At the ripe old age of 77, veteran actress Eva Darren suddenly finds herself in the middle of a controversial storm that coincided with the smashing landing of typhoon Aghon.

It all stemmed from a sorry incident on May 26 at the Manila Hotel, the venue of the 72nd anniversary of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).

Ms. Darren, who prepared and spent well for the occasion, was unceremoniously dropped as a presentor, contrary to a previous assignation. The incident has resulted to a blown-up controversy that now has conveniently eclipsed the FAMAS’ other pogi points.

For the first time in a long time, this one movie awards night can go on record as the most star-studded, gathering under one roof the likes of Piolo, Coco, Alden, Kathryn, Marian, Dingdong. From among the senior stars, Vilma, Christopher, Charo, Pepito, Pilar, Efren, Tirso, Nova, Marissa, Robin, Romeo, Elwood.

The snub of Ms Eva Darren has escalated into a major issue on social media where it has gained viral proportions. An overwhelming show of support for the actress known for being usually quiet and low-keyed, flooded various platforms. Side by side this show of love for the veteran actress, who has a 1969 Famas best supporting actress trophy for Ang Pulubi, the FAMAS is being chastised for unprofessionalism and lack of concern for senior stars.

In light of the events that transpired, I can now foresee the following:

It is possible that the next award-giving bodies, such as the EDDYs and the Star awards, shall honor Eva with their own brand of recognition.

The Actors’ Guild may be compelled to issue a statement in defense of senior stars. Of course, the FAMAS has already issued an apology, which Eva’s family has accepted graciously.

A Rotary Club or a party list group may soon reward Eva with an honorary trophy for her excellence as an actress.

No one in production shall own up to the “misjudgment,” as they call it.

Do you think the FAMAS should reimburse Ms Eva the expenses she incurred going to the event Twenty thousand pesos for dinner for four, plus a few more thousands for shoes and a new gown. What about the cost of embarrassment and sadness before your very own family?

Here’s hoping the incident shall lead to an Aghon rainfall of sympathy offers coming Eva’s way.       

Who is Eva Darren? Eva started out as a bit player at Sampaguita Pictures in the early 1960s. Towards the second half of the decade, she got good breaks as a leading lady in action pictures that starred Tony Ferrer and other action stars of the era.

Eva made her mark as a competent actress by winning a FAMAS in 1969, where she played Charito Solis's lesbian lover.

In 1998, she was nominated at Gawad Urian for Best Supporting Actress in the movie Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin.

She continues to land roles in television drama serials like Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000).

A keen observer of the movie scene, newsman Nate Barretto, wrote me: “Eva bears the elegance of an actress from a golden age of cinema long lost with many morals. I celebrate her cinematic feats and offer her a standing ovation for being a proud disciple of the arts. Bravo, Ms Eva Darren!”