In 2020, actresses Liza Soberano and Bela Padilla ranted about Telcos’ poor Internet service in the Philippines. Presto, they both had their concerns addressed.
Netizens wished they are like celebrities, who get to enjoy ‘special privileges.’
However, there is this reality about famous people considered as excellent salespeople.
Brands acquire the services of familiar faces to create that brand association. Thus, they usually get ‘special accommodations’ whether in private or in public.
That’s one factor why ordinary citizens get to gripe over companies who ignore them, or they are the last to get the attention.
Converge really needs to start fixing their internet speed. I am an unhappy customer.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) September 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/padillabela/status/1303302792174383105
Dealing right away with the concerns of the two actresses is a way to lead to huge profits, especially if both could create an immediate change in the public perception of a company and all. But, if done poorly, it can ruin a brand instantly.
That explained the prompt response of these companies.
Hi @lizasoberano, we have sent you a direct message. Kindly check your inbox. Thank you!
— Converge Support (@Converge_CSU) September 6, 2020
Uh-oh! Don't worry, Bela! Help is here! 😉 Just simply follow us back so that we could resolve this is no time.
And oh, please don't forget to provide us your account number, okay? 👍 We'll wait for your DM. 📬
— PLDT Cares (@PLDT_Cares) September 8, 2020
Meanwhile, netizens continue to wish that they are just like Soberano and Padilla. They insist that they are also customers.
Sana all Liza 😭 Please help us too!
— iyeng (@iyeng94156395) September 6, 2020
Sana all may direct message
— kit Perez | ❤️ (@kitkat_perez) September 6, 2020
i hope you can also focus on your other customers not just liza
— Shirajoi Gaddi (@shirajoi) September 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/chrstnroqs/status/1302615336471019522
SANA ALL BELA PADILLA AND LIZA SOBERANO!!!! PLDT ANO NAA
— monay (@dyowset_) September 11, 2020
Recently, Padilla expressed her disappointment on how the Bureau of Customs (BOC) withheld the items sent to her, even overcharged her.
https://twitter.com/padillabela/status/1397445672966660099
https://twitter.com/padillabela/status/1397447523967463427
After a day, on May 27, BOC replied to her tweet and apologized for the inconvenience.
Hi! We apologize for the inconvenience. To further assist you with your concern, may we ask for the tracking details? You may opt to send as a private message. Thank you and stay safe!
— Bureau of Customs PH (@CustomsPH) May 27, 2021
Meanwhile, other clients of BOC were surprised as they gave the actress such importance—by directly replying to her tweet.
https://twitter.com/dlsuy/status/1398179868148322304
SANA ALL PERO PAG ORDINARYONG MAMAYAN, KEBS LANG ANG CUSTOMS!💩
— ʍ乇ω⚘ﾟ (@Shortee3MEW) May 28, 2021
https://twitter.com/majowanamarie/status/1397895419145822208
Though being celebrities should not be an excuse to blame them for getting such treatments.
Ordinary customers feel that a line separates them from famous people in this day and age, where everyone is on social media.
Prioritizing celebrities over others, there is a reason for such–celebrity marketing.
The involvement of a celebrity can range from explicit to implicit with a product or a service. If a company showed a star how promptly they could act on something–it creates that positive ripple effect to the public’s perception.
Companies involve celebrities with a brand, relying on their reputation, their thousands, even millions of followers to which they perceive good impact on their brand. Companies are aware of the celebrity’s clout as opposed to a singular and irrelevant person.
Nevertheless, it is improper for ordinary citizens to receive mediocre services while celebrities enjoyed theirs without any further hassle.
For instance, this netizen, an ordinary citizen, had contacted Converge numerous times, yet there was no response from the company. However, a tweet from Soberano and they already reached out to the actress and dealt with the problem.
@Converge_CSU so pag si Liza ang nagcomplain aaksyunan nyo kaagad. How about US na ordinaryong mamayang Filipino? Nkailang emails na nkailang calls narin pero hanggang ngayon. Wla prin. Tsk!
— PrisoNurse_Angel (@AblanidoY) September 6, 2020
In Padilla’s complaint with the BOC, a Netizen even sarcastically suggested that celebrities should be brokers for ordinary citizens for the agency to notify them.
https://twitter.com/majowanamarie/status/1397895419145822208
In these instances, it is unfair. Everyone deserves equal treatment.
When celebrities rant, prompt actions are done. It is unfair if ordinary people are left out not dealing with their complaints. Any customer can give feedback–and it can also affect businesses whether to boost or hurt their brands.
