TikToker Euleen Castro has finally addressed the backlash over her controversial review of a café in Iloilo, which sparked outrage both online and from the local community.
In her now-viral video, Euleen bluntly commented on the food and drinks served at the coffee shop, saying: “Walang masarap, even the drinks, even the lasagna. Lahat, tab-ang. Ang dami niyo diyan, walang masarap sa inyo, ni isa, pt.”
The clip garnered 1.9 million views and more than 5,000 comments, many of which criticized Euleen for what they described as disrespectful and offensive language.
Through a Facebook vlog, the influencer — who has 3.4 million TikTok followers — clarified her intent and apologized to those who were hurt by her video.
“Main issue niyo is nagmura ako doon sa pagkain. Hindi ko po minura ‘yung pagkain, ‘yung staff, ‘yung café. Wala akong minura. Expression ko lang po talaga ‘yun,” she explained.
Acknowledging her shortcomings, Euleen admitted that her delivery was lacking: “May mga pagkukulang naman talaga kasi. First, hindi tayo nag-disclaimer. Hindi ako naging constructive doon sa feeling kong kulang sa panlasa ko. ‘Yun ang ihihingi ko ng pasensiya.”
She also issued a direct apology to the people behind the café: “Sa mga taong nasaktan ko, especially sa mga chef, sa mga barista, sa mga servers, and sa owner na rin po… pasensiya na po kayo. Hindi ko po hiniling ever na may magsarang restaurant just because of my feedback.”
The management of Coffeebreak, the café in question, released a public statement expressing disappointment over the tone of Euleen’s review.
“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,” the statement read.
They also emphasized that their staff would have been more than willing to improve Euleen’s dining experience if concerns were brought up during the visit.
“If you had shared your concerns with our staff during your visit, we would have been more than happy to enhance your food or drinks to your liking.”
Even Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas reacted to the controversy, reportedly expressing dismay over the influencer’s remarks, which many locals saw as a disrespectful attack on an established Iloilo-based business that has operated for over 20 years.
In her vlog, Euleen shared how the experience emotionally affected her: “Nasaktan ako sa sunud-sunod na hate. Ngayon ko lang ‘to naranasan. Parang ako, ‘Ano ‘to? Anong nangyayari?’”
She also addressed being body-shamed amid the controversy: “Honestly, doon sa body shaming, hindi ako nasaktan… pero mas nasaktan ako para sa mga kapwa ko plus size… paano na lang kung iba ang binash n’yo?”
