Life and Style
Life and Style

Who is Olivia? After Valentine’s, mystery remains

Grand gesture or marketing ploy? After Valentine's, the questions remain unanswered

MYSTERY. The public waits in anticipation for the answer. Graphic by Raffy de Guzman

MANILA, Philippines – “Olivia, will you marry me?”

It’s a question that has, for the past days, baffled motorists and pedestrians traveling through EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue. Pink billboards on waiting sheds from Quezon City to Makati City bear the question, coupled with with “21414” – arguably referring to Valentine’s day.

Days after its presumed deadline, the public is still at a loss, and as the billboards seem to increase in number, so do the theories and speculations by the curious public.

There are those who remain hopeful, believing that there exists a person capable of such a grand gesture. Should the billboards be an authentic wedding proposal, then the mastermind would have shelled out major cash for his metro-wide profession of love.

WHO IS OLIVIA? Mysterious billboards baffle citizens. Photo by Bea Cupin/Rappler

 




As speculation developed, some individuals found a real life Romeo to give credit to.

Several netizens believed that it was actor John Prats proposing to girlfriend actress Isabel Oli.

Oliva Daytia is the actress’ real name, and February 14 is Prats’ birthday. The couple, in recent interviews, has revealed that they are ready to settle down.




The facts all seem to add up.

But not quite, says John Prats. In an interview with TV Patrol, the actor disproved the theory with a simple, “Hindi po, hindi po sa’kin.” (No, It’s not mine.)

Oli’s manager Becky Aguila also trashed all speculations. “According to Isabel, John is a very private person,” she told Philippine Star, revealing that even the couple’s famous friends asked them about the rumors.

She said she thinks the gimmick is for an ad campaign, noting that the creators might as well get the couple as their endorsers, given that they have already been identified with the billboards.

Oli’s manager isn’t the only one who thinks the billboards are part of a grand marketing ploy.

With more of the signs popping up in places across the metro, one would argue that only a company would be capable of such a feat.

With the name Olivia as their only clue, some suggest the campaign may be for a television show, a perfume brand, an ice cream brand, or a line of feminine care products.







While the Olivia billboard mystery is yet to be solved, what is certain is that the gimmick, real or not, has captured the public’s attention. Will you be watching for the answer? – Rappler.com

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