I just discovered that a guy named Christopher Lao has become an online sensation. The event that made him famous online happened sometime in July or August 2011. I’m an active netizen but it seems that his popularity has skipped my almost 10 hours a day online.
If you haven’t heard about him, what happened is best summarized in this youtube video:
Because of this Christopher Lao has been the subject of so much ridicule and has been lambasted online for his response to the interview. I can’t blame the guy, if it was me I’d be so pissed and I’d be running around amok ! Imagine if it were to happen to your car ! I’m sure you would rave and rant. I don’t know Christoper Lao personally but I sympathize with the guy. Look at all the negative and hurtful comments he is getting. Type his name in Google and you get a deluge of nasty comments made against him. Some people even went to the extent of making youtube videos against him such as this:
Well admittedly the above youtube video is funny but a damaged car without it being covered by insurance is not fun at all.
Anyway, despite all of this something good has come out of it. I came across Christopher Lao’s name when I read an article that he is being tapped by BPI Auto insurance for a commercial. That’s when I came to know about Christopher Lao. Watch this BPI Auto insurance commercial starring Christopher Lao.
So to all Christopher Lao’s detractors, o ano ? May commercial ba kaayo ? I am not privy as to how much Christopher Lao is getting for this commercial but if it is much than at least now Christopher Lao can replace his damaged car with a brand new one or buy a new flat tv which he can place in flat tv mounts. Kudos to Christopher for turning this negative situation into something positive ! Here’s the BPI commercial:
Oh by the way, kudos to the BPI marketing team who came up with this brilliant commercial. Christopher Lao videos has become viral online so this is a good case study on advertising/marketing strategy utilizing social media.
Here is also Christopher’s Lao official statement with regards to what happened. He deserves to be heard:
Official Statement from Christopher Lao
4 August 2011
“The past few days have been very disheartening for me and my family. As you know I have been a subject of a viral video that showed my helplessness during a trying moment. As it stands right now, I have several hate pages in Facebook and Twitter with hurtful and derogatory messages attacking my person. The reputation that I built the past years has been besmirched. A bad day has now turned into wounded feelings and sleepless nights for me and my family.I have been silent the past few days as I want this to go away soon but not before saying sorry and thank you to people who matter.I would like to apologize for my behavior that was seen on nationwide television and now on the internet. It was unfortunate that I was caught on camera immediately after an overwhelmingly stressful mishap.
I would like to again sincerely thank those who braved the flood to help a distraught stranger like me. Their selfless act reminded me of how dependable Filipinos are in times of crisis.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family, friends and all of those who showed empathy, consideration and support throughout these trying times. You have given me strength and courage to rise above and be a better person.”
Sincerely yours,
Christopher Lao
Leave a Reply