By: Lance Joseph Martinez
Former sexy star Diana Zubiri recalled her controversial photoshoot on the EDSA flyover in Mandaluyong City for the men’s lifestyle magazine, FHM Philippines, which has since gone out of circulation.
In an episode of Pinoy Pawnstars, 22 years after the incident, Diana shared new revelations about her infamous photoshoot at Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.
“Noong nag-shoot ako rito naka-bikini talaga ako. Noong nagalit sila at nagkaroon ng issue, hindi ko raw pwedeng ilabas yung totoong suot ko. So in-edit nila. Naka-bikini talaga ako,” the actress revealed.
The photoshoot sparked controversy when then-mayor of Mandaluyong, Benhur Abalos, filed grave scandal charges against Diana and the magazine. This led Diana and FHM Philippines to issue a public apology.
“Hindi pwedeng ilabas kasi makukulong ako. Nagkaroon kami ng hearing noon. So nag-public apology kami,” Zubiri recalled.
The case was withdrawn after the apology, but it was agreed that the photos would be edited before their official release. Diana revealed that she was actually wearing bikinis, not boyshorts as shown in the final photos.
She mentioned that this controversy boosted her popularity, with many people recognizing her from the photoshoot.
“At saka hindi naman nila ako kilala noon nagulat lang sila. [..] Tapos nasa news na. Tapos nga marami na ang nagsabi na nakita nila ako,” shared Zubiri.
As Boss Toyo, the owner of the pawnshop, and Diana began negotiating, he mentioned that her four magazines, valued at around P23,000, would have had a higher price if the unedited photos of her wearing bikinis were included.
Diana disclosed that the unedited photos were with FHM. “Nasa kanila ang raw file. Ang deal ko sa kanila noon ay bibigyan nila ako ng cellphone na may camera. So right after the pictorial, binigyan ako ng cellphone,” she revealed.
Despite the controversy, Diana mentioned that she has no regrets about starting out as a sexy star, saying, “Wala naman kasi sandali ko lang siya ginawa tapos ‘yun naging stepping stone para magkaroon ako ng big opportunity sa showbiz.”
Zubiri began her career as a sexy star after being discovered by Seiko Films. Following the fame from her controversial photoshoot, Diana ventured into acting. Her most notable role is portraying Danaya in the GMA hit fantaserye “Encantadia.”
