Xian Gaza

Last updated

Xian Gaza
Born
Christian Albert Soriano Gaza

(1993-07-05) July 5, 1993 (age 30)
NationalityFilipino
Occupation
  • Influencer
Criminal statusAt-large
Conviction(s) 11 counts of violation of the Bouncing Check Law (2018) [1]
Criminal penalty5 years and six months imprisonment
Website

Christian Albert Soriano "Xian" Gaza [2] (born July 5, 1993 [3] ) is a Filipino internet personality.

Contents

Career

Gaza claims to be the President and CEO of Hong Kong-based Guanxiqian Group. [4] [5] [6] He also claims to be the founder of Gazaboy Group of Companies and Gazera Media. [6]

He first came to wider public attention in mid-2017 for publicly asking out actress Erich Gonzales for a coffee date via a billboard.

Allegations of him being a scammer arose soon after involving his ventures. This includes his averted ventures with the Haiyan Shirt Project charity project for victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) and Filipino Vines, a social media venture. This also includes his transaction with a buy-and-sell business of Ella Cruz's father where Gaza intended to buy a Fortuner. [7]

Arrest and later exile

In April 2018, a warrant of arrest was issued against Gaza for allegedly violating the Bouncing Check Law. [8] He got involved in a ₱2.6 million investment scheme involving a coffee shop with Melinda Cruz and Jaime Asuncion. [9]

Gaza admitted to scamming the couple and surrendered himself to the Malabon City police on April 12, 2018. [9] He appealed to his supporters for ₱160,000 for his bail, despite his bail bond fixed at ₱126,000. [10] He was released a day later after being able to secure funds for his bail. [11] In June 2018, he was sentenced to five years and six months of imprisonment for 11 counts of violation of the Bouncing Check Law [12]

On September 30, 2018, Gaza took a flight abroad to Hong Kong to evade arrest. His account of his supposed escape by booking multiple flights was dismissed by the Bureau of Immigration as a hoax and considered filing a case against him for making a mockery of airport procedure though admitted that he was cleared to depart the country due to having no derogatory record left on Gaza at the time. [13] [14] [15]

Xian Coin

Xian Coin
Denominations
CodeXNC
Development
Original author(s)Philippine Pacific Holdings Company Ltd.
Initial releaseJuly 2020
Website
Website www.xncasia.com

In 2021, Gaza released his own cryptocurrency which he dubbed as the Xian Coin (XNC). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued an advisory in June 2021 against the venture. [16] The SEC concludes that XNC indicates a Ponzi scheme. [17] In December 2021, the SEC has filed a cease and desist order against the venture. [18]

It is powered through the Ethereum blockchain and is traded exclusively by its holders. It is purportedly exchangeable to Colombian peso, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, Peruvian sol and Philippine peso. [17] [19] It is associated with the blockchain game Surreal Estate. [20]

Personal life

Gaza is known for asking out various celebrities for a date. In 2017, Gaza asked actress Erich Gonzales for a coffee date through a billboard. [21] Amused at first, Gonzales eventually rejected Gaza's advances after controversies about him arose. [22] [23] [24] In 2020, he attempted to win Nadine Lustre's affection by sending her a red Ford Mustang sports car. [25] In 2021, he rented a billboard in Seoul to put up an advertisement asking Blackpink member Jennie for a date. Fans of the K-pop artist were critical of the move. [26] [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bongbong Marcos</span> President of the Philippines since 2022

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., commonly referred to by the initials PBBM or BBM, is a Filipino politician who is the 17th and current President of the Philippines. He previously served as a senator from 2010 to 2016. He is the second child and only son of tenth President, kleptocrat and dictator Ferdinand Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jinggoy Estrada</span> Filipino politician, lawyer and actor

Jose Pimentel Ejercito Jr., also known as Jinggoy Estrada, is a Filipino politician and film actor who has been a Senator since 2022, and previously from 2004 to 2016. He was the president pro tempore of the Senate from 2007 to 2013, and briefly became Senate President in acting capacity after Juan Ponce Enrile's resignation. Before serving in the Senate, he was the vice mayor (1988–1992) and later mayor (1992–2001) of San Juan when it was still a municipality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maria Ressa</span> Filipino and American journalist (born 1963)

Maria Angelita Ressa is a Filipino and American journalist. She is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler. She previously spent nearly two decades working as a lead investigative reporter in Southeast Asia for CNN. She will become Professor of Professional Practice in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University on July 1, 2024, and will be a Distinguished Fellow at Columbia's new Institute of Global Politics beginning in the fall of 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramon Tulfo</span> Filipino TV host and journalist

Ramon "Mon" Teshiba Tulfo Jr. is a Filipino TV host, radio broadcaster and columnist for The Philippine Star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Chiu</span> Filipino actress (born 1990)

Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu, professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress and recording artist. Known for her performances in a range of genres across film and television, she rose to fame after winning the first teen edition of Pinoy Big Brother. Chiu's films have grossed over ₱1.1 billion at the box-office, making her one of the highest grossing box office stars of all time. Forbes Asia named her one of Asia Pacific's most influential Filipino personalities in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bong Revilla</span> Filipino actor and politician (born 1966)

Ramon Bautista Bong Revilla Jr. and commonly known as Bong Revilla, is a Filipino actor, director, producer, television presenter and politician serving as a Senator since 2019, and previously from 2004 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erich Gonzales</span> Filipino actress

Erika Chryselle Gonzales Gancayco-Lorenzo, better known by her stage name Erich Gonzales, is a Filipino actress. She is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. She started her showbiz career at the age of 14, as a contestant of the reality talent search Star Circle Quest. She came to prominence in her lead role Katorse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ella Cruz</span> Filipino actress

Gabriela Annjane Umali "Ella" Cruz is a Filipino actress. She played the title character in the 2012 fantasy drama Aryana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rappler</span> News website company in the Philippines

Rappler is a Filipino online news website based in Pasig, Metro Manila, the Philippines. It was founded by 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa along with a group of fellow Filipino journalists as well as technopreneurs. It started as a Facebook page named MovePH in August 2011 and evolved into a website on January 1, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Lim-Napoles</span> Filipina businesswoman and convicted criminal

Janet Lim-Napoles is a Filipina businesswoman who is believed to have masterminded the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) Scam. She was convicted of plunder for her involvement in the PDAF Scam and is facing charges for alleged involvement in the misuse of the Malampaya fund for disaster response operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Miguel Food and Beverage</span> Philippine food and beverage company

San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. is a Philippine food and beverage company headquartered in Pasig, Metro Manila. It is the largest food and beverage company in the Philippines, with nearly 3,000 employees deployed in a nationwide network of offices, farms, manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities. The company is a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Binibining Pilipinas 2016</span> 53rd Binibining Pilipinas pageant

Binibining Pilipinas 2016 was the 53rd edition of Binibining Pilipinas. It took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 17, 2016.

2018 in the Philippines details events of note that happened in the Philippines in 2018.

Mariam Sayed Sameer Marbella Al-Alawi, known professionally as Ivana Alawi, is a Filipino actress, model, and YouTuber. She is also the CEO of her own skincare brand called Ivana Skin.

The Kapa-Community Ministry International was one of the biggest financial investment fraud scandals in Philippine history. An estimated five million people were duped by the religious company Kapa-Community Ministry International, which promised a 30% monthly return on investments for life. Kapa started in 2016 as Kapa Coop Convenience Store and General Merchandise in the city of Bislig, founded by Pastor Joel Apolinario. The City Economic Enterprise Department (CEED) shut down the business for failing to comply with some provisions. In August 2017, Apolinario was charged with 102 cases for not settling claims; 27 arrest warrants were issued. However, all the cases were dismissed with the complainants compensated. Apolinario's company moved south, becoming Kapa-Community Ministry International. The company enlisted new recruits, who became member-donors and in turn recruited new members. On June 8, 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the corporation to be shut down over the scheme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philippines Songs</span> Weekly Philippine music chart by Billboard magazine

Philippines Songs is a music record chart in the Philippines, compiled by Billboard since February 2022. Updated every Tuesday on Billboard's website, the chart was announced on February 14, 2022 as part of Billboard's Hits of the World chart collection, ranking the top 25 songs weekly in more than 40 countries around the globe. This is the first local Billboard chart in the Philippines since the discontinuation of the Philippine Hot 100 and four other charts after Billboard Philippines halted its operation for an undisclosed reason on January 15, 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emilio Aquino</span> Filipino government official

Emilio Benito Aquino is the current chairperson and CEO of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Philippines). He took office on June 7, 2018, and was appointed by then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Aquino is also the first CPA-Lawyer to be appointed as SEC Chairperson. Prior to assuming this role, he served as SEC Commissioner after his initial appointment on December 2, 2016.

References

  1. "Feeling hopeless: Xian Gaza sentenced to 5 years in jail for bouncing checks". RAPPLER. June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  2. Nardo, Jun (April 11, 2018). "Tumangay ng milyun-milyon lalaking na-link kina Ella at Erich, wanted!" [Man who swept millions linked to Ella and Erich, wanted!]. Pang-Masa (in Filipino). Philippine Star. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  3. Pereña, Triz (June 26, 2022). "Xian Gaza, viral dahil sa photo ng kanyang elementary yearbook" [Xian Gaza, viral because of photo in his elementary yearbook]. Kami.com.ph. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  4. "Xian Gaza all smiles behind bars - The Filipino Times". Filipino Times. April 12, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  5. Adel, Rosette (July 4, 2017). "'Kilig' or overly 'creepy'? Coffee date billboard invite earns mixed reactions". Philippine Star. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Billboard suitor Xian Gaza: CEO or scammer?". Rappler. July 7, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  7. "Billboard suitor Xian Gaza answers 'scammer' claims". Rappler. July 4, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  8. "Xian Gaza, pinaaaresto dahil sa mga investment 'scam'" [Xian Gaza, asked to be arrested due to investment 'scams']. ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). April 10, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  9. 1 2 Cayabyab, Marc Jayson (April 13, 2018). "'Billboard suitor' Xian Gaza admits to P2.6 million scam". Philippine Star. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  10. Patag, Kristine Joy (April 13, 2018). "Another scam? Xian Gaza asks help for P160K despite bail bond fixed at P126K". Philippine Star. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  11. Guno, Niña V. (April 15, 2018). "Xian Gaza set free, sells orange 'surrender' shirt for P9,000". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  12. Guno, Niña V. (June 28, 2018). "Xian Gaza sentenced to five years in jail". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  13. "BI says it is studying possible action vs. Xian Gaza for 'fake news' on evading arrest and fleeing PH". CNN Philippines. April 8, 2019. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  14. "Xian Gaza pinaghahanap na ng PNP; kaso laban dito pinag-aaralan na ng BI" [Xian Gaza being searched by the PNP; case against him being considered by the BI]. RPN (in Filipino). Radio Philippines Network, Inc. DWIZ. April 8, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  15. "BI dismisses Xian Gaza 'evasion' post as hoax; DOJ orders probe". Philippine News Agency. April 8, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  16. Valmonte, Keren Concepcion (June 6, 2021). "SEC flags Gaza's digital currency Xian Coin". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  17. 1 2 "SEC warns public vs 'Xian Coin'". Philippine Information Agency. Securities and Exchange Commission. June 28, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  18. Valmonte, Keren Concepcion (November 26, 2021). "SEC issues halt order against Gaza's Xian Coin - BusinessWorld Online". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  19. "SEC warns public vs 'Xian Coin' of 'Coffee Date' scammer Xian Gaza". Sunstar. June 14, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  20. "Xian Gaza kay Pacman: Ako po ay sobrang nainsulto at nabastusan". Bandera. Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 25, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  21. "Erich Gonzales reacts to businessman's billboard date proposal". Rappler. July 3, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  22. Abanilla, Clarizel (July 17, 2017). "'CappucciNO': Erich Gonzales finally rejects Xian Gaza". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  23. Siazon, Rachelle (July 17, 2017). "Billboard suitor Xian Gaza grieves over Erich Gonzales's rejection". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  24. "Billboard suitor admits past love for Ella Cruz, addresses 'scammer' allegations". Interaksyon. July 7, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  25. Garcia, Cara Emmeline (February 11, 2020). "LOOK: Infamous Xian Gaza is back to woo another actress". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  26. Sng, Suzanne (November 4, 2021). "Blackpink fans alarmed after Filipino influencer asks Jennie out via $40,000 billboard". The Straits Times. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  27. Lee, Hae-rin (November 5, 2021). "Filipino fan puts billboard ad to get BLACKPINK Jennie's attention". Korea Times. Retrieved December 20, 2022.