Celebrities have found an easier way to connect with their fans.
Thanks to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, showbiz personalities like Alden Richards, Liza Soberano, and Sarah Geronimo can now reach their avid followers in an instant, wherever they are.
Fans here and abroad still line up in mall shows or score concert tickets to see their favorite stars, but it thrills them no end to be interacting with the celebrities in real time.
“Parang social media have made the world smaller,” said Talk 'N Text's newest endorser Alden Richard whose favorite social media applications are Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
He smiled, showing his famous dimples, and added:
“Kumbaga ngayon, puwede na tayong makipag-usap with our loved ones abroad, thousands of miles away.
“Ngayon, as of this moment, I usually use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to communicate with fans.”
Alden said social media—particularly, Twitter—have played a big role in making theAlDub loveteam, his tandem with Maine Mendoza, very popular.
He said, “Sobrang thankful ako sa AlDub Nation for making this AlDub phenomenon possible.
“Kung hindi naman dahil sa kanila, walang AlDub.
“That's how I use my social media accounts, to reach followers, hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas.”
I'm speechless. Kulang pa po ang salitang "thank you" maraming maraming maraming salamat. ðŸ™ÂÂðŸÂ» pic.twitter.com/fuwWjPxJ0O
— Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02) September 13, 2015
On the other hand, Liza Soberano who speaks for Acer Premium laptop averred that social media help in informing their fans about their latest product endorsements.
“As an endorser, we like to post pictures on Instagram so that people will know about the product, also on Twitter.
“Basically on social media, because that's how we get to our fans, to our supporters.”
What do you have that makes you deserving of an Aspire S7?#FLAUNTit by tweeting @AcerPhils for a chance to win! :) pic.twitter.com/BrH6QvpCST
— Hope Elizabeth (@lizasoberano) September 9, 2015
Any suggestions? #AlDubForTNT 👋ðŸÂ»ðŸ˜Â pic.twitter.com/EPyBhnQRhq
— Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02) September 13, 2015
Hi Cebuanos! Tweet me your answer with #GlobeUnleashed & #NextLevelKa to join. Will pick 2 winners 💕 pic.twitter.com/DDOOtdonPO
— Sarah Geronimo (@JustSarahG) August 28, 2015
INTERACTIVE. Probably the most satisfying for both the fans and the celebrities is that social media enable them to chat with each other.
As it happens, showbiz personalities have been organizing Twitter conferences with their fans via #AskName, almost similar to the networks' chat sessions such as Kapamilya Chat or GMA Network's Facebook Live Q&A.
In fact, celebrities often have taken note of our questions in those online conferences.
BE RESPONSIBLE. A little caveat to all the fans who chat with their favorite celebrities via social media: Be responsible.
Like normal people, celebrities have feelings, too, so no harsh comments or personal attacks, please.
Oppo endorser Sarah Geronimo, for example, generally shies away from social media, but admitted checking the comments of her followers on Twitter.
“Nauubos din ang oras ko minsan sa Twitter.
“Totoo 'yong sinabi ni Coach Lea na I read all the tweets ma-positive or negative,” said Sarah.
And like normal people, rude comments from netizens affect her.
“They will always affect me, siyempre po, kapag may negative words na binabato sa'yo.
“Pero, siyempre, dapat we won't allow them to affect me in a way na masyadong made-depress,” she admonished.
Salamat po sa sumusuporta sa #TeamSarah! Zephanie and Kyle, thank you for inspiring us. God bless you both. May the most deserving kid win!
— Sarah Geronimo (@JustSarahG) August 23, 2015
Sarah added, “Like before, noong nagsisimula ako.
“Pero ngayon, kinukuha ko na lang 'yong constructive criticisms.
“Parang motivation siya para sa akin to become a better artist.”
Liza, meanwhile, has temporarily deactivated her Twitter account.
In a previous interview, she said, “"I just wanted to let them [the fans] know na sa akin, hindi okay na nangba-bash kayo ng ibang tao.
“Kung ako yung bina-bash, hayaan niyo lang kasi I can take it, I'm used to it na.
“But there are other new stars, there are other people being bashed and ayaw kong nanggaling sa fan group ko.”
Read: Liza Soberano explains why she temporarily deactivated her Twitter account
Lastly, to bashers with plenty of time to waste trolling celebrities on social media, here's a friendly reminder from James Reid:
