After being bullied for his appearance, Filipino social media personality Marlou Arizala revealed his new look post-surgery in last night’s episode of the ABS-CBN show Rated K.
Arizala, who was a member of the boy band parody group Hasht5, was made fun of online because of his look ever since the group went viral in 2015.
This made him decide to go under the knife, believing that it would help him fulfill his dreams of becoming a celebrity.
“My dream has been fulfilled,” Arizala told Rated K host Korina Sanchez-Roxas in Filipino. “It hurt but I got through it because this is really my dream. This is my goal, to transform myself.
When asked what he wants to do next, he said that he wants to go back to showbiz and take his job more seriously to be able to help his family.
Arizala, 20 years old, also unveiled a new personality along with his new appearance. From now on, he will be known as Xander Ford.
Star Image Artist Management introduced Xander Ford through a “before and after” photo saying in Filipino: “Brought about by Marlou’s desire to change himself, Xander Ford is born full of dreams.”
https://www.facebook.com/StarImageArtist/photos/a.405194879649114.1073741827.404694636365805/866665710168693/?type=3&theater
The transformation caught the attention of Filipino netizens with differing opinions.
Some seem to be pleased by the transformation.
https://twitter.com/allyhoep/status/914603324116054016
But others were saddened that Arizala felt the need to change himself because of cyberbullying.
https://twitter.com/jam_skii11/status/914657039955124224
Still, some believe that Arizala should be free to do whatever he wants with his life.
https://twitter.com/jesvlgn/status/914674641691488256
People also pointed out that society may still not be accepting of Arizala’s new look.
it's just sad that even when he was Marlou or now that he is Xander Ford, he still suffers under the same fucked-up, judgmental society.
— rose (@mariawows) October 1, 2017
And that sometimes, there’s just no way to please critics.
https://twitter.com/kelIyVEVO/status/914607189867642880
https://twitter.com/nathellaa/status/914646863168466945
Arizala’s transformation can be seen in two ways: a harsh effect of peer pressure and bullying, or a guy going after his dreams, haters be damned.
What do you think?
