Robin Padilla, inulan ng batikos matapos niyang gawin ang isang bagay sa isang Koreano.

Veteran action star and “Pilipinas Got Talent” judge Robin Padilla is currently the target of online hate after his alleged rude and racist comment to a Korean contestant on the reality talent search. On January 13, Saturday, a magician named Kim Jiwan tried his luck on the show and introduced himself:

“I’m from Korea but I haven’t stayed there very long. In fact, I just stayed there the first three months after I was born. My dad, he brought me, my mom, my older brother to Manila. The Philippines is basically my home and I want to live here for the rest of my life. I met a particular special someone, just when I thought Philippines wouldn’t get anymore beautiful, apparently it did.”

The contestant also shared that his beloved girlfriend is a Filipina, and expressed that meeting his someone special here in the country makes him more a Filipino. He, however, said he doesn’t speak Tagalog as it was not taught in the international school he attended. Jiwan then invited Robin onstage so he could “use” him for his magic trick, but the veteran actor declined. He said:

“I’m very sorry, you cannot use me. Can you see that (pointing at the sign “Pilipinas Got Talent”)? Firstly, mag-Tagalog ka muna bago mo ako kausapin.”

Robin’s fellow judge Angel Locsin attempted to ease the tension by teaching a few Tagalog words. This was when Robin finally agreed and walked towards the stage.

“Okay, bilang isang Pilipino na marunong tumanggap ng bisita namin, sige gamitin mo ako.”

But when Jiwan still talked in English, Robin blurted, “Tagalog nga eh.” He also told Jiwan that he and judges would look funny if they speak in English when the competition bears the title “Pilipinas.”

Jiwan then went to Angel to continue his trick wherein he put a cross on the actress’ fist. He also made a smartphone disappear. After his performance, he turned to Robin and said that he will learn Tagalog from now on. Vice Ganda, on the other hand, seconded Robin and said:

“You owe yourself the learning [of Tagalog]. It is your social obligation to learn the language of the Philippines because you are living in the Philippines.”

Robin then apologized to Jiwan and explained that he was surprised because he knows someone, “It’s Showtime” host Ryan Bang, who could speak Tagalog. He also commended the contestant for being able to do his trick while he was under pressure.

“Pasensya ka na kasi mayroon akong kakilalang Koreano, si Ryan Bang, na mas magaling pang mag-Tagalog sa akin, kaya nabigla ako na hindi ka marunong mag-Tagalog. Pasensya ka na, anak, nadisiplina ka lang ng tatay mo. Yun na lang isipin mo. Nadisiplina ka lang ng tatay mong Pilipino.”

After this event, many netizens who were provoked by the situation reacted on social media. One online user stated that Robin has a false sense of nationalism, while another one wrote that language barrier should not be someone’s reason to be rude. Watch the video below.