At the recently-concluded GMA Gala 2024, Nadine Samonte was a lovely sight as she flawlessly channeled Audrey Hepburn's iconic look from the 1961 classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Her red carpet look, however, was seemingly overshadowed by reports of a distressing snub that she experienced at the event.
LOOK: Nadine Samonte at the GMA Gala 2024
The actress wore a custom Miss Keith strapless black column gown teamed with a delicate tiara adorning her updo, reminiscent of Holly Golightly. The elegant simplicity of the dress highlighted Nadine's timeless style, featuring an array of jewelry from LVNA By Drake Dustin. The centerpiece was a statement-making choker necklace with layers of pearls and a diamond brooch, adding a touch of vintage glamour to her Audrey Hepburn-inspired look.
Nadine Samonte's Stylist Calls Out Alleged Snub at the GMA Gala 2024
Despite her impeccable red carpet look, Nadine's designer and stylist Miss Keith revealed on social media that the actress was invited to the GMA Gala but was denied a seat to make way for influencers. “Treat your artists right. Kahit na di yan prime niyo. Bat kayo magiinvite pero wala pala sa listahan. Wag niyo unahin mga influencers na ininvite niyo. So disappointing Sparkle GMA Artist Center #GMAGala2024 CHEAP!” Miss Keith lamented on X (formerly Twitter).
"HINDI NAKAKASPARKLE #GMABALL2024," the stylist adds in a separate tweet.
Nadine Samonte Addresses Snub Issue at the GMA Gala 2024
Addressing the issue, Nadine sent a video statement to Ogie Diaz for his vlog, Showbiz Update. The homegrown GMA talent expressed her frustration and disappointment, recounting how she found out she was not on the guest list despite having RSVP'd. "Paglabas ko kahapon sa event, hindi ko na natapos 'yung program. I was so frustrated and so down and lost—I guess that's the right word. Parang, what happened? My team was so mad, they hugged me when I went up, umiyak na ko 'don," she opened up.
Nadine further detailed her extensive preparation for the event, saying, "This gala, nag-prepare ako since last year pa. I prepared, nag-check in na ako, last year pa. Binook ko na lahat last year pa. We even had meetings for what to do, for what theme to make. Lahat talaga—preparation, gastos… And yet, I was not really expecting na matrato ako as VIP, pero I was just wishing na matrato ako fairly lang."
Narrating what happened upon her arrival, the actress shared: "Nung binigyan nila ko ng invitation for that gala, nag-RSVP agad ako. Pag hindi daw kasama sa RSVP, hindi daw makakapasok so nag RSVP na ko... And then pagdating ko dun, my name was not on the list."
"My handler was there also. Tapos sabi, eh wala ka po dito, ano po bang apelyido? Lahat na ng apelyido ko sinabi ko na… Sabi ko, meron po akong show ngayon, iyong ‘Forever Young’ pero hindi pa ini-air. They were looking, they were thinking saan ako iuupo," she recounted.
Eventually, Nadine was given a seat, although she was placed at a table alone. She lamented, "I feel so kawawa. Everybody was going sa 'kin. 'Nadine, are you okay? Okay ka lang ba dyan?' Parang ganon."
Concluding her interview, Nadine still emphasized that she was grateful to the network for inviting her to the event. "Masama lang talaga loob ko, pero it's okay. I'm thankful naman sa GMA kasi kahit paano naiinvite ako sa ganitong malaking event na once a year, and I'm thankful also kasi meron akong bagong show ngayon with them... I hope next year the production will be more vigilant," the actress noted.
On her Instagram, the actress addressed the issue one last time, thanking her supporters and encouraging everyone to put the matter to rest. "Appreciated all your sweet messages but this needs to end. I would like to move on and look at the brighter side of life. Thank you Sparkle Family for looking into this matter to prevent any future mishaps," she wrote.
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