Fil-Am pageant titleholders Brandon Espiritu, Jether Palomo draw backlash over 'halfies' comment
Filipino Americans Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo, both male pageant titleholders, are in hot water for apparently belittling pageant contestants born and raised in the Philippines.
Espiritu, Mister Supranational 2024 second runner-up, and Palomo, Mister Pilipinas Global 2025, figured in the controversy that began when Espiritu posted a now-deleted reel that showed him and Palomo having a drink with male pageant titleholders from other countries. The men apparently challenged each other to sing a song from their respective native languages. Espiritu and Palomo sang the United States national anthem instead of Lupang Hinirang.
Criticism intensified when the since-deleted comments of the two circulated online. In one exchange, Palomo wrote, "I pledge allegiance to the flag," adding a US flag emoji. Espiritu replied, "Raise that flag, brother".
In another thread, an online user wrote, "The question is at least one of you represented the Philippines, but no one sang in Tagalog," to which Espiritu replied, "because we aren't from the Philippines. Why would we lie?" The commenter continued, "Then you should have represented your country." Espiritu then put the controversy on overdrive when he 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."
Public reaction was swift and brutal.
Leading the charge were several personalities in the Philippine fashion and pageant scene.
World-renowned fashion designer Michael Cinco wrote in a comment, "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...Duh."
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 first runner-up Stacey Gabriel was likewise unimpressed.
"Disgraceful. You either embrace your Filipino heritage fully when you represent us, or you don't at all. This term 'halfies' is a destructive, racially motivated word designed to needlessly segregate us," Gabriel wrote as a comment.
In her comment, Gazini Ganados, Miss Universe Philippines 2019, reiterated her love for the Philippines.
"Proud Pinay. Halfies or not, no one can dictate what it means to be Filipino," she wrote. "My love for the Philippines is not measured by blood quantum, but by the pride, respect, and service I give to my country."
In an Instagram Story, Mister International 2025 Filipino-German Kirk Bondad affirmed his Filipino pride, saying reconnecting with the Philippines was "the hardest and best decision so far" and that he related to Filipinos' strong feelings about "identity, culture and representation."
But he also offered another perspective.
"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 wrote.
Hours after they first posted their incendiary comments, Espiritu and Palomo both issued apologies via social media.
In an Instagram Story, Palomo clarified he is a full-blooded Filipino with dual citizenship, having been born in the US. During the singing game at the table with the other titleholders, Palomo said reference was made toward his being US-born, which prompted his comment pledging allegiance to the US flag.
"I recognize that the remark was inappropriate and that it contributed to a conversation that touched on issues of heritage, background, and representation," he wrote.
"My heritage is something I have always been proud of and embraced as a core part of who I am. That said, I understand this does not excuse what I said or diminish the impact it had on others," Palomo added.
According to him, the controversy has pushed him "to reflect, listen, and genuinely learn, and I believe that growth only comes when we are willing to hold ourselves accountable."
He concluded his apology, writing he was "sincerely sorry" and would "continue to strive to be better."
Espiritu made a similar apology on his Instagram Stories.
Addressing his reply to one user, he claimed he "responded impulsively and made a remark that came across as disrespectful to many Filipinos." It was not his intention, he wrote, saying he understood the public's upset reactions.
"I am proud to represent the Philippines and proud of my Filipino heritage," he wrote.
"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," Espiritu added.
"For anyone who was offended by my words, I sincerely apologize," he continued.
Espiritu also appealed to the public to direct their frustration only to him and not the entities he is involved with.
"I'll learn from this and do better moving forward," he concluded.
Both men have since turned off the comments section in their respective social media accounts.
