Cover Jennie Kim (Photo: Instagram/ @jennierubyjane)
Jennie Kim (Photo: Instagram/ @jennierubyjane)
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A stunt pulled for the second time: Christian "Xian" Albert Gaza, in an attempt to ask Blackpink Jennie out on a date, put up a billboard kilometres away from the artist's agency in Seoul
There is a wide variety of classic rom-com movies that helped generations of hopeless romantics traverse the world of love and relationships. Gestures of love in these movies are so big and captivating that people can't help but imagine themselves in the same situations.
When we speak of grand gestures, we mean that scene in Gilmore Girls where Lorelei had the time of her life after Max sent her 1,000 yellow daisies, or that scene where Patrick serenaded Kat in front of the entire soccer team in 10 Things I Hate About You; don't even get us started with that part in Beauty and The Beast where the latter gave Belle his entire library.
While all these gestures are sweet and innocent on the surface, all of them arguably fall under a highly-debateable romantic expression: love bombing.
Above Xian Gaza rents $30,000 billboard to ask Blackpink Jennie out on a date (Photo: Koreaboo)
Xian Gaza rents $30,000 billboard to ask Blackpink Jennie out on a date (Photo: Koreaboo)
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In the Philippines, Filipino businessman Christian "Xian" Albert Gaza has been on the news for his penchant for loud proclamations of love. In a recent stint, Gaza put up a giant billboard atop a five-story building kilometres away from Korean idol Jennie Kim (Blackpink)'s agency in Seoul.
The billboard ad reads: “Kim Jennie Ruby Jane, you are my ultimate crush. ‘Can I take you out to dinner and make me the happiest man alive?”
See also: Opinion: Is A Long Distance Relationship Worth Pursuing Amid A Pandemic?
But what is love bombing anyway...?
"[It] describes the behaviour of flooding someone with flattering and grandiose messages, it is recognisable by feelings of being swept off your feet, or alternatively, a bit smothered," psychotherapist and relationship counsellor Denise Dunne said. Regardless of romantic titles, love bombing can be exhibited through excessive displays of affection, which to some extent, may come from motivations other than just expressing admiration.
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Above Love bombing stems from a person's narcissistic behaviours (Photo: Alvin Mahmudov/Unsplash)
Love bombing stems from a person's narcissistic behaviours (Photo: Alvin Mahmudov/Unsplash)
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Billboards Draw Flak
Gaza's love bombing was not received well. Blinks, the fans of Blackpink, said that the businessman "went overboard," the fanbase also asked him to leave Jennie alone.
In an interview, Gaza reasoned that he had to install the billboard for there was no other way for him to contact Jennie. “I don't know how to contact her so I had to put up a billboard in the heart of South Korea, few kilometers away from BLACKPINK's YG headquarters. I hope she will say YES,” he said.
Above Xian Gaza proposes to Filipina actress Erich Gonzales through a billboard in Manila (Photo: Xian Gaza/Facebook)
Xian Gaza proposes to Filipina actress Erich Gonzales through a billboard in Manila (Photo: Xian Gaza/Facebook)
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This is not the first time Gaza topped the search bars; it can be recalled that in 2017, Gaza pulled the same stunt when he asked Filipina actress Erich Gonzales out on a date.
The billboard, which was located in Morayta, had the actress' real name – Erika Chryselle Gancayco – and the message: "I can't even espresso how much I like you a latte. Will you drink coffee with me?"
Related: 13 Rom-coms To Watch Whether You're Single, Dating, Or Married
Where to Draw the Line
The question now arises: is this admiration, obsession, or mere fanfare? Besides the online commotion it's caused, Gaza's actions have also made room for conversation on the ethics of public affection. While some would consider this gesture grand, chivalrous, and sweet, others may see it as unnecessary, invasive, or to an extreme, predatory.
Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there's no denying that at the very least, Gaza had achieved notoriety through his love for shock-value and worn-out pick-up lines. Will he be love-bombing another star in the future? Here's hoping our billboards remain reserved for better advertising.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
