Social media star Xander Ford, formerly known as Marlou Arizala, is taking over the Internet after his big reveal on ABS-CBN's Rated K, a program hosted by Korina Sanchez, which aired Sunday night, October 1.
Over the past weeks, netizens have been wondering how Xander would look after undergoing a series of cosmetic-enhancement procedures on his nose and chin.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Yapjuancgo of The Icon Clinic conducted the surgery at the Marikina Doctors Hospital and Medical Center early last month.
Aside from the nose and chin cosmetic surgeries, Xander also underwent wrinkle removal, eyebrow thickening, eyelash extension, lip pigmentation, and dental implants to improve his overall look.
The former Hasht5 member made jaws drop with his major transformation—a sharper nose, a chiseled jaw line, and smoother and fairer skin.
In an interview with Korina, Xander expressed his gratitude to those who helped him achieve his long-time dream.
He said, "Natupad ko na po yung pangarap ko, [na gumuwapo].
When asked how about his transformation, Xander said the pain was definitely worth it.
In Xander's words, "Masakit, pero kaya, kasi ito talaga yung pangarap ko, ito talaga yung goal ko, yung mabago yung sarili ko.""
The 25-year-old online sensation assured his fans that he is still the same Marlou that they know, and that only his name and physical appearance have changed.
He told his fans, "Itong nasa harapan ninyo, binago ko lang siya sa pangalan at yung pagkatao lang... yung panlabas lang, para naman maiba rin yung tingin sa akin ng ibang tao.
Addressing his bashers, Xander said: "Who you na sila ngayon!"
Korina asked him if he misses his old self.
Xander answered, "Hindi na, kinalimutan ko na yung mga nakaraan kasi itong bagong 'to, ito na yung bagong mamahalin niyo.""
After his major transformation, Xander hopes to become a celebrity.
His goal: to help his family.
"Gusto ko pong bumalik sa pag-aartista and seryosohin yung trabaho para po makatulong talaga sa pamilya ko."
Meanwhile, netizens supported Xander in this new chapter in his life.
Well we cant blame Xander Ford a.k.a Marlou for changing his face. He change his face because he wants to shut up his haters. #XanderFord
— BABY BASH (@basherbaby0) October 1, 2017
KABAHAN KA NA DANIEL FORD. HI I'M XANDER FORD MAKE ME YOUR OPPA #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/nhM7w9ZTcb
— Xander Ford (@OppaXanderFord) October 1, 2017
Marlou - Xander Ford is just too handsome to handle. I can't resist anymore with his transformation! #RatedK pic.twitter.com/rTsvesY8PX
— Leonard Florida (@leonardfloridaj) October 1, 2017
However, despite the adulation, there were netizens who expressed dismay, saying they liked the old Marlou better, flaws and all.
It's so sad knowing that Marlou felt the need to change into Xander Ford just to be accepted by society. Smh.
— Khayeesi ? (@ayeeerrs) October 1, 2017
Xander Ford is nothing but a testament of how judgmental and cruel society is. Pushing a standard of beauty, and letting ppl ruin themselves
— Renz Lacorte (@renzvolution) October 1, 2017
Fantards logic:
— Charmin Kaye (@KittyBeeHuggs) October 1, 2017
Xander Ford - praised
Arci Muñoz - criticized
We're all f***ed up by this generation.
As of this writing, Xander Ford has become a trending topic on Twitter, with 107,000++ tweets.
PEPsters, what do you think of Xander Ford's transformation?