One incredibly powerful impact that social media has had on the world today is its ability to launch seemingly ordinary people to superstardom. There’s no telling just what the next viral video will be, but when it hits, it does with unmistakable force.

Such is the case of Queenay Mercado, one of TikTok’s fastest-rising sensations, whose “panalo” story is primed to inspire and motivate Puregold’s young, aspirational customers. Queenay, in fact, relates how the values of initiative and persistence have played a part in her life journey.

Long before fame and success came, Queenay was a simple probinsyana who grew up in her hometown in Batangas. She did not show much promise, then, and stardom was just a distant dream for her. As a kid, Queenay first needed to hurdle a few speed bumps, including being called “Broiler” for being plus-sized.

But Queenay was undaunted. As a showbiz aspirant, she participated in acting workshops, hoping these would open doors for her. For the longest time, however, she only snagged bit roles. At one point, Queenay’s sole “claim to fame” was being glimpsed for a few seconds in the background of some GMA 7 teleserye.

Thankfully, Queenay’s flair for self-expression led her to video-sharing platform, TikTok. That was when Queenay’s profile really took off. To date, she has accumulated over 13 million followers, attesting to how her charm and appeal can generate a rabid following.

Puregold has trained the spotlight on Queenay’s talents through TikTok’s “52 Weeks,” the 36-episode series that starred Queenay in the leading role of Mina, alongside co-star Jin Macapagal. Queenay has also joined the cast of the TV5 sitcom “Oh My Corona”. All this time, the TikTok sensation has remained unaffected, an attitude that endears her to her legions of followers.

Queenay’s phenomenal rise to prominence proves that determination and a healthy mindset trump any or all challenges. And if one wants to be happy, humility is important to have as well.