Netizens not too keen on Vanessa Hudgens as Philippines tourism ambassador
Filipino-American actress Vanessa Hudgens has been named as the Global Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines, but netizens are not too enthusiastic about her selection.
For starters, netizens pointed out that Vanessa had never publicly acknowledged her Filipino roots until recently. Vanessa’s mother, Gina Guangco, is a Manila native who immigrated to the United States after marrying firefighter Gregory Hudgens and went on to have two daughters, Vanessa and her sister Stella, who is also an actress.
Several netizens also took issue with the fact that it took the actress 34 years to visit to the country of her mother’s birth for the first time, and it happened to coincide with her appointment as global tourism ambassador. Netizens cheekily implied that Vanessa’s Hollywood career is probably in the doldrums, and this is why she is pandering to the massive Filipino audience.
Additionally, some netizens criticized Vanessa’s apparent inability to speak basic Tagalog and as well as only passing familiarity with Filipino food and culture.
Aside from questions about the High School Musical star’s suitability for the post, several netizens also slammed Vanessa for implicitly allowing herself to be associated with the Marcos administration.
In contrast, netizens argued, beauty influencer Bretman Rock or K-pop star Sandara Park would have been better suited for the role of the Philippines’ tourism ambassador for proudly showing their love for the country, its food, and culture. Bretman, who speaks Tagalog and Ilocano, has showcased his Filipino heritage many times on his social media channels. Meanwhile, Sandara, who is not even ethnically Filipino, speaks Tagalog and has introduced fellow Koreans to her favorite Filipino foods.
As a Global Tourism Ambassador, Hudgens will take part in a range of future initiatives to promote the Philippines’ unique culture and assist the country in reaching a wider global audience, creating awareness and conveying the Philippine brand as a tourist destination.
