With the onslaught of Typhoon Carina on July 25, 2024, floods inundated the cities of Metro Manila and nearby regions, prompting a “state of calamity” declaration in the capital. The typhoon and the seasonal southwest monsoon caused floodwaters that reached one to three feet deep, with casualties of at least 21 deaths and 15 injured, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
With locals having faced a situation that ravaged homes and lives, many netizens questioned a TikTok video posted by the socialite and influencer Cat Arambulo-Antonio. In the now-deleted clip, the entrepreneur was seen wading through a flooded street in Manila inside her car, as she and her family discussed bringing a floatie and “wakeboarding” in the floodwater.
LOOK: Cat Arambulo Posts Controversial TikTok Video About Typhoon Carina Floods
The video featured Cat, her family, and their maid, with the socialite mom stating that it was “the first time” her kids had witnessed such high flood levels in the city. “So first time for the kids to experience baha here in Manila,” she began.
After expressing their surprise about the flood, her daughter then suggested bringing a floatie, to which Cat responded: “Safe ba mag-floatie diyan, yaya? I guess so. It’s just water. Should we try? We should wakeboard.”
The socialite later added a clip of their house floor affected by the flood.
Netizens React to Cat Arambulo’s TikTok Video About Typhoon Carina Floods
While the video has since been deleted, many netizens reuploaded the clip onto different social channels, including X (formerly Twitter). The video was met with the ire of users, who claimed that it was “out of touch” and “tone deaf.”
Users compared the video to a scene in the 2019 film Parasite, where Cho Yeo Jeong’s wealthy character was visibly grateful for the rain a day before, while being unaware of the situation for those in poorer sectors.
Netizens said that it was “insensitive,” especially if they haven’t experienced the struggles that most locals face in typhoons.
Others stated that it was understandable with the kids’ young ages and that it could’ve been a “learning opportunity” if it was handled well.
Actress Bella Padilla also seemingly chimed in through her Instagram Stories, saying, “You see people risking their lives for their loved ones and your question is if you and your kids can use a floatie here? Come on,” she wrote. “Could’ve been a nice teaching moment for your kids but [shrugging emoji]”
Others were sympathetic in their comments, saying that the family’s initial awe was natural.
One netizen mentioned that Cat was “merely asking.”
Meanwhile, one user implored not to get “riled up” by videos such as this, citing that it was “rage bait.”
In March 2020, Cat was also the subject of controversy at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, after she questioned locals who left their homes during the enhanced community quarantine.
The socialite then issued an apology video and message after the post. "I deeply apologize for my insensitivity and my actions, especially during a time of crisis," she wrote. "I hear you and I will use this as a learning opportunity for myself and to teach my kids to be more socially aware and active."
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