Ara Mina defends sister Cristine, says issue was 'blown out of proportion'

MANILA, Philippines – Ara Mina said she’s disheartened by how the incident between her sister Cristine Reyes and experienced actress Vivian Velez was viewed by the public.

“I'm disheartened that the issue has been blown out of proportion,” she said in a report by Philippine Entertainment Portal.

On Monday, Vivian quit the TV series “Tubig at Langis”, where she stars with Cristine. She claimed that the actress “humiliated” her and was “rude” to her when they happened to share a standby room on set.

READ: Vivian Velez quits TV show after Cristine Reyes ‘humiliated’ her 

“[G]usto niya kausapin si Ms. Vivian to clear the air out, and para maintindihan ni Ms. Vivian what really transpired between her and the room assignment. However, Ms. Vivian was quoted na tumangging makipag-usap sa kanya,” Ara claimed.

Ara was also saddened that the public seems to have judged her sister without hearing her side. However, when asked for Cristine’s side, Ara preferred to keep mum.

“I had a talk with my sister and she aired her side of the story. As much as I want to elaborate, I'd rather not,” she said. “I'm not in the position since I was not physically present in the incident and [don't want] to put more fuel to the fire.”

“Maybe she'll give her statement when she's ready,” she added.

Vivian had a meeting with the production team of “Tubig at Langis” and agreed to shoot for three to four more days for a formal exit from the show.