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MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American pageant winners Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo drew backlash for online remarks that appeared to debase their Filipino heritage despite representing the Philippines internationally.
An Instagram video posted by Espiritu showed him and other pageant peers out for drinks before they were later dared to sing their national anthems.
Instead of singing the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," delegates representing the Philippines sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States.
Espiritu took down the post, but not before pageant fans took screenshots of the comments section, including an exchange between Espiritu and Palomo "pledging allegiance" to the American flag.
While they have American heritage, Espiritu represented the Philippines at Mister Supranational 2024, where he finished second runner-up, the first podium finish for a Philippine delegate in the competition.
Fitness enthusiast Palomo, meanwhile, finished first runner-up at Mister Tourism World 2023 for the Philippines, won Mister Pilipinas Global last year and was due to compete in this year's Mister World Philippines before withdrawing.
One pageant fan pointed out in the deleted post that at least one person in the video represented the Philippines, yet they did not sing in Filipino.
"Because we aren't from the Philippine, why would we lie[?]" Palomo responded.
When the same user replied that he should not have represented the Philippines, Palomo said: "Tell that to all the frontrunners for the Philippines. This country wouldn't have a chance on the national stage without us halfies."
Service and pride
The remarks were immediately slammed by the local pageant community, with Miss Universe Philippines 2024 first runner-up Stacey Gabriel calling the comments "disgraceful."
"You either embrace your Filipino heritage fully when you represent us or you don't at all," Gabriel said. "This term 'halfies' is a destructive, racially-motivated word designed to needlessly segregate us."
More individuals in the industry addressed the incident, including part-Filipino pageant winners such as Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados and Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 first runner-up Kenneth Marcelino.
Across multiple platforms, Ganados, fresh off a Top 5 finish at Miss Grand International All Stars, called herself a "proud Pinay" and said "no one can dictate what it means to be Filipino."
"My love for the Philippines is not measured by blood quantum, but by the pride, respect, and service I give to my country," she also said, while giving an advanced Independence Day greeting for the Philippines.
In an Instagram post, Marcelino said people succeed not because they may be "halfies," but through how they make use of the opportunities given to them.
He said the Philippines has room for everyone, adding that talent, hard work and determination do not emerge from a single bloodline.
"I proudly represent our beloved country not as a half, not as full, but simply as a Filipino who loves and is proud of the Philippines," Marcelino said. "At the end of the day, it's not about where your roots come from. It's about how you carry the flag and serve the country you call home."
Among those who expressed support for Gabriel, Ganados and Marcelino were more part-Filipino pageant personalities, including Bea Millan-Windorski, Hannah Arnold, Gabbi Carballo and Adela-Mae Marshall.
Apologies
Espiritu uploaded an apology on his Instagram story but later took it down. Pageant fans again managed to get a screenshot of his statement.
He acknowledged that his response was impulsive and disrespectful to a number of Filipinos, admitting that he deleted the comment after seeing people get upset despite not intending such a reaction.
"I am proud to represent the Philippines and proud of my Filipino heritage," Espiritu said. "The last thing I would ever want is to diminish the accomplishments of Filipinos, whether they are full Filipino, mixed Filipino, or anyone who has had the honor of carrying our flag on the international stage."
Espiritu apologized and asked that any frustration be directed at him alone rather than any entity he is affiliated with.
"Thank you to everyone who held me accountable. I'll learn from this and do better moving forward," he said.
Palomo posted a similar statement on his Instagram story, though unlike Espiritu, he kept his up.
Palomo provided context for his initial comment, saying he was born in the United States, but still admitted it was inappropriate and "contributed to a conversation that touched on issues of heritage, background, and representation."
He explained that he is a dual citizen and Filipino-blooded like his parents, stressing that his heritage is core to him while not disregarding the impact of the viral remarks.
"I know these are not light topics, and I should have been more thoughtful," Palomo said. "This moment has pushed me to reflect, listen, and genuinely learn and I believe that growth only comes when we are willing to hold ourselves accountable."
Palomo ended his statement by apologizing to those offended by the situation and vowing to "carry these lessons and continue to strive to be better."
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