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.
Prior to the billboard invite, Xian also posted photos of him buying a bulk of Bobbi Brown make-up to be gifted to Erich. In that post, he addressed his caption to the real name of the actress, Erika Gancayco.
He also posted a photo of receipt of the make-up purchase claiming that it proves the products were not sponsored.
Some netizens found Xian's move "nakakakilig."
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
Other netizens, however, described Xian as "creepy" and "show-off" following the public move. Facebook page Catcalled Philippines, known to call out rape culture and catcalling, condemned Xian's public invite.
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
Meanwhile, others doubted the real intentions of Xian since he claimed to be a self-made businessman. His Facebook profile claimed he is a president and chief executive officer of a certain Gungxiqian group.