Philippine looper Ferdinand Dela Merced sparked online discussion after posting a candid rant on social media, claiming he was left hungry and unattended during a parade and concert event in Bataraza.
In a Facebook post that quickly circulated online, Dela Merced shared his disappointment over what he described as unequal treatment between unpaid performers and paid artists at the event, which also featured reggae musician and internet personality Elias JTV.
“Attend sana ako sa concert ni Elias, kaso sobrang hilo ko sa gutom. Attend ng parade walang almusal. Sobrang busy n’yo sa guest n’yo na may bayad—ako na hindi nag papabayad, napabayaan n’yo?” Dela Merced wrote.
According to the looper, he joined the parade earlier in the day without having breakfast and began to feel dizzy due to hunger. He said the situation prompted him to leave the area temporarily.
“Kaya nag desisyon ako na umalis kanina papunta sa Brook’s, pero bumalik ng gabi kasi na-invite n’yo ako,” he added, referring to his brief departure to Brook’s Point before returning later that evening.
The post divided netizens, with some expressing sympathy and stressing that basic hospitality should be extended to all performers, whether paid or not. Others, however, questioned whether organizers were obligated to provide meals, especially for artists who volunteered their services.
As of writing, the event organizers have yet to issue a statement regarding Dela Merced’s claims.
