'Kilig' or overly 'creepy'? Coffee date billboard invite earns mixed reactions
Businessman Christian "Xian" Gaza posted a photo of himself looking at a billboard which appeared to be a coffee date invite to actress Erich Gonzales. Instagram/xiangaza
MANILA, Philippines — A coffee date invite to actress Erich Gonzales via a billboard in Morayta, Manila has gone viral and earned mixed reactions from netizens.
While some netizens found the gesture of renting a billboard to invite the actress for a coffee date romantic, others considered the move to be creepy and manipulative.
On Saturday, a non-showbiz bachelor named Christian "Xian" Gaza posted a photo of himself looking at a billboard which appeared to be a coffee date invite to the Kapamilya actress. The billboard turned out to be publicly planned also via Facebook.
"I can’t even espresso how much I like you a latte," the billboard read.
“Will you… drink coffee with me?" he said.
Xian's post had a caption expressing how special Erich is to him.
“They say it’s first time in Philippine history. I say: That’s how special you are to me. @erichgg , will you drink coffee with me?” he wrote on his Instagram account.
Xian also wrote an open letter addressed to the actress, saying he tried to reach out privately to the actress but could not find a way.
The bachelor said he once chanced upon the actress after watching a film in a Bonifacio Global City mall in Taguig City where he also had an opportunity to ask a selfie with her. He claimed he was "nursing a broken heart" during that time but since then Erich "never left his mind."
"I really hope to meet you soon, Ms. Gancayco. And above all else, thank you very much for unknowingly making me smile and inspiring me in each passing day for the last half year," Xian said addressing the real surname of the actress, Gancayco.
Xian gaza's way of asking erich out is so spectacular. Never thought a guy could do that. Mygad. Things you will do for love.
— Faye-ry Tells (@gldysplaza) July 3, 2017
shet ang effort naman ni xian gaza! nakakakilig din yung message niya kay erich hahaha
— Adrian (@theadriansy) July 2, 2017
AKO LANG BA O ANG CREEPY TALAGA NI XIAN GAZA A.K.A. ERICH GONZALES' ADMIRER???????? DI AKO NATUTUWA SA MGA POSTS NIYA ABT ERICH TBH CREEPY
— WANDA WOMAN (@deshauna_molina) July 3, 2017
That guy who asked Erich out on a date through a billboard is so creepy. Why cant he just love hopelessly from afar like a normal person
— Parvati (@teztikelz) July 3, 2017
Xian Gaza expressed his feelings to Erich while putting her in a spot where she's either obliged to say 'yes' or say 'no' & be the mean one.
— Bea Samantha (@beabarluado) July 3, 2017
Some netizens speculated that the bachelor was only using the actress for fame and for his business. In his Facebook post last June, he claimed he used to own a civet coffee plantation in Davao which he allegedly sold to Gungxiqian group.
Xian Gaza's only interaction ever with Erich was taking a selfie with her AND SUDDENLY she's what his "heart truly desires" pic.twitter.com/2odjqihNsF
— Nathania Chua (@PilosopoTanya) July 3, 2017
It surprises that a guy who's so wealthy, couldn't find a private way to get in touch with #Erich to ask her out properly. #Dating101
— kstuartsantiago (@radikalchick) July 3, 2017
Xian's move prompted hashtags calling on Erich to decline the billboard invite.Was wondering if xian gaza's "proposal" was just a publicity stunt for something else.
— Daniel (@djhicban) July 3, 2017
I wish people would stop saying that Erich has no other choice but to go out with Xian Gaza because he's "sweet".
— ???Nicole??? (@genoucharbon) July 3, 2017
really hope erich responds with a billboard that says "no thanks, creep"
— Randolph (@rabdolph) July 3, 2017
Despite the criticisms, Erich, who is currently out of the country, reacted to Xian's invite in a text message to ABS-CBN's writer and host, Darla Sauler.
"Hi Darls!!! :) How are you? Hahaha!!! Ang cute ng effort ni Kuya. It's fine. Let's see when I get back. There's nothing wrong naman if we talk over coffee, pero dapat kasama ka. Hahaha!!! See you soon Darls!" Erich's text message to Darla said.
In a series of posts, Xian shun negative criticisms as he denied that his billboard invite was merely a publicity stunt, a "business" or "networking opportunity." He added that he does not expect Erich to respond to his invite.
"I am not affiliated to any company besides GUANXIQIAN GROUP nor a member of any network marketing companies to date. The billboard is my sincere coffee date invitation for Ms. Gonzales, not a 'business opportunity presentation over-coffee-invitation' strategy, affiliating me to your respective companies," Xian wrote.
"Regardless what the public would say. At least kapag binalikan ang Philippine History diba eh she's the very first Filipina to received a coffee date proposal via a fuckin badass billboard. Honest to goodness, I'm not expecting her to say yes," he said in a separate post.
Ella Cruz also given grand gesture?
Based on his Twitter account, Xian also made a grand gesture to actress and dancer Ella Cruz in September 2016 by sending a surprise gift to her. The surprise delivery video was already deleted but it appeared to be flowers according to a post of Snuggle Teddy PH.
RECEIPTS 101:
— Dewanie Catapang. (@waniedoo) July 4, 2017
Exhibit 1 with Ella Cruz. pic.twitter.com/YdmnhFcesK
— CHAIRMAN STARK (@chairmanstark) September 24, 2016
Special thanks to Snuggle Teddy Ph and Filipino Vines of Gazera Media Holdings ——— https://t.co/sSSXB1nXoz
— CHAIRMAN STARK (@chairmanstark) September 24, 2016
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