Tuesday Vargas claps back at netizens who shamed her for hosting bingo event

In late 2024, Filipino actress, TV host, and former beauty queen Tuesday Vargas faced significant online backlash after hosting a bingo event that some netizens criticized as promoting gambling. The event, which was part of a charitable or promotional activity, drew harsh comments on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with critics labeling it as 'irresponsible' and 'tone-deaf' amid economic hardships in the Philippines. Some netizens mocked her career choices, implying she was 'laos' (outdated) and desperate for income by taking on what they perceived as low-end gigs like bingo events and kiddie parties.

Vargas responded fiercely to the criticism on November 15, 2024, through Instagram Stories and Facebook posts. She defended the event as 'marangal na trabaho' (honorable work), emphasizing that the bingo was purely recreational and family-friendly with no betting involved, featuring prizes like groceries, rice sacks, canned goods, and household items. She highlighted that the event attracted many loyal attendees at a hotel and inspired some mothers emotionally. Vargas clapped back at detractors by revealing her talent fee was P100,000, stating 'Wala kayong P100k!' to counter the shaming.

In her response, Vargas called out the hypocrisy of netizens, noting that while they criticized her bingo event, they remained silent about real gambling issues like Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and illegal gambling dens. She framed bingo as a 'Pinoy tradition' from her childhood, hosted to bring joy during tough times, and asserted 'Hindi lahat ng saya ay kasalanan' (Not all fun is a sin). Her statement 'You will not succeed in making me feel ashamed of my hustle' became a central theme of her defense.

The incident garnered media coverage from outlets like ABS-CBN News, GMA Entertainment, and PEP.ph, with headlines such as 'Tuesday Vargas pinuna ang mga bashers sa kanyang bingo game' (Tuesday Vargas calls out bashers on her bingo game). Her response went viral, receiving over 50,000 likes and supportive comments from fans and celebrities like Ruffa Gutierrez, with #TeamTuesday trending briefly. No legal issues arose as the event complied with local regulations for non-wagering activities. Vargas continued hosting similar community-building events into 2025, maintaining her stance that such work is legitimate and honorable, especially as a mother providing for her family.