Filipino content creators Habibi and Shaun Pelayo came under fire after expressing disappointment over the lack of recognition from the local government of Siquijor, despite frequently promoting the island through their online platforms.
In a recent livestream, Shaun aired his frustration, saying, “Ako promoting the island again pero walang acknowledgement,” while Habibi echoed his sentiment, replying, “If I will be the ano (organization), I will say thank you for always promoting Siquijor.”
The comments quickly drew criticism from residents and social media users, with many labeling the pair as “entitled” and reminding them that Siquijor’s growing appeal is the result of community-wide efforts, not the work of a few individuals.
Responding to the backlash, Habibi took to social media to clarify their intentions and apologized for airing their sentiments publicly. She also urged people not to involve her child in the issue. “We admit it was wrong to say it that way,” she said, adding that personal matters should not cloud professional discussions.
