Comedienne Kiray Celis addressed criticisms about her viral prenup photo in Japan, where she was spotted sitting on top of a vending machine.
On November 5, the showbiz personality posted photos from her prenup shoot with her fiancé, Stephen Estopia, which included shots of them conquering Tokyo. The photos were taken by Metrophoto.
One photo, now deleted, showed her sitting on a street vending machine.
Japan is known for its ubiquitous vending machines, which offer a wide range of items from drinks and meals to collectibles.
Several online users were not amused by Kiray sitting on top of the vending machine, claiming it was a sign of disrespect toward Japanese culture.
“‘Di porke artista ka, mayaman ka, may karapatan ka na bastusin ang lugar na pupuntahan mo, nakikitapak ka lang, respeto sa kultura at sa mga Japanese ang pinaka no. 1 dito,” a Filipino working in Japan commented.
“Kaya maraming mga Japanese ngayon ang mainit ang mata sa mga Gaijin, kaya kami na nananahimik at nagta-trabaho ng maayos dito sa Japan, nadadamay sa mga ganyng pag-uugali, dinala mo pa talaga ‘yan dito sa Japan, nakakahiya ka,” the online user added.
Another Filipino who has “lived and worked in Japan for years” also said that “many of the issues about anti-foreigner sentiment could have been avoided if only everyone showed respect for Japan’s rules, culture, and values.”
“When we show discipline, humility, and gratitude, we don’t just earn respect — we inspire admiration. So let’s strive to be respectful guests, good neighbors, and honorable representatives of our country,” the Facebook user said.
Meanwhile, Kiray addressed the comments and said that they had obtained “permission” from the authorities.
“Sa mga na-offend, nagalit na mga Pilipino, or ‘yung mga OFW [Overseas Filipino Worker], pasensya na po,” she said in a video posted on TikTok.
Kiray also said that the incident taught her to be more “sensitive.”
“Parang, kahit may permission, kahit pwede, intindihin mo kung ano ‘yung mararamdaman ng mga makakasama mo or makakakita ng… ‘yun ‘yung lesson na naisip ko,” she said.
Kiray is set to marry her fiancé this December.
