Queenay Mercado
At a time when social media influencers are under fire for coming up with content considered obscene and unfit for minors, vlogger-turned-actress Queenay Mercado said she has long made it a habit to review her videos before uploading them on her well-followed accounts.
“I make sure that all the content I come up with is considered ‘very good.’ I watch them again and again before I post them to make sure sensibilities would not be offended and that my supporters would be pleased,” said Queenay, who now has 13.3 million followers on TikTok, 1.3 million on Facebook and over 308,000 on YouTube.
“That’s my advice to other vloggers. Make sure to review your videos. It feels good to be able to read positive comments rather than receive bashing for something you’ve worked hard on,” Queenay told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent media gathering, where she was introduced as brand ambassador of the new cosmetic brand Jullien Skin.
Incidentally, netizens have been expressing shock and disappointment with the music video of the song “MPL” that social media influencer Toni Fowler uploaded recently. They were particularly displeased with the skimpy outfits of Toni and her friends, among others, and deemed the video unfit for minors.
Queenay then gave three tips on how to build a huge following on social media. “First, just be yourself. Be real. Show people who you really are. Show them whatever talent you have. Don’t feel shy because if you do, nothing will happen to your dream of becoming an influencer. Be comfortable in your own skin, as well as in expressing what you feel. Just go ahead and do it,” the 21-year-old said.
“Second, come up with content that is unique. If you want to dance or act because these are your passions, then go ahead. If you want to become a vocal coach like what I’ve been seeing recently on TikTok, just do it,” said Queenay. “Lastly, be patient. Don’t be in a hurry to get new followers. Just continue making content. If people find them interesting, they will eventually follow you. Your following will grow if you work hard for it.”
Huge impact
Aside from making a huge impact online as the “Reyna Batangueña of the TikTokverse,” Queenay is part of the TV5 sitcom “Oh My Korona,” as well as the first-ever Filipino TikTok series “52 Weeks.” She is also one of the “singtokers” of TV5’s videoke game show “Sing Galing,” and is one of the mentors of “Sing Galing Kids.”
“I know how it feels to be at the bottom, so I will never take things for granted,” said Queenay when asked to recall what it was like when she was still trying her luck in various production outfits as a bit actress.
Mercado says Garcia not a snob
“I still remember the times when I would wake up really early in the morning and ride a bus to Manila in order to audition or go to tapings, where my role was an ‘extra’ or a ‘passerby.’ These days, nakakaangat na ng kaunti. I feel so blessed because people are now starting to appreciate me and whatever talent I have,” she said.
Top priorities
She said her top priorities right now are to build a home for her family and to work on fulfilling her dream of becoming a movie actress. The latter could be happening really soon. Talk has it that Queenay is part of a film with Joshua Garcia in the lead.
While Queenay refused to confirm this, the young artist readily admitted that she has a huge crush on Joshua. “I think this is normal because Joshua is not only a good actor, but is also very humble and approachable. He is a Batangueño, just like me. All of us in Batangas are proud of what he has achieved. Joshua will never make you feel that he’s a superstar. He’s not a snob. I appreciate him for that,” said Queenay.
She added that she would love to work with another talented dramatic actor, Joseph Marco, someday. INQ