• Siargao beach resort sparked debate on “influence culture” online.
• Netizens and celebrities alike weighed in on the issue.
• One camp argues that the resort should not shame the influencers but teach them through a respectful rejection instead, while the other camp argues that influencers should not be so entitled

With the advent of social media, marketing trends and techniques have shifted to “influencers” where known brands use those with relevant interests and a large Internet-following as the new face of their advertisements as oppose to the usual route of famous celebrities.

As always, when change is introduced, problems are bound to arise. One such thing was brought to the public’s attention was when a Siargao beach resort posted a status asking for assistance with regard to “self-proclaimed influencers” messaging them with offers to collaborate.

White Banana Beach Club Siargao wrote on their Facebook page on Tuesday, March 26: “Help out there. We are receiving many messages regarding collaborations with influencers, Instagram influencers. We kindly would like to announce that White Banana is not interested to ‘collaborate’ with self-proclaimed ‘influencers’.

“And we would like to suggest to try another way to eat, drink, or sleep for free. Or try to actually work.”

The now viral-post had several Netizens raising their brows.

Facebook user Jovelyn Mateo replied with, “If these people formally sent you a message, I think they deserve a formal rejection as well. Not like this. I do blog. I have a full time job, and I work hard to be able to travel so I can have content. I recently tried pitching to resorts and hotels, because why not, right? There’s no harm in trying naman, and if you know that you have something to offer on the table it’s never a bad thing to try. That’s all. Thanks for coming to my ted talk. Chos”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvhr50lFxcQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Another Netizen commented, sharing her personal journey as a blogger and calmly asked the resort to enlighten these “influencers” instead of calling them names.

“Now, I know this post is not referring to legit influencers or professional bloggers. But if some people here say that real influencers don’t need to ask, then yes, I’m sort of offended as most marketing/pr agencies categorize me as an influencer. Please, we don’t have to be rude here. 😞 I am not against this post or anyone, but I wish we don’t call people names. If they are an aspiring influencer, I hope we don’t kill their dreams and discourage them because of your words. Instead, let this serve as a lesson for them. And if you could, enlighten them on how to do this right. #nohate #justlove,” wrote Geng Maderazo.

In an article by Daily Bruin published just this January, they explained that: “Influencer marketing is a technique that orients marketing methods and activities around influential people rather than the target market as a whole on social media. Modern-day marketing has been turning toward regular content creators with niche audiences to lead the endorsement of brands.”

Before, celebrity ambassadorships were the original method of influencer marketing up until the marketing trends have turned.

View this post on Instagram

Fresh buko time xD #province #siargao

A post shared by Jax Gopico (@jaxuhhuh) on Apr 1, 2019 at 1:39am PDT

In another post, the resort has since then clarified the issue that they are not against influencers, only ‘freeloaders’.

“Good day everyone. Our post went viral.  But we want to clarify that we are not against INFLUENCERS. Just against freeloaders. A REAL influencer is called as such by the rest, he does not address him/herself as an influencer. They are bloggers. We have actually collaborated with a few of them, in different terms and conditions, and we support them. There are real influencers, that in case we will contact them and pay or offer something. But look, they’ve never contacted us, as they don’t need us. We need them.”

Meanwhile, local content creator Lance de Ocampo’s reaction on White Banana Beach Club’s post drew flak online.

“Being in the industry for [eight] years, I’ve learned that there’s always a better way to decline a collaboration. Email to email, private message to private message. No need to throw shade,” de Ocampo posted on his IG Stories.

“Siargao will not be as appreciated as it is now if not [for] the so-called influencers’ breathtaking and well-curated Instagram photos,” he added.

One Netizen on Twitter pointed out how entitled Lance de Ocampo’s statement sounded:

https://twitter.com/scorsaguin/status/1111088353179385856

Another Twitter user was furious, exclaiming “Potacccaa, SIARGAO doesn’t need influencers, its scenic beauty and irresistible charm can stand on its own! Also, a real influencer is called as such by the rest, he/she does not address him/herself as an influencer.”

https://twitter.com/krizzy_kalerqui/status/1111175407410118658

“It’s soooo sad that you felt the need to take credit for a place so beautiful to begin with and would be perfectly fine with or without you. Tsk tsk. Btw, we all started going to Siargao three years ago NOT because of your posts ✌🏻” wrote actress-writer Bela Padilla on her Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/padillabela/status/1111238256509673472

Actress-host Bianca Gonzales chimed in with: “The word “influencer” is thrown a lot around these days. All of us, regardless of follower count, have influence with people around us, for sure. But it should never be a license to feel entitled to demand to be given free things.”

The word "influencer" is thrown a lot around these days. All of us, regardless of follower count, have influence with people around us, for sure. But it should never be a license to feel entitled to demand to be given free things.

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) March 28, 2019

“Simple lang.. pag binigyan ka ng free service or free product, magpasalamat. Pero hintayin na sila ang magbigay, ‘wag ikaw ang mag-demand na bigyan ka. Kung gusto mo, bayaran please. Lumugar. #influencer. By the way, this isn’t shade. This is a reminder for all of us who might at times feel entitled to demand because of this new social media “influencer” culture,” Gonzales added.

Simple lang.. pag binigyan ka ng free service or free product, magpasalamat. Pero hintayin na sila ang magbigay, 'wag ikaw ang mag-demand na bigyan ka. Kung gusto mo, bayaran please. Lumugar. #influencer

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) March 28, 2019

By the way, this isn't shade. This is a reminder for all of us who might at times feel entitled to demand because of this new social media "influencer" culture.

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) March 28, 2019

Jonas Roque, another local blogger, has advice for de Ocampo: “Siargao is appreciated way before the boom of influencers, way before these travel goals, way before the hashtags, and way before overly post-processed curated Instagram posts. Siargao can stand on its own. Words from a fellow influencer, beh.”

Siargao is appreciated way before the boom of influencers, way before these travel goals, way before the hashtags, and way before overly post-processed curated Instagram posts. Siargao can stand on its own.

Words from a fellow influencer, beh. pic.twitter.com/RgZSldnq4X

— Jonas Roque (@facebuko) March 27, 2019

“Siargao is famous because of its beauty and the people in it. The locals PERIOD,” tweeted GirlTrends member Chienna Filomeno which received two thousand likes online.

Siargao is famous because of its beauty and the people in it. The locals PERIOD

— Chienna Filomeno (@ChieFilomeno) March 29, 2019

Singer-songwriter Mica Javier was in agreement with Filomeno saying, “Siargao don’t need influencers to be recognized by the world.”

Siargao dont need influencers to be recognized by the world

— MICA JAVIER (@DaRealMICA) March 29, 2019

AC Mondragon, on the other hand, poked fun at the issue by tweeting photos of himself with the “Dalagang Pilipina” meme with hashtags that social media influencers are believed to use in their Instagram posts.

been doing it before y’all did #influencer #freeaccommodation #siargao #manyfollowers #f4f #nicephotos https://t.co/KGdV24fgtV

— AC Mondragon (@ItsACsLife) March 29, 2019

De Ocampo later apologized for his “opinion that sparked misinterpretation”.

He wrote on Twitter, “I didn’t message that beach club for any kind of collaboration. To clear things up, I didn’t mean to credit Siargao’s tourism on influencers. I just meant that one factor of Siargao’s growing popularity is because of social media.”

https://twitter.com/lancedeocampo/status/1111161312438947840

• Pinoy Big Brother has been entertaining the viewer for more than a decade now
• All actions of the housemates are not scripted
• They are just being true to themselves

The reality show of ABS-CBN network, Pinoy Big Brother, has been entertaining viewers for more than a decade now. Since it is a reality show, all the actions of the contestants are not scripted and only given tasks to accomplish.

In every season of Pinoy Big Brother, there are always controversies that shook viewers and became talk of the season. Now let us recall the most scandalous moments in the PBB House since it started.

1. Nene Tamayo and Cass Ponti

Back in season 1, we remember Kuya’s famous pool where big winner Nene and third placer Cass kissed in front of their fellow housemates.

2. Beatriz Saw and Maricris Dizon

“Act your age, Maricis!” was the iconic line of Beatriz Saw. After the intense exchange of conversation, it became the Internet’s favorite from Season 2.

3. Dionne Monsanto and Ezekiel Dimaguila

The closeness of Dionne and Ezekiel has been Kuya’s primary concern from Season 2. They have been scandalous when Dionne went on her knees to smear sunblock all over Zeke’s genitals and there was a time when she was right on top of Zeke’s shirtless body and Dionne just plopped herself on him.

4. Sam Milby and Chx Alcala

Another moment from season 1 that they surely love to remember is the scandalous moment in the pool when Sam and Chx had their hottest kissing moment.

5. Rustom Padilla’s confession

This has become one of the most controversial PBB moments when former action star Rustom Padilla finally revealed to his friend Keanna Reeves his gender identity. He transitioned into a woman and is now known as BB Gandang Hari, currently working and living in the United States.

6. Bianca Gonzales and Zanjoe Marudo

These two had also become housemates of PPB Celebrity Edition. As they developed their closeness inside the house, they also had the longest hugging moment in the PBB house.

7. Lou Yanong and Andre Brouillette

Recently, they have become the most trending search on the internet. Lou and Andre made out during a group “inuman” session on Pinoy Big Brother House. It was then that their co-housemates were scandalized watching these two share their kisses.

• Celebrities expressed their disapproval of bill that lowers criminal liability to nine years old.
• This includes reactions from Bianca Gonzales, Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes, Jim Paredes, and Bullet Dumas.

The House of Panel has approved the bill that lowers the minimum age of criminal liability from 15 years old to 9 years old. This has sparked outrage not just from netizens, but also from known showbiz personalities.

Celebrities have expressed their opinions on the move by the government which has drawn dismay and disapproval by many.

Television host Bianca Gonzales may not have tweeted anything regarding the topic, but she has retweeted a message by Carlo Pamintuan stating that jailing 9-year-olds “will not do anything” because the children are just forced to commit the crime due to poverty.

Jailing nine-year-olds will not solve anything. We need to address the real issue here. Younger people are forced to commit crime because of poverty. Pupunuin natin ng bata ang mga kulungan for petty theft while those who steal millions roam free.

— Carlo Pamintuan (@carlo_pamintuan) January 21, 2019

It’s Showtime host Anne Curtis has directly expressed her opposition towards the bill saying that the news saddens her as the kids still have a chance to change their ways.

https://twitter.com/annecurtissmith/status/1087665963384791040

Another host from It’s Showtime and musician Teddy Corpuz shared a two-part video of kids who experienced law under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in 2006.

Paano daw yung mga 9years old na mga bata ginagamit nang mga sindikato para gumawa nang krimen?
:
:
:
:
:
Eh Di hulihin nyo yung SINDIKATO!

— teddy corpuz (@teddspotting) January 22, 2019

Part 1 pic.twitter.com/9XCs0I6m3n

— teddy corpuz (@teddspotting) January 22, 2019

Part 2 pic.twitter.com/TXv71Vi0DG

— teddy corpuz (@teddspotting) January 22, 2019

Actor Dingdong Dantes has agreed to the statement of Atty. Chel Diokno. He added that the children are at the age wherein they are strongly influenced by the adults around them.

Agree ako sa iyo, @ChelDiokno! Crucial stage ang childhood and adolescence to one's development. These are periods where psychological, emotional, social and physical aspects are strongly influenced by the surroundings and are formed. https://t.co/SaTLxEdYZC

— Dingdong Dantes (@iamdongdantes) January 20, 2019

He also suggested that the government should focus on creating an environment that will make the youth productive members of the society.

2…. Instead of focusing on criminalizing children, the government should invest more on creating an enabling environment that will allow young people to be productive members of the society. https://t.co/SaTLxEdYZC

— Dingdong Dantes (@iamdongdantes) January 20, 2019

Jim Paredes has described the news as “disgusting”.

This is disgusting. https://t.co/yRnYgM5H2G

— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 21, 2019

He has also questioned the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo who said that the criminals nowadays are the minors that were used by former delinquents because they grew up that way.

Theory is something he thought up. Where are the facts to prove this? Show us numbers. Meanwhile our duwag idiotic congress hardly debated this They just gave the President what he wanted.

— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 21, 2019

OPM arist Bullet Dumas shared a photo by Plcpd Foundation, Inc. stating that “children are not little adults”.

Justice panel chairperson Salvador Leachon justified the bill, clarifying that it is only to protect the children from being used by syndicates.

• Stars reacted to Catriona Gray’s victory.
• Gray is the 4th Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown.

It seems like the daily lives of Filipinos have stopped as almost everyone were tuned-in to the coronation night of Miss Universe 2018 that happened yesterday, December 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ordinary citizens aren’t the only ones cheering for her, but the celebrities as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbjNo5gehX/

Here are some stars who posted their congratulatory messages to the newly crowned Miss Universe.

Vice Ganda

View this post on Instagram

And Miss Universe is Miss Philippines!!!!!!!!

A post shared by JoseMarieViceral / Vice Ganda (@praybeytbenjamin) on Dec 16, 2018 at 7:03pm PST

Ruffa Guttierez

https://twitter.com/iloveruffag/status/1074500221923545088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1074500221923545088&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.abs-cbn.com%2Fentertainment%2F12%2F17%2F18%2Fcelebs-congratulate-catriona-gray-on-miss-universe-win

Robi Domingo

WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!! 😮😮😮 #CatrionaGray

— Robi Domingo (@robertmarion) December 17, 2018

Tim Yap

Extremely proud of you @catrionaelisa!!!! You deserve it. For the Philippines!!!! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/acoKEKOr4e

— Tim Yap (@officialTIMYAP) December 17, 2018

Bianca Gonzales

SHE CAME PREPARED.. SHE TOOK HOME THE CROWN!!!!! Queen @catrionaelisa!!!!!!! 👑👑👑👑

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) December 17, 2018

Alessandra de Rossi

Pahiram ng gown ni Miss Philippines please kakausapin ko yung 3 commentators, teeekaaa! Congratulations!!!!! 🎈🎉 we did it again!! #kapitCatriona 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— alessandra de rossi (@msderossi) December 17, 2018

Anne Curtis

She did it!!! She brought the crown back! Congratulations Catriona!!!!!! 🇵🇭 #MissUniverse #Philippines

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) December 17, 2018

Ogie Alcasid

#mabuhayangpilipinas #Catriona4MissUniverse2018 congrats #catriongray we are so proud of you!!!!

— ogie alcasid (@ogiealcasid) December 17, 2018

Troy Montero

Congratulations Philippines!! Now everyone can go back to work lol #MissUniverse #MissPhilippines
🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

— Troy Montero (@troymontero) December 17, 2018

Ciara Sotto

PHILIPPINES FOR THE WIN!!!! 🇵🇭💙♥️💛 Congratulations to us!!!

— Ciara Sotto (@ciara_anna) December 17, 2018

Jaya

Yahoooo Ms. Philippines is now Ms. Universe 2018 🇵🇭 #MissUniverse #MsUniverse2018

— Jaya (@jayasoul) December 17, 2018

Dra. Vicki Belo

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreQIwBni9R/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=mimumymgckpe

Pokwang

Ok na yeeyyy dahil dyan magluluto na ako ng callos wala pa kami lunch anong oras na hahahahaa thank you Lord balik ang korona sa pinas yeeyy congrats satin at nakaka proud ka #CatrionaGray

— marietta subong (@pokwang27) December 17, 2018

Marvin Agustin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreRcF9lOBH/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=163cddx0er6ps

Jolina Magdangal

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreP6JyFam0/

Angelica Panganiban

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreRq2PnqX7/

Janine Tugonon

Yeeessss!!! Congratulations Catriona!! QUEEN indeed. 🇵🇭❤

— Janine Mari Tugonon (@janine_tugonon) December 17, 2018

Maymay Entrata

PHILIPPINES!!!! Waaaaahuhuhuhuhu pic.twitter.com/xDUBpgrAsF

— Maymay (@maymayentrata07) December 17, 2018

Yeng Constantino

https://www.facebook.com/yengconstantinoreal/videos/2380421628699238/

Pia Wurtzbach

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreYir6Hdfp/?utm_source=ig_embed

Lea Salonga

What wonderful news to wake up to!!! Congratulations, Catriona Gray (Philippines), for winning the Miss Universe crown!!!

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) December 17, 2018

• Gretchen Fullido filed a case against two ABS-CBN executives for sexual harassment.
• Personalities reacted to the issue.

Kapamilya entertainment reporter Gretchen Fullido has recently filed criminal complaints against ABS-CBN executives for alleged sexual harassment and libel.

Her lawyer, Marvin Aceron, posted that Fullido filed the said charges on Friday against Cheryl Favila, former ABS-CBN News Executive, and Maricar Asprec, ABS-CBN News Segment Producer. She accused the two of sending her text messages that were full of sexual innuendos and asking for sexual favors.

She has also filed libel complaints against Cecilia Drilon and Venancio Borromeo, and news reporter Marie Lozano, who were said to have “besmirched her reputation” when they accused her of trying to leverage her work status at the said network.

Celebrities have posted their support for Fullido. One of her friends, Melissa Ricks, has posted on Instagram, saying that she is proud of the reporter. Ricks has also inserted the hashtag saying #IStandWithGretchen.

Strong. Brave. Kind. Stood with me in difficult times and I will stand by her. It takes a lot of strength and courage to stand up for your rights, and you did. proud of you. My heart and prayers…🤗 lm Here for you. “God is with her, she will not fall”💕🙏 #IStandWithGretchen

Jerika Ejercito, daughter of Manila Mayor Erap Estrada and actress Laarni Enriquez, also posted a message of support on Instagram.

Today she made history. Today she fought for her rights. Today she is writing her own story .

I am so proud to call her my dearest friend. Her courage amazes me. Gretchen Fullido makes a brave stand for all women out there who have been bullied and victimized .

You are not alone in your fight for justice. I FIGHT WITH GRETCHEN. #ISTANDWITHGRETCHEN

Ethel Booba took to Twitter to express her stand on the issue.

Not every women have the courage to report it to the authority due to many reasons. Let us support her. Not because she is a woman, because she is the victim here. And for those sexual harrasment apologist, we are going to assume you’ve done the same thing. Charot!

Bianca Gonzales took the situation with a grain of salt as she tweeted about how she just wants the truth as the situation is sensitive and difficult.

Hanga ako sa tapang ni Ms. Gretchen Fullido. Sana’y lumabas ang katotohanan sa kaso at mabigyan ng hustisya. Nakakalungkot na may taong ginagawa itong isyu ng babae laban sa babae. Sa sitwasyon na ito, puro babae at LGBTQ ang involved, kaya sensitibo talaga.

Yes, women should support women. But when its women involved in both sides, nawawala ang “babae ako” at nagiging “babae tayo”. Mahirap. Ang mga involved lang ang tunay na nakakaalam ng katotohanan. But still, we do our best so that women support women.

On the other hand, ABS-CBN news anchor Karen Davila tweeted against the actions allegedly committed.

NO to SEXUAL HARASSMENT. NO to any form of VICTIM SHAMING. Without prejudice to any of my colleagues, these values are eternal to my person.

• Celebrities reacted to Tito Sotto’s suggestion to change the last line of the national anthem.
• Sotto described the current lyrics as “defeatist” which made him propose the lyrics revision.

The recent suggestion of Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III has garnered a lot of negative reactions from netizens.

But the netizens weren’t the only ones against the lyrics change to the national anthem. Celebrities have also expressed their surprise and disapproval of the proposal.

Vice Ganda poked fun at the issue.

E kung palitan na lang yung last line ng national anthem ng ‘Ang matraffic ng dahil sa’yo’??!! Mas keri ba?

Host and TV personality Bianca Gonzales immediately tweeted her rejection of the idea.

With all due respect, no thank you to changing our national anthem lyrics.

Ogie Diaz took his reaction to Facebook, asking if the lyrics change to the national anthem will solve serious issues such as inflation and corruption. He also proposed the revision of Hail Mary and Ama Namin.

Pag pinalitan na po ba ang linyang  yon sa Lupang Hinirang, bababa na po ang inflation?

Mababawasan na ba ang lumalagong bilang ng corrupt officials?

Magkakaisa na ba ang DDS, Dilawan at yung mga worried at concerned lang naman?

Kung mangyayari po ito, nako, kahit po “Ama Namin” at “Hail Mary” palitan nyo na rin po ang mga linya.

Jim Paredes questioned the importance of the said proposal.

Is this REALLY priority or a waste of time? Give people cheap rice! Control inflation. NOTHING will change if you alter the lyrics of Pambansang Awit!

Broadcasters Arnold Clavio and Joel Reyes Zobel also criticized Sotto’s proposal in an episode of their morning radio program on DZBB.

‘Ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo’

https://www.facebook.com/LionhearTV/photos/a.680561508629606/2176587499026992/?type=3

In his speech during the plenary debates on the proposed amendment to Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, Sotto talked about changing the last line of the national anthem because it is “defeatist.”

Sotto suggested changing the line “ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo” to “ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo.”

“Imbes na lumaban eh mamamatay eh. “Aming ligaya na kapag may nang-aapi ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo.” Sa panahon ngayon dapat, “Aming ligaya ‘pag may nang-aapi ang ipaglaban kalayaan mo,” he said in one interview with the media.

• Personalities who once experienced discrimination.
• The following people experienced bullying and racism in and out of the country.

With the recent discrimination that gone viral, let’s look back to other well-known personalities who did not escape such.

Gilas Pilipinas.

Who can forget the controversial game of Gilas Pilipinas against Australia‘s team that resulted to a huge fight at the mid-game of FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier.

The fight did not start from nothing as the Gilas players claimed that the members of the opposing team called them midgets and monkeys.

Wilma Doesnt.

A socialite actress once uttered the words to Wilma: “Pwede ba maligo ka pagkatapos niyan?

“May nag-discriminate sa akin, isang socialite actress. Oo, nagtrabaho na ako noon. Kasi kausap ko ‘yung asawa niya so may kausap din akong friend, most of my friends are boys. So baka kasi dahil nga lumaki ako sa neighborhood ng boys.

“So kausap ko ‘yung asawa niya gani-ganiyan, so ‘yung asawa niya tawa nang tawa because komedyante ako. Alam mo ba humarap sa akin [at sinabi niya] ‘Puwede ba maligo ka pagkatapos niyan ha.’”

Veejay Floresca.

Fashion designer Veejay was once denied entry at  high-end lounge and bar Valkyrie in Taguig.

The designer showed her California State ID that indicated her female name and gender marker, however, the bouncer still muttered, “Lalaki pa rin yan.”

She said that this was her second time being denied in the club because of their no-cross-dressers policy.

Trixie Maristela.

The Miss International Queen 2015 was also denied entry to Valkyrie because of her “inappropriate” outfit.

She took it to Facebook to share her disappointment as she was wearing a simple neon dress with sleeves at the time.

BB Gandanghari.

BB Gandanghari was denied entry to Aruba Bar & Restraurant in Metrowalk. She was not allowed to enter as cross-dressing was not allowed at the place.

She was supposed to watch Rannie Raymundo‘s concert, however, she decided not to push through.

Bianca Gonzales.

Bianca once admitted that she’s a victim of bullying and discrimination because of her tan skin.

She shared her experience in one episode of Boy Abunda’s The Bottomline.  

“Sinasabi lang nila negra, baluga. Masakit talaga.

“Hindi ko maintindihan. ‘Di ba Pilipino tayo? We are supposed to have brown skin. It was a mystery to me bakit binu-bully ang brown skinned?”

She added that it hurts more because she once had a crush at the guy who bullied her.

Sam YG.

The DJ and television personality revealed that he was bullied as a kid just because he’s Indian.

“Nandoon ‘yung notion ng five-six, na mabaho [ang mga Indian]. Lahat ng mga kaklase ko, pinagti-trip-an ako. Parang ‘ah, ayaw naming makipag-basketball sa iyo kasi mabaho ka. Bawal kang makipaglaro sa amin.’ As in solid discrimination, talagang heart-crushing. Masakit talaga.”

Lea Salonga.

A few years ago, Broadway Diva Lea Salonga shared that she was once rejected for the role of Eliza Doolittle in ‘My Fair Lady’.

The reason was that she  she’s Asian. But instead of dwelling on the rejection, it urged her to prove that race has nothing to do with any talent.

Pia Wurtzbach.

“I experience bullying in different forms” the 2015 Miss Universe stated. “I felt like I was the odd one out growing up in the province because I was half-Filipino and half-German, so I wasn’t full blooded Filipina and of course I was the tallest in my class and I felt kind of awkward. I went through an awkward phase and even when I was an actress, there was a lot of scrutiny there as well.”

She also shared that she had a hard time finding a job in England just because she’s a female.

Rhian Ramos.

Rhian shared on Instagram and unpleasant experience while having a vacation in France.

She said that she encountered a racist lady in a restaurant but instead of arguing, she brushed off the incident.

Jake Zyrus.

In an interview with GMA Network’s news program “24 Oras”, Zyrus opened up about his experience using public bathrooms in the Philippines. He said that whenever he approaches a restroom, he gets “the look” from people, which leads him to sometimes use the separate stall for people with disability, just to avoid conflict.

KaladKaren Davila.

The most recent incident of viral discrimination was KaladKaren‘s encounter at a H&J Sportsbar in Poblacion, Makati.

She and her friends were denied entry by the security personnel because according to the latter, gay people are not allowed inside.

• Bianca Gonzalez tweets annoyance regarding counter-flows on the road
• Netizens agree with her tweet while others state that she should not wish ill on others

Television host and celebrity mom Bianca Gonzalez lashes out at counter-flowing drivers she may have encountered while on the road. In her recent tweet, she called out those who counter-flow on clogged roads.

Bianca further stated that she hopes that those who do such act will get into an accident for them to feel what kind of bother they bring to other motorists.

“Drivers who COUNTERFLOW on ALREADY OBVIOUSLY CLOGGED ROADS. Why???!!!?? I really hope magasgasan ng malala o mag-overheat kotse ninyo para maramdaman niyo ang abala ninyo sa ibang tao.”

Other netizens agreed with her post while some stated that she should not wish ill to other people.

“I feel u! Tao lang can’t help it minsan ganyan din iniisip ko.”

“Ang sabi nila sobrang madiskarte daw ang mga Pinoy sa lahat ng bagay. Sa sobrang madiskarte yan nagiging istupido.”

“Hayy! Truth! Tapos pag sila ang na agrabyado sila ang g na g! Tapos kawawang kawawa ang mga 4 wheels! Gravity! Shoutout sa mga tricycle, motor at mga bike. #peace”

“… Still we don’t want to wish bad things sa iba sana….”

“love you B, but i hope you do not wish bad things to happen to others. not a good example.”

“Lab na lab kita miss B,pero mali po na magbitaw kayo ng di magandang salita para sa kapwa ninyo..sabi nga nila kung ano daw ang ibinabato mo sa kapwa mo dobleng balik sayo…RELAX Miss B!!”

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)‘s website, illegal or unauthorized counter-flow may result in a Php3,000 violation fee or worse, have your license suspended for a minimum of 3 months.

• Bianca Gonzalez tweets about suggestion to remove advertisement trucks on the roads
• Netizens agree to the host’s tweet and states their own opinion regarding the matter of advertisements

Television host and model Bianca Gonzalez tweets about her suggestion regarding billboard trucks.

Last June 18, she stated that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB to consider banning the advertisement trucks on the road.

Gonzales suggested that the advertisement trucks should be converted into delivery trucks instead so that it will have more use and will be more functional.

“Dear @LTFRB, kindly consider banning billboard trucks on the road. Each one adds to traffic, air and noise pollution, carbon footprint. Please make the companies convert these into delivery trucks with billboard ad walls para mas functional. Thank you!”

Netizens agreed to the TV host and suggested their own ideas on how to make the trucks more convenient and practical.

“Yes!!!! o kaya free rides for commuters. I think the companies whose ads are displayed in these billboard trucks will get more positive publicity. If they offer free rides. :)”

“Good point. I dont see the sense of running around trucks just to show off what they have instead or putting it somewhere else like buses perhaps?”

“Just remove the billboards. They’re an eye sore and consumes a lot of electricity. TV, radio, print and internet ads should be enough already.”

LTFRB has yet to comment on the suggestion.

• Ariel breaks gender roles in encouraging men to do laundry
• Ariel Men kicks off #JuanWash Bash

In this era, in this generation, gender roles have been put into a really tough test. Fortunately, it has become dormant. Women doing men chores, and men doing feminine stuff. A bad thing? I guess not.

Ariel Men #JuanWash Bash

Gone are the days when laundry is just a thing for women. Well, huge thanks to Ariel, they broke the stigma by the progressive #JuanWash campaign. “That backwards thinking will soon be a thing of the past,” as the Ariel family promoted the movement.

Recognizing that chores can be done by anyone, Ariel rolled out the #JuanWash campaign which is targeted towards men. Its goal is straightforward and goes right into the heart of the matter – to get men to do their share of laundry duties, one wash at a time.

For Ariel men, this goes beyond simply doing the laundry, as it also shows their support to their wives, and hones their children into understanding the equal role of men and women in doing the household chores.

Being the first detergent brand to encourage men in doing their fair share of household chores, Ariel assembled several celebrity #JuanWash ambassadors. Among them is professional basketball player JC Intal, supported by his wife Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, as well as actor John Prats, supported by his wife Isabel Oli-Prats.

Also present are some local personalities like Kean Cipriano, James Deakin, Ali Khatibi, Marco Alcaraz, Sam Ajdani, and Anton Del Rosario. These Juan Washers use Ariel Power Gel which makes superior cleaning effortless so they can easily help out at home.

Men power

#JuanWash campaign not only celebrated those men who have done their part of laundry duties, but also dedicated Fridays as #JuanWash days. Considering that most Filipino households do their laundry twice a week, getting men to do the laundry once a week means doing their equal share of the load.

By getting men to do the laundry at least once a week, Ariel hopes to transform them into laundry experts with the help from Ariel Power Gel that’s especially formulated for better stain removal with just one wash.

As a token of gratitude, our dashing Juans dedicate a unique promotion for other men who would be availing of select services from various Metropole Laundromat branches. Every time men commit to the cause in this way, they’ll earn points for freebies granted by Ariel and Metropole as a gift to the efforts shared in supporting #JuanWash Fridays.