Just days after the 2020 Philippines Handwashing Habits Survey* revealed that only 50% of Filipinos are washing their hands properly, an online ‘influenza’ named Fred D’ Germ has been making rounds on social media — promoting improper handwashing, or the lack thereof of proper safe wash habits.
Acting like an online ‘influenzaaa’, Fred D’ Germ’s online presence started out with him posting memes within the context of improper handwashing. His social media accounts were seen leaving comments, and trolling local celebrities and influencers like Anne Curtis, Jolina Magdangal, Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and Rufa Mae Quinto to not bother washing their hands and just wipe it off. Fred D’ Germ also hacked Safeguard Philippines’ social media accounts and posted a photo of him holding a newspaper with the headline ’50% of Filipinos Don’t Know How to Wash Hands’, expressing approval of this alarming survey result. Not only this, but his video introduction on Facebook where he can be seen doing a dance trend popularized by Mimiyuuuh has already amassed a total of forty-five thousand reactions with 2.6 million views.
*The PH Handwashing Habits Survey was conducted by Brandworks Market Intelligence and Consulting with a sample size of 240 Filipino men and women, aged 18 to 50, based in Metro Manila from SEC ABCD. The study was a series of face-to-face interviews within the period of September 4 – 7, 2020.
Fred D’ Germ seems to be just getting started.
At a crucial time when safety through handwashing should be a priority, this concept comes as a surprise to Filipinos with many left wondering — ‘who is Fred D’ Germ?’, ‘What are his intentions?’, and what’s his next move?’
Well, Fred D’ Germ is staying true to his roots like the ‘influenzaaa’ that he is. Just after his online trolling and hijacking frenzy he takes it up a notch and releases a short video teaser for his newest single rap track. With built-up hype, Fred D’ Germ drops his very first rap single “Hugas na Rin ‘Yan!” paired with a music video patronizing Filipinos’ bad handwashing habits through a variety of hand-washer characters namely,
“Wisik-wisik Man”, “Punas-punas Gang”, “Mister Tissue Boy”, and “Miss Hugas-Bilis” — all of which Filipinos are very familiar with.
While Fred D’ Germ’s “Hugas na Rin ‘Yan!” music video is a glossy blend of different art styles that accentuates the different types of handwashers — or lack thereof — in the Philippines, the song itself plays and hooks you easily. The track has a distinct addictive sound that you’re surely not going to get off of your head that easily, and with a hook that goes “P’wede na ‘yang, p’wede na hugas. ‘Di mo alam ako ay hudas!”. It might not seem too much, but Fred D’ Germ is definitely hooking you with his sick flow and rhymes.
With this track, sky’s the limit for Fred D’ Germ to influence more Filipinos on improper handwashing, and he’s pumped more than ever to start gaining more supporters.
Who’s stopping Fred D’ Germ?
It felt as if no one is going to stop this ‘influenzaaa’ and his motives anytime soon. His newest single is now out on Spotify for streaming, and Fred D’ Germ has been guesting on radio shows for promotion. You’re also most likely going to see him on the road with billboards across EDSA.
Fred D’ Germ’s message has been spreading rapidly at an alarming rate, and Safeguard isn’t going to just let him be. Safeguard rebuts Fred D’ Germ’s claims through a new music video, aiming to shut him down and strengthen the education on safe wash practices. Safeguard’s stance in protecting the Filipino households was brought by the concern that Fred might cause a ripple effect on how Filipinos submit to
“pwede na” handwashing practices, and thus the need to further reinforce that Safe Wash is Filipinos’ first line of defense against common illnesses.
What’s next for the Fred D’ Germ and Safeguard feud?
Eradicating ‘influenzaaas’ like Fred D’ Germ is Safeguard’s goal, and this can be achieved through a collective effort. That’s why they urge all Filipinos to practice proper #SafeWash for a safer, and healthier Philippines. As for Fred D’ Germ, we’re all on the lookout for his next move. Let’s all keep our eyes peeled and watch out for what’s to unfold.
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Yes mamu nagkalat na po online si Fred D’ germs. Sobrang legit po kasi most of Filipinos don’t know the proper handwashing. Most likely, sasabihin nila “pwede na yan”. Good thing that Safeguards helps us to know that proper handwashing. Dahil napaka important po neto Lalo na po sa panahon ngayon., and we need to practice po tlaga Yun Tamang paghugas ng kamay, Para malayo tayo sa mga sakit at viruses.☺️
Maganda po itong mga propaganda para mas maintindihan po ng mga pilipino kung gaano kahalaga ang paghuhugas ng kamay at dito nakasalalay kung paano matatapos ang paghawa at mahawa ng Covid.. 🖒
It is very essential to wash hands properly
Ang kulet ni fred the rapper maganda ang paalala niya dapat tlga proper handwashing tayo pra ligtas sa anumang germs
Artistahin naman pala si rapper fred d’ germs yes mamu help natin si safeguard laban so fred sa kanyang pano pag hasik nh germs kaya naman kami ng pamilya ko safeguard din gamit namin
ang ganda ng mga memes ng mga celebrities pero in true to life di pwede ang pwede na lalo pagdating sa pamilya kaylangan mabilis, at mabango. kaya katuwang ko din ang Safeguard to kill germs and bacteria. White Safeguard gamit namin hindi nakaka dry ng balat at mabango.
Pinaka maruming parte sa katawan natin si Kamay.. Kaya its better to wash every now and then lalo na kids..
Glad at nandito si safeguard to guard us from harmful bacterias ❤️#safeguard
Dami kasing filipino talaga ang pasaway, kaya ayan nagkalat si fred d germs at naging trending pa nga hihi, thanks to safeguard dahil mula noon hanggang ngayon safeguard user ang pamilya ko
Dapat talagang panatilihin nating malinis Ang ating kamay with proper handwashing para di Tayo kapitan no Fred the germ.