Euleen Castro criticized for "tab-ang" remark at Iloilo cafe
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TikTok influencer Euleen Castro, known as the “Pambansang Yobab,” faced criticism after describing the food she ordered at CoffeeBreak, a café in Iloilo, as “tab-ang” (bland) in one of her food review videos. The comment was perceived by many as disrespectful to local cuisine and businesses, sparking backlash on social media.
"Nag-try kami dito sa Coffeebreak," she pointed to the dishes laid in front of her. "Out of all of you, walang masarap," she said.
Euleen gestured toward the dishes again and remarked, "Ang dami niyo diyan, walang masarap sa inyo, ni isa. P*ta!" The content creator said.
@euleenc Kanya kanya po tayo ng panlasa pwedeng hindi masarap sakin pero sa iba masarap 😂 #pambansangyobab ♬ original sound - Euleen Castro
Some netizens called for accountability, suggesting that content creators who make disparaging remarks about local communities should be warned or even face legal consequences, such as cyber libel charges or being declared persona non grata.
The incident ignited a broader discussion about the responsibilities of influencers when reviewing local establishments and the fine line between honest critique and cultural insensitivity.
"Persona non grata xa bla yor! Best tambayan ang CB everytime mag study or mag work kami paper!!"
"Baka pwede mayor bigyan ng warning ung mga content creator or influencer na masyado man sa pag disrespect sa mga local community di.. at pwede ma file sang Cyber Libel or Persona Non Grata kung sobra sobra na gd..."
Coffeebreak has spoken up regarding the issue, as well as Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, Spokesperson of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas of Iloilo City.
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts Ms. Euleen Castro about your recent visit to Coffeebreak. We appreciate all feedback, as it helps us learn and improve.
"However, we were taken aback by the strong and explicit language used in your review. While we understand that not everyone will share the same taste, we believe that constructive criticism can always be communicated respectfully. We're proud of the work our team puts into creating a positive experience for every guest, and language that crosses the line can be disheartening--not only to us but to the people who work hard every day to serve our customers.
"Coffeebreak has been serving coffee lovers for 20 years, and while we recognize there is always room for improvement, we've never received an insulting feedback such as yours. If you had shared your concerns with our staff during your visit, we would have been more than happy to enhance your food or drinks to your liking. We truly value guest satisfaction and do our best to accommodate preferences whenever possible.
"And we will remain committed to providing a warm, satisfying experience to every guest--and to continuously grow from feedback shared with sincerity and RESPECT," Coffeebreak stated on their official Instagram."
Meanwhile, a post on the official Facebook page of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas stated, "We express our support for the official statement released by Coffeebreak regarding the recent viral video involving a social media content creator's review. As one of Iloilo City's homegrown brands, Coffeebreak has long been a part of our community's growth, proudly serving Ilonggos for over two decades with consistency, dedication, and warmth.
"On behalf of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, we affirm the importance of protecting our local businesses while also ensuring that customer voices are heard and treated with dignity. Feedback, whether positive or critical, plays a vital role in our collective growth but it must be expressed and addressed with mutual respect and responsibility.
"We encourage all establishments to continue striving for improvement and upholding the Ilonggo brand of service that is warm, courteous, and inclusive. At the same time, we urge content creators and the public to be constructive and compassionate in the way they express their opinions, especially in a digital space where words can have far-reaching impact.
"The City Government of Iloilo stands with our local entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to provide quality service and create meaningful experiences for their patrons."
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