Over the weekend, social media was abuzz with speculation about the relationship between actress Andi Eigenmann and her fiancé, professional surfer Philmar Alipayo. The controversy erupted after the couple unfollowed each other on Instagram, fueling rumors of a possible breakup. Further intensifying the gossip were cryptic posts from Andi, which many interpreted as hints of betrayal and third-party involvement.
Netizens quickly turned their attention to the matching “224” tattoos shared by Philmar and his friend, Swedish tattoo artist Pernilla Sjoö. A photo of the two displaying their identical tattoos circulated online, prompting online sleuths to decipher its meaning.
While some believe that “224” stands for “Today, Tomorrow, Forever,” symbolizing everlasting commitment, others connected it to the angel number 224, which is associated with guidance and positive change. However, Filipino netizens added a humorous twist, suggesting that “224” could be a playful reference to government assistance programs in the Philippines. A viral Facebook post by user Daisy Berdeguel jokingly claimed that the tattoo stood for “2Pad 2Pad Dole 2Pad,” alluding to the Tupad emergency employment program and the 4Ps conditional cash transfer initiative.
Despite the online frenzy, both Philmar and Pernilla have spoken out against the speculation. Philmar, addressing the issue in his native Surigaonon dialect, said, “If what you read is true, then there’s no more hiding because it can be more complicated.” He also expressed frustration over being called a cheater, adding, “You can call me ugly now too.”
Meanwhile, Pernilla urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions without understanding the full story. “You always jump to conclusions before knowing the reasons behind things,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of context and fairness.
Andi later clarified that while Philmar did not cheat on her, she felt betrayed by the actions of his friend. She revealed that the friend had encouraged Philmar to break up with her during their disputes and suggested getting matching tattoos without consulting her.
As discussions continue online, the issue has not only sparked debates on loyalty and trust in relationships but also showcased the creativity and humor of Filipino netizens in interpreting viral controversies. Despite the drama, many have found amusement in the unexpected twist of the “224” tattoo, proving once again that social media can turn even the most intense discussions into lighthearted entertainment.