As recently headlined in some of Cebu’s prominent dailies, Ms. Fernandez, together with her production manager, filed a complaint for grave threats, unjust vexation and grave slander against one Jeffrey Serrano before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office last August 13, 2008.
Mr. Serrano is an associate of the Cebu-based producer of the “Divalicious” concert originally scheduled last May 30, 2008 at the Mandaue Cultural and Sports Complex.
It is unfortunate that the concert did not push through. However, it was not Ms. Fernandez who called it off.
The concert producer failed to comply with her contractual obligation since she was not able to come up with the down payment before Ms. Fernandez headed for Mandaue.
The producer promised to settle everything before the show. Confident that the producer will fulfill her promise, Ms. Fernandez and her production team acted in good faith and made all the necessary arrangements and preparations and conducted rehearsals to ensure the success of the show.
Ms. Fernandez arrived in Mandaue ready to perform as originally scheduled.
Unfortunately, the situation turned from bad to worse when the producer still failed to pay the down payment before the show. The down payment was not only meant to cover Ms. Fernandez’s talent fee, but also that of the other artists involved in the concert and the live band.
The situation was aggravated by Mr. Serrano’s insults and verbal threats against Ms. Fernandez’s production team – who maintained their composure throughout the harrowing ordeal.
The concert was cancelled by the producer at the last minute for reasons we still could not comprehend.
When the concert was cancelled, Ms. Fernandez and her production team were on the wings ready to perform on cue.
A true professional, Ms. Fernandez was the least concerned about the down payment.
She had her heart set on giving a great performance for the audience that had gathered.
Sadly, Ms. Fernandez and her production team were prevented to go onstage to explain their side to the audience.
They were even humiliated and harassed by Mr. Serrano.
The undue stress and tension eventually took their toll on Ms. Fernandez who had to be rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
It is both surprising and ironic how the very same producer who we accorded with trust and good faith, betrayed that confidence when she tried to make the concertgoers believe that it was Ms. Fernandez’s fault that the concert did not push through.
The unfounded rumors and speculations putting the blame on Ms. Fernandez and her group for the fiasco are utterly untrue.
It was the producer, who unceremoniously cancelled the concert, who deprived Ms. Fernandez’s loyal and eager fans of a good show.
With more than 20 years in the talent management and concert production industry, we pride ourselves with our utmost professionalism. Through the years our reputation remains untarnished.
In the interest of truth and justice, and to protect our artist’s good name, it was necessary to take legal action at the soonest possible time.
