Otlum dares CEOs of beauty brands to make him beautiful
OTLUM – The social media personality made a bold statement addressing the CEOs of popular skincare products in the Philippines.
In a viral video, the social media personality challenged the industry, saying they should not just hire beautiful models or brand ambassadors. “Kung talagang gumagana ang mga sabon at gamot ninyo, ako ang pagandahin nyo,” dared Otlum. He added, “Hindi yung maganda, ang pinapaganda nyo pa.”
Otlum’s statement elicited various reactions from the public. Some agreed, while others had mixed opinions. One netizen said, “Tama si Otlum, mas mapapakita ng mga kumpanya na effective ang kanilang produkto kung kaya nilang pagandahin ang mga taong may skin problems.”
Another commented that business interests still drive the choice of well-known and attractive models for brand endorsements. “Huwag natin kalimutan na ang pagkuha ng mga kilalang personalidad ay para mas madaling maipakilala ang produkto. Pero maganda rin na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang iba,” remarked another person.
As of press time, none of the beauty brand CEOs have accepted Otlum’s challenge.
Meanwhile, Peejay Dela Cruz, also known as Otlum, gained attention on social media after photos of him at Starbucks went viral. However, his fame took a negative turn when CCTV footage showed him stealing a cellphone. Despite being caught on camera, Otlum denied the theft, claiming he didn’t know the phone belonged to someone. He later sold the phone but offered to return the money he earned from the sale and the victim’s SIM card.
Otlum’s situation garnered widespread condemnation until it was revealed he has a psychosocial disability and wore a PWD identification card. In an interview, he explained that this condition doesn’t mean he’s mentally ill but often causes confusion. Originally from San Rafael, Bulacan, Otlum moved to Manila to sell bedsheets and later became a street entertainer.