‘I don’t smoke, so I don’t promote smoking’

MANILA, Philippines – In the heels of her widely successful film “No Other Woman,” actress-TV host Anne Curtis humbly apologizes for the “inappropriate” message supposedly conveyed by her recent magazine cover.

“I think it’s proper to really apologize to the people who were offended,” said Curtis in an interview with “Bandila” aired on Oct. 5.

Curtis was the October issue cover girl of Rogue magazine that recently drew flack from anti-smoking advocates after showing the star holding a cigarette.

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) lamented that Curtis’ cover photo—as with Nora Aunor’s YES! Magazine cover—sets a bad example to the youth who apparently looks up to these renowned celebrities.

The “Showtime” host, however, mentioned that she understands where the critics are coming from.

“Syempre na-sad din kami that it was given that kind of publicity but at the same time naiintindihan din naman namin ang point nila,” Curtis enthused.

To set the record straight, she maintained that it was not the magazine’s intention to promote or to engage the youth into smoking.

“I don’t smoke. So I do not promote smoking. Just to be clear also,” shared Curtis.

Recall that Aunor was also drew the same criticism last week, which even prompted running priest Father Robert Reyes to say that she was “ill-advised” on the matter.

To this, the “Sa Ngalan ng Ina” star has spoken up in a previous Bulletin Entertainment report, saying, “Kriminal ba ‘yung ginawa ng tao o ano? Masyadong pinapalaki ‘yung isyu. Bakit, ngayon lang napansin na naninigarilyo ako?”

Nevertheless, she apologized to those who got offended by her photo and had also ironed things out with Fr. Reyes.

Yes! Magazine editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon earlier defended Aunor’s cover, explaining that the photo “captures” Nora and her “new openness” that reflects “who she is today.”

Rogue magazine is yet to comment on the matter involving Curtis.