The Philippine Online Chronicles

With an explosive comeback in the Philippine entertainment scene, BB Gandanghari sent sparks flying in 2009 with all the issues that her persona change has in tow. Her name, a way for her to assert her individualism and personal beliefs, made its way to the 2009 Google Zeitgeist list for the Top 10 Filipinos most searched in Google.

In its annual Zeitgeist (meaning “spirit of the times”) list that contains summarized data on the frequency of searches made in the site, Google listed BB Gandanghari along with boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, scandal-ridden Hayden Kho, master rapper Francis Magalona, mother of Philippine democracy Corazon Aquino, broadcaster Ted Failon, Rosalinda star Carla Abellana, presidential-aspirant Noynoy Aquino, controversial woman-turned-acoustic singer Princess Velasco, and outbursting with creative tantrums RTW (ready-to-wear) designer Boyet Fajardo.

The transformation

Actor Rustom Padilla went to New York City to study modeling for three months. In January 2009, a statuesque woman clad in red high-heel boots, scarf, and shades—seemingly in a state of mourning—arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and announced that the 90s heartthrob is dead.

“I’m a woman, so call me BB. BB Gandanghari. . . BB as in Binibini. . . Rustom is dead, Rustom is not here,” she said.

Rustom Padilla is the youngest among the Padilla brothers, all of whom are known for their action films and macho image. He was married to actress Carmina Villaroel during the height of their love team in 1994 but soon called off the union in 1997.

The transformation had long been made when the Gandanghari persona was publicly launched in the actress' debut as Best Actor presentor at the Gawad Urian Awards in 2008. But it was only upon Padilla's return from the US as a full-fledged woman did the uproar start.

This coming-out harbored mixed reactions, with people flooding her social networking sites with comments of both love and hate. Her decision was also criticized by gay stand-up comedian Vice Ganda and expert beautician Ricky Reyes.

What's in a name?

“Be all that you can be” is BB Gandanghari's motto. Although often hurled with criticisms on her being a transgender, BB continues to assert herself as a woman, an advocate of love and life, a firm believer in God and challenger of constricting norms and prejudice.

But somehow, tests come in the least expected way, at times from the least expected persons. When BB Gandanghari made the announcement, her band of masculine siblings did not seem very enthusiastic about it. Robin Padilla, the infamous lover boy of the Philippine showbiz, initially quipped when he first heard the news, “Nilakasan ko na lang yung suntok sa punching bag (I just hit the punching bag harder).”

Rommel Padilla, meanwhile, was evidently not happy knowing that "someone" proclaimed his brother Rustom dead. “Ang dating sa akin parang patay na rin si Rommel, patay na si Royette, patay na si Robin (It seemed like Rommel, Royette and Robin also died).” Reports also said that Royette lashed out at BB Gandanghari, saying “He's (Rustom) crazy and a disgrace to our family. He should submit himself for a psychiatric treatment for his own good.”

However, a family gathering became instrumental in the family's reconciliation and acceptance of BB Gandanghari. Elder brothers Rommel and Royette reportedly invited BB to share a table with them, gave their younger sibling a hug, and finally welcomed her as their “sister.”

The Google Zeitgeist previously listed in 2008 local searches such as Manny Pacquiao, international band frontman Arnel Pineda, young singer Charice Pempengco, Abu Sayyaf kidnap victim and broadcaster Ces Oreña-Drilon, and actress Marian Rivera.

Photo by Richard Grimaldo. Taken during YES photo shoot done by Ronnie Salvacion. Source: “BB_Yes_Photoshoot04” by BB Gandanghari, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites