PHOTO: New FHM March 2012 cover for Bela Padilla released after racism controversy!

FHM Philippines has released the new cover for their March 2012 issue featuring Bela Padilla following controversy that the previous cover was racist.

The previous cover for FHM Philippines March 2012 issue featured Kapuso star Bela Padilla surrounded by black models and with the tagline that says “Bela Padilla: Stepping Out of the Shadows” (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CONTROVERSIAL COVER).

After the said cover hit blogs and social networking sites, netizens were quick to air their sentiments on Twitter saying that the latest FHM cover was racist.

As it became talk of the town, Bela Padilla was interviewed by international news companies like BBC and CNN and a feature about the controversial cover made its way on various international news websites.

That’s why beginning today, March 1, FHM Philippines will release their March 2012 issue which is also their 12th anniversary edition bearing the new cover replacing all stocks with the controversial cover.

Bela Padilla interviewed live by BBC; apologizes to those offended by her controversial FHM cover pictorial

The racist allegations about the controversial cover photo of FHM Philippines continue. But its subject, Bela Padilla, reiterates on her interview with BBC World News, "We weren't thinking of harming anyone and we weren't thinking of racial discrimination."

Bela Padilla interviewed live by BBC; apologizes to those offended by her controversial FHM cover pictorial

Bela Padilla's controversial cover photo for the March 2012 issue of FHM Philippines continues to become a hot topic that it has now reached international headlines.

The cover photo, which was immediately recalled by FHM Philippines, showed Bela clad in a sexy fuschia bikini and being surrounded by "black" female models.

Below the cover was the blurb: "Bela Padilla: Stepping Out Of The Shadows."

International news agency BBC News picked up the ongoing debate and asked its subscribers whether the allegations of racism was intended on the photograph.

This was posted on BBC's Facebook fan page last night, February 28.

Like what happened on FHM Philippines' Facebook page last weekend, the BBC post was also swarmed by different opinions from its subscribers.

Facebook user Ruth Elias commented: "Definitely racist and offensive. The caption and the body language of the models says it all. They are all submissive."

Joanna Rimmer also posted a similar opinion: "I find it vulgar and yes, rather racist. Sick and tired of seeing women portrayed in this manner."

NO INTENTION TO DISCRIMINATE. However, in her interview with BBC News' Mishal Husain, Bela reiterated that the picture has no intention of discriminating any race.

The GMA-7 talent said, "I don't really have any idea that I would get such negative reaction.

"But I was proud with the cover we did because racism was totally out of our heads.

"So I didn't expect that we'd get negative feedback from it because we had no intention of discriminating anyone anyway."

Bela's interview was broadcast live last night, February 28, on BBC's Impact.

Here is an excerpt of that interview:

Mishal: "When you saw that picture of you and the black model behind you and 'stepping out of the shadows,' it didn't ring any alarm bells to you?

Bela: "Honestly, I saw the picture before I saw the layout page with the caption. So I was as shocked as everyone when I saw the caption.

"But if the people get to read the article there, then you would understand why FHM chose that caption."

Mishal: "Did you think when you, first of all, saw this, you were surrounded by black models, was there nothing in that thing that makes you think or gave you clues on how would this might end up?"

Bela: "You have to understand that we took the shot because it's my coming of age here in the Philippines.

"I'm an actress here and we're trying to change my image from the younger bracket to an older one.

Source: PEP

FHM Philippines scraps its March 2012 cover following racism controversy!

FHM Philippines issued an apologetic statement on Monday after it received flak for posting a magazine cover which was branded by many as racist.

The editorial team of the men's magazine has also decided not to use the photo on the cover of FHM Philippines' March 2012 issue as they "take the side of sensitivity."

"When FHM hits the stands in March it will have a different cover. We deem this to be the most prudent move in the light of the confusion over the previous cover execution. We apologize and thank those who have raised their points," FHM Philippines said in the statement, which was released on the magazine's website.

Bela Padilla, niece of action star Robin Padilla, was wearing a bright red swimsuit in FHM Philippines' March 2012 cover, which had the caption: "Bela Padilla stepping out of the shadows."

The fair-skinned actress was surrounded by five dark-skinned models.

Hours after FHM Philippines posted a photo of the cover on Facebook, netizens bombarded it with hundreds of negative comments.

A Filipino Internet user has also launched an online petition asking the men's magazine to apologize and recall the March 2012 cover.

FHM Philippines said these reactions have prompted the editorial team to "re-examine the cover so that we could put into context its execution and assuage the concerns of our readers and non-readers as well who've weighed in on the issue."

Meanwhile, the men's magazine apologized to Padilla "for any distress this may have caused her."

"In our pursuit to come up with edgier covers, we will strive to be more sensitive next time," FHM Philippines said.

Source: ABS-CBN News

PHOTO: Bela Padilla covers FHM March 2012 issue!

Bela Padilla, formerly known as Krista Valle, stands-out the cover of the Bikini issue of men’s magazine, FHM Philippines, for March 2012. In the cover, Bella Padilla wears a hot pink bikini suit along with the black model ladies.

Bella Padilla‘s Stepping out of the Shadows is the cover story of this issue. Other topics also feature “Ano’ng Paki Mo Sa Long Hair Ko?!”, “Expert solutions to a really wide range of Sexual troubles”, “Meet your new love guru”, “25 ways to ditch your woman”, “Dress Code for Graduation Day”, “Bikini issue include Kristine Santamena, Carla Castelo, Kelly Kelly, Jhane Santiaguel”, and many more!

Be sure to get a copy of FHM Philippines March 2012 issue at your favorite local bookstores and selected supermarkets nationwide.

UPDATE: This March 2012 cover of FHM just got pulled.

UPDATE 2: New March 2012 cover featuring Bela Padilla released.