Amanda Page blames sex video scandal for early showbiz exit

After two decades, popular 90s actress Amanda Page recently recalled the most controversial moment in her career that prompted her unceremonious exit from show business.

In an Fast Talk interview with Boy Abunda, Page was asked what she thought was the most painful and most intense intrigue that she experienced in showbiz, and she said that it was when she was involved in a sex video scandal that made her quit in 2001 at the height of her popularity.

“Allegedly, I was in a sex video. I think that one was the most painful because I think because it almost as if like, schadenfreude (natutuwa sa kamalasan ng kapwa) people want to believe the worst about someone,” she said.

“And so, I felt like I wasn’t even given an opportunity really because it’s always like whatever’s negative out there is what people will always believe,” she added.

READ: Ellen Adarna has ‘more receipts’ vs Derek Ramsay, claims he ‘terrorized’ helpers

The former actress also admitted that even back then, she never saw herself staying long in the entertainment industry, despite how well her career was going in 2001.

When the scandal broke out, Page was still doing a few shows, but had to leave when she was done with her showbiz commitments to return to the United States to cool her heels.

She had just recently returned to the Philippines for a brief stay, but she said that it was unlikely for her to return to showbiz.

“Feeling ko when I was in showbiz, that was never going to be my endgame. I always had a different endgame. The endgame was that I was not going to grow old in showbiz.”

At the same time, she expressed gratitude to three individuals whom she said played major roles in her showbiz career.

“First, obviously, Boss Vic (del Rosario) of Viva Films because he gave me my first break. Second, I would have to say Maribeth Bichara because she’s been my mentor for so long, and I got to do what I love because of her — and actually have fun doing it,” Page said.

Lastly, the late Action King Fernando Poe Jr., whom she was paired with in a film. “Third, I would have to say maybe Fernando Poe Jr.

“I think I really enjoyed the time I had working with him, and the break I got from… you know, just being able to work with him,” Amanda Page added.

Amanda appeared in the films Rizal in Dapitan, Ang Probinsyano, and Tatsulok. She also became a host on GMA’s former musical variety show SOP, and was part of Bubble Gang and T.G.I.S.. /edv