'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.

 

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."

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.

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.

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

Was wondering if xian gaza's "proposal" was just a publicity stunt for something else.

— Daniel (@djhicban) July 3, 2017
Xian's move prompted hashtags calling on Erich to decline the billboard invite.

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:
Exhibit 1 with Ella Cruz. pic.twitter.com/YdmnhFcesK

— Dewanie Catapang. (@waniedoo) July 4, 2017

https://t.co/JNAx8nF66X

— 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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