Fitness influencer Rendon Labador joined the chorus of critics denouncing content creator Euleen Castro, known online as ‘Pambansang Yobab,’ following her controversial review of a well-known café in Iloilo City.
Castro, who is popular on TikTok for her blunt food reviews, posted a video criticizing Coffeebreak, a local coffee chain. In the now-viral clip, she said: “Nag-try kami dito sa Coffeebreak. Andami. Out of all of you, walang masarap. Even the drinks. Even the lasagna. Lahat tab-ang… Ang dami n’yo diyan, walang masarap sa inyo? Ni isa? P*ta.”
The content sparked strong backlash from Ilonggo netizens, the coffee shop’s management, and even Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Coffeebreak Café International Inc. issued an official statement acknowledging Castro’s visit while expressing disappointment over her use of explicit language: “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.”
“Coffeebreak has been serving coffee lovers for 20 years. We’ve never received an insulting feedback such as yours.”
They emphasized their ongoing commitment to guest satisfaction, stating: “We will remain committed to providing a warm, satisfying experience to every guest—and to continuously grow from feedback shared with sincerity and RESPECT.”
Mayor Jerry Treñas also addressed the issue, urging the public to stop sharing the viral video.
“Mayor Jerry P. Treñas respectfully appeals to our fellow Ilonggos to stop sharing or reposting the video related to the recent incident at Coffeebreak. If you have already shared it, we kindly urge you to consider deleting the post,” said his office in a statement.
“Content that spreads negativity or uses hurtful language does not represent who we are as a people. Reposting the video only amplifies the harm and contributes nothing to the resolution of the issue. Let us choose to be responsible and respectful online citizens.”
Rendon Labador, known for his polarizing views on influencer culture, strongly criticized Castro’s behavior in a Facebook post dated May 28: “Okay lang mag negative feedback, pero sana ‘yung feedback na hindi naman up to the point na masisira na image nung business.”
He also commented on the perceived irresponsibility behind her statements: “Kawawa din kasi ‘yung negosyante na may-ari ng coffee shop. Ang hirap magtayo at mag-survive ng negosyo tapos biglang sisiraan ka lang.”
Labador’s post, however, drew mixed reactions for including remarks that bordered on body-shaming. He said: “NO TO BODY SHAMING dapat talaga. Kaso ang sampal ng katotohanan dito sa Pinas, bago ka pakinggan ay titignan muna itsura mo… Huwag n’yong gamiting panlaban yung salitang ‘NO TO BODY SHAMING’ sa mga taong hayop ang ugali.”
As of this writing, Euleen Castro has yet to release a public statement regarding the backlash or the criticisms raised by Rendon Labador and the Iloilo City government.
LionhearTV remain open to publishing her side of the story should she choose to respond.
