“Parang gusto ko na lang mag-artista. Tapos pag sumikat ako, tumakbo ako sa politics.”
This was the University of The Philippines (UP) Diliman summa cum laude Val Anghelito Llamelo’s response to a question about taking up a career in politics.
Val was a contestant on TV5’s noontime show E.A.T. last Saturday, August 12, when he aired his thoughts about his career choices.
During E.A.T’s “Babala! ‘Wag Kayong Ganuuun…” segment, the hosts asked Val about his chosen career after graduating summa cum laude.
“Graduate ka na at summa cum laude, ano ‘yung gusto mong pasuking trabaho?” Allan K started.
Just like how fresh graduates would react to questions about their future, Val seemed pressured by the question, “Ayan na nga…”
“Kasi Public Administration ‘yung course eh. Are you gonna go into politics?” Ryan Agoncillo pressed.
This prompted Val to answer with no hesitation, “Parang gusto ko na lang mag-artista. Tapos pag sumikat ako, tumakbo ako sa politics.”
His response became a topic of conversation on social media which drew mixed reactions from netizens.
Online users lauded Val for his bravery in “throwing shade” at “celebrities-turned-politicians” on national television, while others were amused by his “sarcastic” take on politics.
“The shade tho ?,” a netizen reacted.
“The smirk after answering their question HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA ?????,” said another.
“Personality politics. Hindi naman Siguro mahirap intindihin yung pag kasarkatisko nya. Tamaan na ang tamaan,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Iba na tlaga kabataan [ngayon] kahit saan anggulo matatalino. Harap harapan na,” another user commented.
“Sad thing was we keep going on with this sarcastic humor that as if we already accepted this kind of reality,” lamented another.
The topnotcher later clarified in a comment on an X user’s post that his statement was not meant to put celebrities-turned-politicians in a bad light as he only genuinely pointed out his plan if he ever pursued politics.
He also addressed comments pressing on Tito Sotto’s reaction to his statement considering the E.A.T. host was an actor-turned-politician himself, “Ay hindi naman po. After the show kinausap po ako ni Tito Sen. ☺️.”
“Genuine po yung plan ko na mag-artista kasi kung papasok ako agad sa politics, di naman ako kilala, wala rin akong makinarya. so matatalo lang. Mindset ba mindset,” explained Val.
It can be recalled that his valedictory address became viral for deviating from the usual motivational speeches and instead chose not to inspire with his life story and pushed a reality check on Filipinos.
“I firmly believe that no one should have to endure the same structural barriers I faced just to get a diploma and reach where I am today. My journey and story should not be a standard for success, but a testament to the need to dismantle the barriers we have in our society so that we can create an equitable path for all,” Val stated in his lengthy, “uninspiring” speech.
Val spoke on behalf of the Class of 2023 at their graduation ceremony at the UP Film Institute in Quezon City on July 23, 2023. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Public Administration.
