Filipino-American pageant titleholders Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo are facing online backlash after remarks they made on social media were interpreted as dismissive of homegrown Filipino pageant aspirants.
Espiritu, a Guam-born Kapuso star who represented the Philippines at Mister Supranational 2024 in Poland and finished as second runner-up, posted a reel showing him and other international contestants singing in their native languages while sharing drinks. Instead of singing in Tagalog, Espiritu sang in Chamorro, while Palomo sang “Happy Birthday.”
When a netizen asked why they did not sing in Tagalog, Espiritu replied, “Because we aren’t from the Philippines. Why would we lie?”
The exchange escalated when another commenter said they should have represented their own countries, prompting Espiritu to respond, “This country wouldn’t have a chance on the national stage without us ‘halfies.’”
Palomo, who won Mister-Pilipinas Global 2025 and was a semifinalist at the international competition, also drew criticism after commenting that he was “pledging allegiance to the American flag.”
Screenshots of the deleted comments circulated widely online. Critics accused the two of being “opportunists,” a description to which they reportedly agreed.
Following the backlash, both titleholders issued apologies.
Espiritu acknowledged that his reaction was impulsive and hurtful. In a now-deleted Instagram Story, he said, “I responded impulsively and made a remark that came across as disrespectful to many Filipinos.
That was not my intention, but I understand why people were upset.” He added that he remains proud of his Filipino heritage and did not intend to diminish the accomplishments of Filipinos “whether they are full Filipino, mixed Filipino, or anyone who has had the honor of carrying our flag.”
Palomo also apologized, admitting that his comment about pledging allegiance to the US was “inappropriate” and contributed to a sensitive conversation about heritage and representation. He clarified that he is fully Filipino and a dual citizen, with both parents being Filipino by birth.
“My heritage is something I have always been proud of and embraced as a core part of who I am,” he said, while also taking responsibility for the impact of his words.
The controversy has reignited discussions online about nationality, representation, and the role of mixed-race contestants in Philippine pageantry.
