This week’s unrelatable Filipinos: Pres. Bongbong Marcos, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Vanessa Hudgens

Relatability is one of the top traits that captures the kiliti of the Pinoy audience. So when a celebrity or a political figure does or says something considered out of touch with the Filipino masses and their experiences, you already know the comments section is racking up negative criticism.

This week, netizens find themselves unable (again) to relate to President Bongbong Marcos, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Vanessa Hudgens in these recent stories.

The President and First Lady about to attend the coronation of King Charles III and his Queen Consort

Malacañang confirmed on April 3 that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6 and the reception at Buckingham Palace on May 5.

The King and Queen Consort are deeply unpopular due to several controversies including the King’s infidelity in his marriage to Princess Diana. Proof of this can perhaps be seen in the long list of celebrities—which includes the likes of Adele, Harry Styles, and Elton John—that declined invitations to perform at the coronation. A number of Britons also renewed calls for the abolition of the monarchy upon the royal succession, citing misuse of taxpayer money and allegations of racism.

Netizens criticized Marcos for attending another “party” with travel expenses funded by taxpayers while there’s an economic crisis and an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro that needs to be urgently addressed.

Ruffa Gutierrez losing a labor complaint 

Ruffa Gutierrez has reportedly lost in the labor complaint filed by two of her former house help in July 2022 who claimed to have been fired by the actress from her Ayala Alabang home without giving their salaries. P3PWD Party-List Rep. Rowena Guanzon shared the update on the case in a Twitter post on April 1. 

The National Labor Relations Commission ordered Gutierrez to pay an aggregate amount of P13,299.92, as well as unpaid wages and pro-rated 13th month pay. 

Gutierrez’s legal counsel initially dismissed the helpers’ claims as “black propaganda.” The actress also previously claimed that the helpers were “fighting” their mayordoma and tweeted,  “I did NOT fire anyone.  They wanted to leave on their own accord. I have rarely been home shooting everyday, all day, all night for #MAIDinMALACANANG.”

Vanessa Hudgens at her controversial media con

Vanessa Hudgens recent appointment as the country’s global tourism ambassador and her upcoming travel documentary with presidential adviser on creative communications Paul Soriano at the helm has received mixed reactions at best.

Her recent media conference held at the Manila House Private Club on March 31 also stirred controversy. The interview portion of the event was cut short by Soriano—and guests present allege hearing his wife Toni Gonzaga call the press “useless.” Gonzaga recently shared a photo with Hudgens. 

Netizens also weren’t too happy with Hudgens’ answer to Boy Abunda’s question, “Do you think in about five years, a Filipino’s going to win an Oscar?” Hudgens replied, “Well, it’s gonna be me!”

Film fans felt it dismissive of the previous Oscar wins of Fil-Am artists composer Robert Lopez and singer-songwriter H.E.R. as well as projects by actors like Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon. 

Hudgens also spent the previous week in Palawan for a series of cultural activities with the First Lady.

Art by Ella Lambio

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