MANILA, Philippines — Former Mister Supranational Philippines Brandon Espiritu and Mister Pilipinas Global 2025 Jether Palomo apologized after remarks made on Instagram sparked backlash from pageant fans and industry personalities, including fashion designer Michael Cinco, over a controversial discussion about mixed-race Filipino contestants on the global stage.
The issue began after a pageant segment in which contestants were asked to sing a song in their native language. Palomo, who was born in the United States to Filipino parents, responded with the phrase “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” referring to the US flag.
Espiritu later joined the discussion, commenting, “Raise that flag, brother.”
The exchange drew criticism from netizens, particularly after a commenter questioned why some contestants representing the Philippines did not sing in Tagalog. Espiritu responded that the contestants did not live in the Philippines.
When another user suggested they should represent another country instead, Espiritu replied, “Tell that to all the front-runners for the Philippines. This country wouldn't have a chance on the national stage without us halfies.”
The remark quickly went viral and was criticized by pageant fans who viewed it as diminishing the capabilities of full-blooded Filipinos competing in local and international pageants.
Facing mounting backlash, Espiritu later issued an apology through an Instagram Stories post that has since been deleted.
“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 wrote.
“I am proud to represent the Philippines and proud of my Filipino heritage. The last thing I would ever want is to diminish the accomplishments of Filipinos, whether they are full Filipino, mixed Filipino, or anyone who has had the honor of carrying our flag on the international stage,” he added.
Espiritu also asked that criticism be directed solely at him and not at the businesses, staff members and organizations associated with him.
Palomo likewise addressed the issue in a separate Instagram post, saying he understood why many people were disappointed by his remarks.
“Recently, I made a comment that upset and disappointed many people, and I want to address it directly,” he said.
“To the claims that I am a ‘halfie,’ I am fully Filipino and a dual citizen. Both of my parents are Filipino, I was born in the United States, and my heritage is something I have always been proud of and embraced as a core part of who I am,” Palomo continued.
He added that he takes full responsibility for his comments and acknowledged that he should have been more thoughtful when discussing issues involving identity and representation.
Several personalities from the pageant community subsequently weighed in on the controversy.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 first runner-up Stacey Gabriel was among the most outspoken critics.
“Disgraceful. You either embrace your Filipino heritage fully when you represent us, or you don't at all,” Gabriel wrote on social media.
“This term, ‘halfies,’ is a destructive, racially motivated word designed to needlessly segregate us,” she added.
Internationally acclaimed Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco weighed in on the controversy, criticizing what he perceived as a sense of superiority behind the remarks.
“The nerve of these ordinary-looking guys acting superior when they don't even look like they have any foreign ancestry... They only come to the Philippines to build a career and gain followers.… DUHHH,” he said.
Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados stressed that being Filipino cannot be measured by ancestry.
“Proud Pinay. Halfies or not, no one can dictate what it means to be Filipino,” Ganados said.
“My love for the Philippines is not measured by blood quantum, but by the pride, respect, and service I give to my country,” she added.
Despite the backlash, several pageant figures expressed hope that the incident would become a learning moment.
Mister Pilipinas-Cosmo 2026 titleholder Enzo Bonoan echoed similar sentiments, saying Filipino identity goes beyond bloodlines, language or birthplace.
“Being Filipino was never a percentage,” Bonoan wrote.
“It isn't something you earn by blood, by accent, or by how cleanly you can sing in Tagalog. No one is ‘more’ Filipino because of where they happened to grow up,” he added.
While describing Espiritu and Palomo as friends, Bonoan said their comments were “undoubtedly wrong” and had hurt many Filipinos.
“The people who said those things are still my friends. And no, I'm not here to cancel anyone. But love that's real tells the truth ... and the truth is those words were undoubtedly wrong, and they hurt people who deserve better,” Bonoan said.
Former Mister World Philippines winner Kirk Bondad, who moved from Germany to the Philippines to reconnect with his roots, also shared his perspective.
“I understand why people feel strongly about identity, culture, and representation. I relate to that. I want to be clear that I don't agree with the comment that was made, and I would have approached the conversation differently,” Bondad wrote.
“At the same time, I don't believe a single moment should define a person's character. We all say things we wish we had phrased differently. Once these situations become about punishment and pride, nobody really wins,” he added.