. She could walk on her Jo Malone-perfumed knees from Boracay to Greece, but i fear she would never be cured of the Malu Fernandez Syndrome. Her name, though, will live on after her; like imeldific, or quisling.

[Reply]
OFW Doha, Qatar on August 29, 2007 at 12:01 pm

SUPPORT THIS CAUSE..

This is not mandatory.. At least we have to lessen our remittances..

Every 1USD that the OFW’s will cut from the remittance will have a deductive effect of 8,000,000.00 USD for the Philippine government, so, if we all tighten our belts and say lessen our remittance for say 200.00 USD for three (3) months, the government will have a temporary deficit of ;
200.00 x 3 months = 600.00 USD x 8,000,000.00 = 4,800,000,000.00 (this is 4.8 billion USD) If we will convert this figure at the prevailing rate of 45 Php per 1 USD this is equivalent to 216,000,000,000.00 PhP. (two hundred sixteen billion pesos na to) I’m sure this figure will be really worth dealing in a civilized manner. (Iilaw na ang mga mata ng mga nasa negotiating panel ).

This is our (OFW) united effort in terms of monetary value. Which the government “seems” to neglect for the very reason that we are not united… and they can step on our nose.. but for as long as we can endure the pain… we should not resort to this option. Unless otherwise kailangan mo nang ibagsak ang huling baraha..

Pls disseminate to others….let us join hand for this cause……tama na ang panggagatas at pampapalubang loob ng gobyerno sa ating mga OFW….sasabihin bagong bayani daw pero naghihirap pa din……tama na ang kalokohang iyan………gising na kami…..wala ng epekto yan…..sa mga katulad kong OFW din,…

Kailangan din nating protektahan ang mga makabuluhan nating mga interes…para sa ating pag asenso ng dina tayo palaging lumalayo pa sa mga mahal natin sa buhay at sa ating mga pamilya para lang makapag trabaho ng maayos di ba?……..

Let us support this cause……pls limit your remittances of your hard earned dollars…….let us hold them……ipunin nyo na muna ditto sa abroad…..sa loob ng anim na buwan makikita ninyo ang epekto ng ipinaghihinaing natin sa gobyerno…..

Ito lang ang paraan sa pambabalewala nila sa mga hinaing natin……

Di naman tumataas ang sweldo natin sa abroad kapag nakapirma ka na ng kontrata dib a?…..Pero bumababa lalo ang ating kita…..dahil sa pagtaas ng halaga ng peso…samantalang patuloy naman sa pagtaas ang mga bilihin at serbisyong kakailanganin natin sa atin……..

Kumilos na tayo mga OFW…….sama sama…….kapit bisig mga kapatid……holdyour remittances…..

OFWs hit govt for remittance rule
Overseas Filipino workers are up in arms over the government’s proposal for them to send their remittances solely through the Philippine Postal Savings Bank.

“Yes it (government) is willing to give us a special rate, provided we course our remittances through their favorite Postal Saving Bank,” said Francis Oca in an e-mail from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Oca, a certified public accountant who has beenin Riyadh for the last 23 years, said he feels insulted by the proposal.

Oca questioned a proposal by Malaca�ang that was backed by President Arroyo’s economic managers to allocate $1 billion in funding to exporters for a preferential peso-dollar exchange rate.

The proposal came amid the continued improvement of the peso against the US dollar. From 56 in September 2005, the peso now averages at 45:$1.

“I think we have had enough; I think it is high time that we show some muscle.” He suggested to fellow OFWs to “cut remittances by half during the next six months.”

Vic Barrazona, another Saudi OFW, meanwhile, said that Oca’s proposal may not be acceptable to other migrant Filipino workers.

“If a low-income OFW is sending a monthly remittance of US$200, cutting it to half may have an adverse affect to his beneficiaries,” Barrazona said.

He suggested a 5-10 percent reduction in remittances for all OFWs. “It will have a better chance of positive response from our ranks.”

The issue started this year as the peso continued to improve against the dollar.

Migrant workers said their remittances are no longer worth the same because of the peso performance.

Exporters, meanwhile, are also feeling the pinch because the appreciation of the Philippine currency would mean a bigger loss for them every time the peso goes up against the dollar.

On Wednesday, the peso closed weaker at 45.83 against the greenback, lower than Tuesday’s 45.34.

[Reply]
In the Name of Bigotry « Spellbound Speller on September 1, 2007 at 1:07 am

[...] down from her high chair.� With so many blogs talking about it,�I have decided to just read this blog�because it contains all the salient points in this matter.� But I’m sure she’ll be [...]
Lester Cavestany on September 5, 2007 at 11:05 pm

I hope we can learn to forgive Malu Fernandez. I wrote an entry about her article and I hope you can find time to read it. It’s entitled “One Voice (An OFW�s reaction to Malu Fernandez�s �From Greece to Boracay�)” and I posted it here: http://lestercavestany.com/?p=10

[Reply]
- Legally-Confused.com on May 5, 2008 at 9:01 pm

- Legally-Confused.com…

Accident Claims make sure youre not legally-confused.com…