In Philippine noontime show it is not new that some programs include segments that offers public service and fund raising pledges, in exchange of donations to help deserving people in need. Celebrities are usually doing this, because they create a greater reach and impact.
Their influence always appeal to its audience and become the voice to call out for sympathy.
Last August 27, 2015 in ABS-CBN noontime show “Its Showtime”, the comedian/host Vice Ganda invited a blind girl from the audience, in the segment called “Madam Bertud” where Vice invites people randomly from the audience. These people are seeking advice for their personal problems. In this particular episode, Vice Ganda hand-picks the blind kid and together with other hosts they opted to grant the little girl’s wish.
It is a good intent but netizens churned with mixed reactions, when Vice Ganda added a catch asking for “likes” and re-tweeting the selfie photo taken with other hosts and the blind girl in exchange for cash equivalence.
In the host’s pledge, he asked the TV audience that one “like” and one “re-tweet” corresponds to one peso.
See photos below.
To those who are not familiar with Vice Ganda, he is one of the celebrities with the highest followers in social media. Also known for the highest grossing comedy films such as Praybeyt Benjamin and Petrang Kabayo remake while his Instagram account has 2.3 million followers.
As of this writing, the photo already gained 140,000 “likes” on Instagram and 32,821 retweets on Twitter which means it garnered an estimated cash donation equivalent to more than Php170,000 combining the two accounts. But with the netizens’ reception to this stint is not all in favor.
Here’s a portion of the video:
In your opinion, is asking for “likes” appropriate for granting ones wishes?
Do you think there are more different approach using social media could have been better in order to amplify a good cause? Or do you think they should have just help the girl with no conditions at all? Type your comment and join us in discussion.
