Tim Yap on controversial videos circulating online: "Don't call it a party"
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Tim Yap defended his birthday bash in Baguio City and said it was to promote local tourism.
Tim Yap came under scrutiny after photos and videos of his 44th birthday party circulated online showing participants allegedly defying health protocols and social distancing held at The Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay recently.
Following netizens' dismay, Tim defended his actions and said that it was his way of promoting tourism in the city and that all guests had tested negative for COVID-19.
In a report by 24 Oras reporter Saleema Refran, the eventologist and socialite stated, “Please don't call it a party.
“It was a dinner, and the event was to promote local artists and businesses that were finally reopened for tourists after almost a year of no business.”
He added that the celebration was immediately put in a bad light.
Tim said, “In fact, the video you see dancing was only a few minutes snapshot versus three to four days responsible touring of Baguio to promote local artists and businesses.
“My aim was to promote existing tourist destinations that have recently reopened to the public in the hopes to inspire confidence for local tourism, and, unfortunately, a few minutes of footage has put this in a bad light.”
Moreover, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong attested to Tim's statement and said he and his wife attended the event to thank the latter for his contributions to their city.
According to the politician, he is taking accountability for his actions.
In another article by GMA News Online, Mayor Magalong reportedly said, “I would just like to clarify, I was there. Nandoon ako kasi inimbitahan ho ako.
“Ang nangyari po nu'n, prior to that, si Mr. Tim Yap and his group ay nagpunta po doon sa aming art exhibit at ang dami ho nilang nabiling [works of] art at paintings.
"Alam n'yo naman ang local artists namin, talagang naghihikahos.”
To thank Tim for supporting local artisans and local tourism, Mayor Magalong and his wife attended the party while still adhering to minimum health protocols, namely wearing their face masks.
“Dinala na kami sa mismong dining, we were seated. May umiikot na nagpicture-taking, siyempre, siguro sa excitement, 'yung iba na-excite kaya nagtatanggal ng masks para sa picture-picture. Pero ako po, lagi akong naka-mask,” he explained.
Mayor Magalong also came to his defense by saying that he'd remind the public to wear their masks from time to time.
At the latter part of the party, a cultural dance exhibition invited guests to participate in the merriment.
He explained, “Nu'ng natapos na po 'yung actual cultural show, it's a tradition for the cultural dancers namin to invite 'yung visitors to dance with them--community dancing.
“E, siyempre, kumakain 'yung ibang guests tapos nimbitahan, sumabay na po sa community dancing. Doon ko na po nakita 'yung wala ho silang masks.”
Mayor Magalong added, “Walang entitlement po ito. Tao lang po tayo.
"Sometimes we are just so engaged in one particular activity na talagang masayahin kaya minsan nakakalimutan din po natin.”
Tim Yap is not the only person who came under fire this week.
Early Monday, netizens criticized TV personality Raymond Gutierrez for throwing a birthday bash amid the pandemic that allegedly led to the closure of the popular restaurant, La Picarra.
Meanwhile, here check out how some personalities safely celebrated their birthday during the quarantine:
