Nikki Valdez encourages Maine Glorioso after celeb-inspired recreations draw backlash

Maine Glorioso has found support from actress and singer Nikki Valdez after her celebrity-inspired recreation photoshoot received mixed reactions online.

The content creator recently recreated throwback photos of several OPM and entertainment icons, including Jolina Magdangal, Nikki Valdez, Roselle Nava, Regine Velasquez, and Ice Seguerra, as part of her retro-themed content. 

While many viewers appreciated the nostalgic concept, some netizens criticized the recreations, saying Maine did not exactly resemble the artists she featured. Others even joked that she looked more like comedian Eugene Domingo.

One commenter wrote, “kuhang kuha ang inis pero aliw,” which was among the remarks that may have prompted Maine to address the reactions.

Maine clarified that her goal was never to perfectly copy the artists’ appearances.

“I never said i looked exactly like these artists, and i never intended to. Choosing not to wear a wig was a creative decision because i wanted these to be recreations in my own style, not impersonations,” Maine wrote. 

She added that she could distinguish between constructive criticism and comments meant only to bash her work. Among the artists she recreated was Valdez, who sent words of encouragement and praised Maine’s creativity.

“Hi, Maine!! ! Do what makes you happy. Masarap sa pakiramdam pag masaya ka sa ginagawa mo. Huwag mo pansinin ang sinasabi ng iba. Ang importante, masaya ka,” Nikki said.

“Thank you for the love and support through posts like this. It is because of people like you that we artists love what we do,” she added.

Maine thanked Nikki for her kind words, saying she would never forget how appreciative the actress was and that she understood why many people continue to admire her.

“Maraming salamat po. I’ll never forget how appreciative you are. I can really see why so many people love you. Ang dami rin pong nagsabi na favorite nila kayo noon pa man, and I can definitely see why. Thank you so much, ate. God bless u always!”

Their exchange received positive reactions from fans, with many praising Nikki’s kindness and reminiscing about her memorable career moments, including her hit song “Meron Ba?” and her appearances in popular shows and films from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Maine’s photoshoot highlighted the OPM albums and artists that defined the ’90s to early 2000s era. Known for her retro-inspired videos, the Gen Z content creator has built a following by bringing back vintage aesthetics, music, and pop culture references through her unique style.

Despite being born in a different generation from the one she often celebrates, Maine has become known for creating content  many viewers describe as a “love letter from the past.”

Nikki Valdez became one of the familiar faces of Philippine entertainment in the late 90s through shows like “F.L.A.M.E.S.” and “Gimik,” as well as romantic comedy films like "Hey Babe!,” “Got 2 Believe,” and “Now That I Have You.”

She also made her mark in music with the hit ballad “Meron Ba?” from the soundtrack of "Trip the Movie."