Actor Alex Diaz was disappointed by how two “influencers” made a TikTok prank on a restaurant amidst pandemic.
On Tuesday, February 2, Chuck Aquino and Joe Abad, known as Chuck and Joe, have been on the receiving end of criticism from netizens and celebrities. This is because of their prank, which they posted on the video sharing platform, where they repeatedly asked for additional servings of togarashi (a type of spice mixture) at a Japanese restaurant. Apparently, this is the same guy who is promoting Sleepasil whilst using the Tarlac shooting incident as his advertising strategy.
The video, which went viral on TikTok now has 2.4 million views. However, due to their behavior, Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (Resto PH) released a statement expressing that they are “deeply concerned and saddened” about the mischievous duo’s prank video.
Resto PH also worries that the youth, may follow the footsteps of Chuck and Joe which could potentially add to the many struggles of the restaurant industry because of the pandemic.
“The restrictions of the quarantine have already caused many restaurants to close, and many more are struggling to survive. Malicious videos set a negative example and will have an adverse effect on the thousands of people who rely on the F&B industry for their security,” Resto PH said.
As a result, Diaz posted on his Twitter about the true essence of being an influencer.
According to the actor, it is about making a positive change and not like promoting pranks such as what Chuck and Joe did.
https://twitter.com/alexandermcdizz/status/1356483109638692864?s=21
Resto PH also stressed that influencers must know their limits when it comes to their pursuit of ‘views’ ang ‘hits’.
“We, the members of Resto PH, appreciate influencers’ contributions, but the quest for ‘views’ and ‘hits’ must be balanced with integrity,” the group stressed.
Moreover, the group also considered the act of the “influencers” as a form of crime. They warned the duo that what they did could be deemed as “theft”.
“While the influencers have posted an attempt at an apology, it was disappointing, as their video is still up on TikTok. We wish it to be made clear that we consider what they did as a form of theft; and once promoted on social media, theft no longer becomes petty. Restaurant losses are not casual matters to be used for a ‘social experiment,’ the group said.
A netizen also thinks that what the two have done is a crime.
@ohnoitslars wrote on Twitter that the “prank” was not actually a prank. Additionally, their supposedly prank only showed their rudeness and disregard towards the struggling restaurant owners.
https://twitter.com/ohnoitslars/status/1356510836060119040
Though Resto PH would like the video be taken down, instead the viral video was “set to private” by Chuck and Joe.
The pair has yet to give their response on the group’s statement.
