Mikee Quintos shares online identity theft experience
“It was scary [pero] natuto din ako maging careful... Don’t be too carefree ‘cause that’s what happened to me." - Mikee Quintos
Even before joining showbiz, Mikee Quintos already found herself a victim of cyberbullying. Someone claimed to be her on Facebook and posted false stories about her and her family.
“Yung posts niya, sobrang negative. Sinasabi niyang nag-break na parents ko, or my sister’s pregnant. And it’s all false, as in. Parang sinasabi niya umiiyak daw siya, which is me, every night. So 'yung friends [nung account na 'yun], akala I was depressed,” she said.
She only found that someone stole her online identity after a relative asked her how she was. “I wasn’t aware, not until may umuwing relative from the States na sinabi, ‘Mikee, okay ka lang? I see your posts.’ And magaling ['yung poser] kasi blinock niya ko and the people close to me,” she added.
Mikee, the daughter of Manila councilors Wardee and Jo Quintos, admitted that it brought negative impact to their family’s reputation. “It was hard kasi since politicians po 'yung parents ko, nasisira 'yung image. People will come up to them asking ‘Kamusta po kayo? Narinig ko mag-be-break na kayo.’ Tapos ako 'yung nasisisi… Na-affect 'yung personal relationships ko,” she shared.
She declared that the experience taught her to be positive and more careful.
“It was scary [pero] natuto din ako maging careful. Nilinis ko 'yung friends list ko, as in inisa-isa ko… You just have to be careful and protect yourself. Don’t be too carefree ‘cause that’s what happened to me. Masyado ako naging relaxed and someone took advantage of that… You should always be aware din and be cautious of your surroundings,” she concluded.
Despite the experience, Mikee acknowledges the power of social media. As part of the Bloggers’ Style Camp 2016 themed ‘Heart Over Hate,’ she wants to communicate that the online world is a platform for people to exchange positive words and lift each other up. She, for one, has received several kind and encouraging messages from people, especially after scoring the role of Lira in the Encantadia remake.
“It [was] Jennylyn Mercado before 'di ba? So it’s kind of a big deal and it’s my first show ever. Of course, since bago [ako], ang daming nagsalita na bakit daw bago ['yung kinuha for the role]. Pero na-touch ako kasi sinasabi [nung iba] na they’re sure daw na I can perform well enough, that GMA trusted me with that role and I’m going to deliver,” she imparted.
These fuel her to work harder and prove her place in show business.
“I won’t let [them] down. Lalo ako na-e-encourage. Simple tweet na ganun, sine-screenshot ko 'yung ganun and sine-save ko,” she concluded.
MORE ON MIKEE QUINTOS:
Listen to Mikee Quintos's soulful voice as she covers "Put Your Records On"
