“Deserved!”
This was what fellow Filipinos of Singapore-based 17-year-old Zoe Gabriel exclaimed after learning she was tapped by a commercial airline to create online content with them.
Zoe initially made headlines last January after being ridiculed on TikTok for excitedly describing her first Charles and Keight (stylized as Charles & Keith) tote bag as a “luxury” item.
It costs $80 (Singapore Dollars).
Many did not agree with Zoe’s opinion, with some mocking her for perceiving it to be a luxurious item.
Zoe explained that her family was not privileged enough to buy branded items on a regular basis.
READ: Luxury vs privilege: Why Pinay teen shamed for Charles & Keith post resonated with many
Following the online buzz on Zoe, Charles & Keith invited her for an exclusive tour of its headquarters and gave her customized bags.
The teenager also became one of the brand’s community ambassadors.
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Now, Zoe is adding more brands to her portfolio as she was recently spotted on some of AirAsia‘s TikTok content.
One of the videos shows the teenager dancing with some flight attendants to a speed-up version of “I Think He Knows” as they promote an offer.
“*Domestic: all-in from RM23. Asean: all-in from RM60. Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. T&C apply,” it said in its caption.
The in-line text on the video, meanwhile, reads: “Mood when you get to book a FREE SEAT* this week”
@flyairasia*Domestic: all-in from RM23. Asean: all-in from RM60. Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. T&C apply.♬ i think he knows sped up – r & m <33
Another video from the airline’s TikTok features Zoe in AirAsia’s iconic red uniform and dancing to “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2.”
It had the following caption: “Dare to dream with @zoe”
@flyairasia Dare to dream with @zoe 🦋 ♬ original sound – smokinaftereat
There is also a video of the teenager trying out the in-flight meals of the Malaysian-based airline.
“Jom makan in-flight meals with @zoe. Don’t miss this delicious culinary experience in the sky!” AirAsia said on its TikTok account.
@flyairasia Jom makan inflight meals with @zoe 🦋 ♬ cupid twin version – ⟡ TRACYTRACKS ⟡
Zoe’s appearances in the budget carrier’s online content were lauded by her fellow Filipinos who thought her to be “deserving” of what they called “blessings” following the backlash she went through.
“Congratulations!!! Well-deserved!!!” a Pinoy wrote on Facebook with emojis of clapping hands and a red heart.
“Now, see her!!!! Way to go, girl, you are so deserving,” another online user commented.
“When people let you down, GOD will pick you up,” a different Facebook user said with a sparkling emoji.
“Deserved! She reminded us how big or small you received, [to] be thankful always,” commented another Pinoy with a red heart emoji.
“God is good. Continue living a humble but meaningful life. You will go places,” wrote a different Filipino.
Zoe has over 249,000 followers on TikTok and typically posts lifestyle content where she shares information about herself such as facts about her Filipino heritage and her family.
