A different Anne and Sam

Sam Concepcion with Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Anne Curtis (File photos, NPPA Images)
Sam Concepcion with Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Anne Curtis (File photos, NPPA Images)

I have two memorable recollections about meeting two celebrities now involved in a public skirmish that is taking showbiz by storm.

Anne Curtis and Sam Concepcion are now a hot item, not even due to any form of intimacy, but because of something that is the exact opposite -- a verbal bashing incident at Vice Ganda’s private birthday party in a posh new club in Makati City.

Hearty chat

This story seems so surprising, given Anne and Sam’s cordial, winsome ways when I, a total stranger, met them in a not-so-formal means. I actually approached Anne and introduced myself at the Star Magic Ball years back. She accommodated me with a hearty chat, even to the point of screaming her e-mail address in my ear (you can just imagine the experience). I thought she was very approachable, respectful and down- to-earth.

Same goes for Sam, whom I met at the first Yahoo! OMG! Awards in 2011 after his management team, STAGES, wanted us to include him in the program and perform a song he was promoting at that time. My first impression was, can this guy ever hurt a soul? He was so friendly, gentlemanly to female guests, and very respectful and courteous.

And now, reports reveal that unfortunate encounter at the 71 Gramercy club where they crossed paths. Each camp has a different story, just like a he said, she said.

Not-so-cordial encounter

But one thing is consistent: they had a not-so-cordial encounter. Well, the thing about Anne's drunken fit is another story. Understandably, most observers were not surprised because of a similar incident only months back.

If I judge the incident the way I came to know them, the reports seem far-fetched and unbelievable. But then again, it has been several years since. And, it is surely very saddening how things have turned out, if all these reports and claims are true.

Initial reports portrayed an Anne similar to the Prive incident in November, drunk and verbally abusive, yet not as harmful (no slapping). It also revealed a Sam very different from what we have always known him to be--a supposed lothario breaking the heart of his girlfriend Jasmine, Anne's sister.

Anne immediately gave a statement on Instagram that the quotes attributed to her were nothing close to the truth, unlike the previous Prive incident, wherein she owned up to slapping and berating a group of patrons, which included John Lloyd Cruz. She has apologized to all parties involved.

Quiet Sam

Admitting there was indeed an encounter, Anne claimed she was just reminding Sam to take care of her sister and that there was no issue with the fellow Kapamilya actor.

However, there's one other thing inherently different from the November incident. The unnamed sources have not corroborated with Anne's story and insisted on claims of Anne giving Sam a dressing down.

Even Sam himself did not corroborate, despite Anne's insistence that people can check with him if her claim is true or not. Sam has since kept mum and his management said it will stay as it is.

Will they emerge from this controversy unscathed? It will depend on their decision to either come clean, reveal what really happened, or keep quiet as if nothing happened.

But then again, the show must go on.