Behind Bela Padilla’s unexpected TV exit

HER removal from the primetime series "Blood vs. Duty" did not come as a pleasant surprise for Bela Padilla.Long before her exit from the series, Bela had reportedly been the subject of several blind items involving a cast member said to have become a headache for the production.Allegedly, the multi-hyphenate actress was less than accommodating toward a co-star who allegedly threw her weight around on set. To a certain extent, she was also said to have meddled in her co-stars' roles, even offering suggestions on how they should portray their characters, much to the director's consternation.It was likewise reported that Bela and Barbie Imperial had yet to resolve an issue. As far as members of the staff and crew were concerned, Bela was allegedly at fault.Adding to the controversy were claims that Bela had influenced the casting of her uncle, Sen. Robin Padilla, in the Richard Gutierrez-led series. Bela, however, denied having any significant say in production decisions, including casting.As many know, Robin's inclusion in the series was met with criticism, particularly from pro-government groups that objected to his political stance.The same groups reportedly called for a boycott of the series unless the actor-lawmaker was removed from the cast.As it turned out, Bela exited the series ahead of Robin, with her character, Lara, being killed off in the show's 66th episode, as streamed on Netflix.Many loyal viewers were puzzled that Bela's character did not make it to the series' 80th and final episode. "Blood vs. Duty" aired its finale on Friday, July 24, with little fanfare.Industry friends close to Bela, however, said they understood where she was coming from, citing the breadth of her talent.As they put it, casting Bela in any television or film project means getting far more than what one initially bargains for.After all, Bela brings not only acting skills but also valuable creative input in storytelling and directing.All for the price of one.***Fun fact: Did you know that entering show business was never Beauty Gonzales' childhood dream?During a visit to Maddox Jewelry Store, Beauty shared what she had originally wanted to become while growing up in her hometown.Born into an affluent family that owned vast tracts of farmland, Beauty spent much of her childhood around farm workers. Seeing them every day sparked an unusual dream."I wanted to fix their nails even if, at first, I got scared and kind of squeamish seeing how dirty their fingernails were," the Kapuso actress recalled. "Basta, all I wanted was to be a manicurist!"Of course, that dream never materialized. Instead, Beauty found herself in show business, even though she never really needed to work for a living.A close friend of Ellen Adarna, Beauty also admitted that if there is one actress she would rather not work with, it is Derek Ramsay's estranged wife.Beauty explained, "I can't imagine doing an emotional scene with Ellen. All we'll end up doing is magharutan no end. In scenes where we're supposed to cry, can you imagine us applying vapor rub on our eyes? So, it's better huwag na lang!"