Ara Mina. Image: Instagram/@therealaramina

Ara Mina addressed critics of her gadget use during a show of Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) “One More Chance,” with the actress saying she merely took a quick look at her phone to check for messages.

Mina was at the receiving end of criticism after a fellow theatergoer shared a photo of audience members – including the actress – who used phones and even a laptop while the play was ongoing. The theatergoer further called out PETA and its ushers for not calling their attention to such actions.

Mina then spoke about the matter during a recent media event for her upcoming concert “All of Me.”

“I also saw the laptop. It’s the girl in front of me; nakaupo ‘yung may ari ng laptop,” she said. “Alam mo may laptop ako pero nasa bahay, nando’n lang sa cabinet.”

She further noted that her companion did not bring a laptop to the show as well, and that they are not related to the individual who did.

Explaining why she was photographed using her phone, Mina added, “Two hours and a half ‘yung play, normal lang [na] sisilipin mo rin!”

“Baka sabihin ng asawa ko bakit hindi ako sumasagot. Kahit ako naman, lalabas na lang ako kung mag-phone ako the entire play,” she stressed.

Mina also reminded the public to not cast judgment speedily with only one photo as their basis. “Ganito ‘yan e—’yung anggulo parang. ‘Ay, ang laki ng braso niya,’ pero pag nakita mo naman sa personal, ‘Bakit ang liit ng braso niya?’—kasi mali ‘yung anggulo.”