Eric Fructuoso explains why a "free" court deal isn't actually free

• Actor Eric Fructuoso shared a screenshot of a message from a pickleball court owner offering him free play in exchange for social media promotion
• The netizen invited the actor to bring fellow celebrities Diana Zubiri and Alice Dixson to the venue to help boost the court's visibility
• Fructuoso responded with sarcasm by asking if the owner would lose money before enumerating the heavy costs of travel and his standard appearance fee
• The actor emphasized that professional services require proper compensation by comparing his celebrity status to paid performers like clowns

Actor Eric Fructuoso, known for his wit and candid social media presence, recently made headlines after calling out a promotional offer that he found insufficient. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity as a fitness staple in the Philippines, many court owners are looking for ways to market their venues. However, one owner’s attempt to land a celebrity endorsement did not go exactly as planned.

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The actor shared a screenshot of a message from a netizen who owns a pickleball court. In the invitation, the owner suggested that Eric play at their facility and even encouraged him to bring along fellow actresses Diana Zubiri and Alice Dixson. In exchange for the visit and social media posts to promote the court, the owner offered “FREE open play every time you visit.”

Eric’s reaction was immediate and laced with his signature sarcasm. He replied to the sender, “Nako po hindi po ba kayo luge nun?” Taking the conversation to his Facebook page, Eric elaborated on why a "free" offer isn't truly free for a public figure.

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He broke down the practical expenses involved in such a trip, including gas, tollgate fees, water, and food. Beyond the logistics, he pointed out the most significant factor: the professional value of his time. He wrote in capital letters that an “APPEARANCE FEE NA 50k” is necessary for such services. To drive his point home, he added, “Clown nga binabayaran artista pa kaya?”

Eric Fructuoso has been a prominent figure in the Philippine entertainment industry since the 1990s. He rose to fame as a member of the popular teen male group "Gwapings" alongside Mark Anthony Fernandez and Jomari Yllana. Over the decades, he has transitioned from a teen heartthrob to a versatile character actor. Recently, he has been more vocal on social media about the realities of the industry, including a viral claim in late 2023 regarding a past romance with Toni Gonzaga, which the actress chose to ignore.

His recent post about the pickleball court sparked a conversation among netizens regarding the "ex-deal" culture in marketing. While some found his response harsh, many others defended the actor, noting that influencers and celebrities provide a professional service that translates to actual revenue for businesses. For Eric, the exchange of a simple entrance fee for a full social media promotion was clearly an unbalanced trade.

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Actor Eric Fructuoso recently took to social media to share his immense pride as a father after his son graduated as a class valedictorian. The actor posted photos of the achievement, garnering many congratulatory messages from fans who admired his dedication to his family. This heartwarming update showcased a more sentimental side of the veteran actor.

In another viral moment, Eric delighted his long-time followers by posting a "Batang 90s" dance clip that brought back memories of his early career. Several fellow celebrities reacted to the video, praising his enduring energy and the nostalgia of the Gwapings era. The clip served as a reminder of his deep roots in Philippine pop culture and his rapport with colleagues.

Source: KAMI.com.gh