Student-athlete Chad Gammad of the Letran Knights defended his girlfriend, PBA courtside reporter Apple David, from critics after dedicating a post to her on “National Girlfriends Day.”
The 18-year-old basketball player uploaded photos of his girlfriend on Facebook on August 1 with the caption, “gf day,” accompanied by a heart emoji.
One of the photos featured a solo shot of Apple, while another offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her at work.
National Girlfriends Day was created by Allie Savarino Kline and Sally Rodgers in 2006. It was originally intended to celebrate the bond between female friends but has since evolved to refer to women in romantic relationships.
Chad’s post has garnered over 3,300 shares and 1,100 comments from social media users, with some joking that it looked like a “Mother’s Day” post in reference to the couple’s 15-year age gap.
“Tapos na Mother’s Day ah, ano ‘to, late upload?” a Facebook commented.
“Happy mom day,” another wrote.
“Maaga pa po para sa Mother’s Day,” a different Pinoy said.
“Bait na bata, pino-post si mommy,” another commented.
Chad called out these comments.
“Mag-isip isip naman kayo bago kayo mag-comment o baka may sira talaga sa utak niyo,” he wrote with a thinking face emoji.
“Wala naman ginawang masama si Apple sa inyo, ba’t ganun kayo kabilis mag-bash, ta’s sabihin niyo na naman na si Apple nag-comment nito,” Chad added with rolling-on-the-floor laughing emojis.
Chad and Apple’s relationship has drawn attention because of their 15-year age gap, with some people raising concerns that the student-athlete may have been “groomed” because of his age.
“Grooming” refers to the intentional process of manipulating someone to build an abusive relationship, particularly with a minor.
Apple has denied allegations, saying that they are not within the “qualifications.”
She previously said that she and Chad had “clicked,” adding that some things in life simply happen and that she “cannot explain it.”
Apple also acknowledged that theirs was a “very risky relationship” but appealed to the public to be “kind enough” to allow them to take the “risk.”
