As she presented the gift to her helper, Laurel also gave her a hug.
Although Laurel’s video managed to rack up more than 300,000 views in four days, some netizens weren’t too enthralled by her actions.
Some of them questioned Laurel’s intentions for posting the video, and remarked: “[It’s] all for show.”
Others wondered why she didn’t buy a more expensive phone for her helper.
PHOTO: Screengrab/TikTok
Addressing her detractors, Laurel uploaded another video on Thursday (Feb 9) to debunk some of the assumptions and “personal attacks” she received.
“My intention [for] the video was to spread some positivity, and remind people around me that amid celebrating the festive season, we can also show some appreciation [towards others] and spread love.”
“I saw it as a heartening moment to share,” she continued, adding that her helper has been with her family for 13 years for a reason.
“I feel it’s not about how [big the gift is], but about how consistently you show appreciation to those who are always there for you.”
AsiaOne has reached out to Laurel for further comment.
Helper tears up after receiving a phone from the employer
In 2021, another domestic helper received a phone as a surprise birthday gift from her employers — despite working under them for less than a year.
While celebrating her birthday, the Filipino helper was presented with a gift box, which she unwrapped to reveal a Samsung Galaxy M32.
Upon receiving her present, the woman teared up and thanked her employers.
In addition to the new phone, she was also gifted some new phone covers.
