The entertainment world was left reeling after what appeared to be a veiled jab thrown by Ciara Sotto — and the target? None other than the Megastar herself, Sharon Cuneta.

In a move that fans are calling “a bold and unexpected clapback,” Ciara seemingly compared Sharon Cuneta to Pops Fernandez, and not in a flattering way.

Could this be the beginning of a brewing tension among showbiz royalty?
Or is this simply a misunderstood remark blown out of proportion?

👑 The Megastar’s Absence – A Void Filled?

Sharon Cuneta, often dubbed as the undisputed Megastar of Philippine entertainment, has been noticeably less active in recent high-profile events. Whether due to personal health reasons, family focus, or a conscious step back from the limelight, her absence hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Enter Pops Fernandez — the Queen of Concerts — whose recent appearances have drawn massive praise. Fans have lauded her elegance, charm, and “timeless presence,” especially in roles and moments where many expected Sharon to show up.

And Ciara Sotto? She had something to say about that — subtly, but loudly enough.

🔥 The Statement That Shook Fans

In a now-viral moment during a behind-the-scenes clip from a music show taping, Ciara was heard (and later quoted) as saying:

“Eh di wow… may Pops Fernandez naman pala tayo, ‘di na kailangan si Mega.”

The room reportedly fell into awkward silence before laughter broke the tension.

Was it a joke? A careless comment? Or a strategic burn wrapped in humor?

Whatever it was — fans took notice.

💣 “Disrespectful or Just Honest?” – Internet Explodes

Netizens immediately took sides. Some called Ciara’s comment “disrespectful and unnecessary,” especially considering Sharon Cuneta’s long-standing contribution to the industry.

Others defended Ciara, saying she only voiced out what many have been thinking — that Pops Fernandez has been gracefully stepping into the spaces once dominated by Sharon.

“Let’s be real — Pops is glowing, working, and still commanding stages. Sharon’s been MIA,” one user commented.
“Ciara just said what others were too scared to admit.”

🎤 Is There Bad Blood Brewing?

Although neither Sharon nor Pops has responded directly to the comment, insiders hint that there might be underlying friction — especially given that these women once shared stages, fans, and even rivalries in their heyday.

Ciara, being part of the famed Sotto political-entertainment clan, has long been vocal when defending those she supports — and outspoken when calling out what she sees as unfair favoritism or outdated reverence.

Her latest comment may just be a bold declaration:

“The torch has been passed — and it’s time to recognize who’s really carrying the flame now.”

👀 What Now?

Will Sharon Cuneta break her silence and respond to the shade?
Will Pops Fernandez acknowledge her “new place” in the spotlight?
Or will this all simmer quietly into showbiz legend?

For now, fans are watching every move, every post, every subtle facial expression.

One thing is certain:
In the ever-evolving world of Philippine entertainment, no crown stays untouched — and no throne remains empty.

Sharon Cuneta apologizes for missing Pops Fernandez’s concert
Actress and singer Sharon Cuneta apologized to her friend Pops Fernandez after she was unable to attend his two-day Always Loved concert on February 9 and February 10 at The Theater at Solaire in Parañaque City.

In her Instagram post, the Megastar shared that she was unable to attend her friend’s show because she underwent physical therapy due to an illness she was suffering from.

“Just thought you might want me to update you. I’ve done two sessions with my Physical Therapist, plus Acupuncture & Cupping (I guess that’s called Ventosa?),” she said in her post.

The actress also shared that she only told her friends and team about the entire event on the day of the concert.

“I didn’t go to Pops’ concert when Peachy was already at our condo while I was doing PT to do my make-up. She and our group watched. I just told them about it afterwards and they really let me down,” Sharon said.

Sharon also responded to the news after seeing her limping during the funeral of the late ABS-CBN executive Deo Endrinal.

“I still haven’t stopped limping. I don’t want to show up to everyone who is limping, except when I paid respect to Deo Endrinal on his funeral,” she said.

READ: Sharon Cuneta mourns ABS-CBN boss Deo Endrinal: ‘You were always so kind and gentle’

“The only time aside from that I left home was on Sunday when I was with my Sotto family from morning til way after dinner because I missed them so much. But every single day for longer than a whole month now, I have been in pain.”

Mega added: “You might be worried, please don’t worry! Just keep going with PT and this will pass.”

Sharon also shared her life now that she can’t go out often because of her feelings.

“I’m such an introvert that I’m happy to have a love affair with a bed, hot water bags and my laptop (I can’t live without WI-FI! And if I have to, I really don’t want my phone!). It’s good to be able to rest again. I hope you’re all okay and I miss you,” the 58-year-old singer said.

“It feels so good though to have a Social Media Detox. Am glad I grew up when it wasn’t like that! Please take good care and if you can, please include me in your prayers. Have a great evening!”

Philippine Concert Queen Pops also replied to Sharon’s post.

“Oh no. Sis hope you feel better soon 🙏🏻❤️,” she told her friend.

“@popsfernandezofficial I felt so bad…Peach and I waited to see if I could walk decently even just for one night, that night, your first show…The makeup & her lit-up mirror & we were waiting while I held a hot water bag onto my hip. But I just kinda plopped down because it was painful,” replied the Megastar.

Sharon also said: “I wish I could’ve been there to hug you & pray with you before you went onstage…But you were great (I mean what’s new right?😂)!!! Congrats sis!!! Am posting this because I want everyone to know I love you. Repeat na dali! ❤️❤️❤️.”

“@reallysharoncuneta be well soon. That is more important …love u sis 😘❤️,” replied Pops.

In January, the actress posted on her social media account about her severe cough and pain in some parts of her body.

“This cough I doubt has infected me. I don’t want to leave. Bad congestion won’t go away. Am also scheduled for an MRI asap because my former MRI-results from years ago showed that I have a torn ligament on my right knee, plus a pinched nerve on my lower back. I have scoliosis too which two hospitals saw when I had my lungs X-rayed. I need to know why now my pinched nerve has ‘traveled’ to the right side of my body and/or if I have any new injuries and such,” said Sharon in her post.
The actress also shared that she was still walking when her family visited Seoul, South Korea for her birthday.

“I’ve been limping since our trip to Seoul from January 2-10 for my birthday and it’s just gotten worse, so I am scared. May I ask for your prayers please?” Sharon also said in her post.