Charles Teves
Comedian Ogie Diaz has claimed that the sold-out crowd at Toni Gonzaga’s concert at the Araneta Coliseum wasn’t entirely organic.
In one of his latest videos on his YouTube channel, the entertainment reporter-talent manager revealed that tickets to ‘I am Toni’ were being handed out to random people in Cubao on the day of the concert.
“Totoo namang namimigay sa labas. Totoo rin na namigay ng mga tickets sa mga kakilala. Kahit ‘yung mga senador daw ng tickets,” Diaz said.
However, Diaz said he sees nothing wrong with what was allegedly done because it only means the event turned a profit. He explained, “Wala namang problema dun kasi kung bibilhin naman at papalitan ng pera ‘yun, eh sales pa rin siya ‘di ba. Kumita parin.”
He acknowledged that the event actually did very well in terms of sales.
Diaz reiterated, “Kahit pa sabihin mong pinamigay ‘yung tickets sa concerts ni Toni. Ipinilit na manuod sila ng concert ni Toni. Kahit ano pa ang sabihin nila kung ang attendance, napakarami, napakataas, kumita pa rin ‘yun…pinanindigan ko naman na talagang merong pinamimigay na tickets.”
Diaz’s co-host vlogger, Mama Loi said he had first-hand experience with the handing out of free tickets in the past. He said, “Nasaksihan po kasi namin ‘yan. Kumbaga sa hukuman, hindi ‘to chismis. Right before our eyes.”
Netizens have also reported that they know people who have been recipients of the free tickets, which isn’t a positive look for Gonzaga despite selling out the arena.
Dami namang nabigyan ng free tickets sa I am Otin G concert #ToniGonzaga
— ac (@theacds) January 21, 2023
https://twitter.com/heavenostalgic/status/1616388086568742912?s=20&t=YHHg4spCL21SsXPf8hwRUA
HAHAHAHAH HELLO DAW SA MOST POWRRFUL CELEBRITY NA NAMUMUDMOD NG FREE TICKETS AHAHHAHHAHAHA TONI GONZAGA.
MALAMANG BINILI YAN KUNG SINO ANG POINT IS, WALANG MAY GUSTONG BUMILI FROM THEIR OWN POCKETS HAHAHA https://t.co/qfmx0aE7Dx
— Drave (@Drave36599229) January 18, 2023
95% of those who attended the concert of Toni Gonzaga are forced by the Propagandist to attend (without tickets) because of "FREE ADMISSION". #IAmOtin
— Fleeflee (@JimJames_1955) January 20, 2023
Looking forward for Toni Gonzaga's 30th anniversary concert. baka mabigyan din ako ng free ticket. 😅😅#PaalamToniGonzaga
— Real Talk (@Kaizer_LangPo) January 23, 2023
Isa sa mga nabigyan ng free tickets na never naman tlgng naginf fan ni Toni Gonzaga. 😂#PaalamToniGonzaga#IAmOtin https://t.co/aIVLmyxK0b
— Pookie Pie 🍭 (@pookiepay) January 20, 2023
There were doubts that Gonzaga’s concert would do well due to recent decisions that have made her a hot topic on social media. Her decision to support Pres. Bongbong Marcos during the campaign trail was heavily criticized.
The guests Gonzaga had during the concert were also made fun of by netizens as they noticed that she failed to draw the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
However, based on photos, the concert barely had empty seats and the crowd appeared to enjoy their time.
