Photo studio, caterer apologize over 'insensitive' food service presentation
Event organizers and an influencer have apologized over a food service presentation that drew online backlash.
Photo studio Nice Print Photography & Exige Weddings held its 20th anniversary on March 22. One content creator shared a glimpse into the celebration, which featured an odd food presentation concept. The servers wore transparent fixtures on their head and shoulders that served as trays for finger food.
Users online slammed this, with some likening it to slavery.
"I can't imagine 'yung sakit nito kapag nakita ng pamilya ng mga waiter ganito na pala ang ginagwa sa kanila ng mga mayayaman para lang kumita... Let's not normalize this. Tao sila na naghahanap buhay at hindi alipin," one user wrote on Facebook.
"Nakaka-degrade naman po [...] Kasi pwede [naman] magserve ng normal bakit kailangan ganyan stategy," another added.
"Ordinary workers are not objects for your entertainment! Turning someone into a literal surface that people grab food from is dehumanizing [not] to mention napaka-unhygienic," one Threads user shared.
Nice Print has since released its statement regarding the food presentation.
"While the concept was intended as an artistic performance, we duly recognize that the execution was perceived by some as insensitive and may have caused discomfort. This was never our intention," the statement read.
"We sincerely apologize to those who may have felt discomfort as we fell short of the care and respect we strive to uphold," the studio continued, saying they will be more careful in executing creative ideas.
The catering service responsible for the concept has also acknowledged its shortcomings in the incident.
"As a catering team, we take full responsibility for how our service is experienced. While the presentation was part of a broader creative direction for the event, we recognize that it may have caused discomfort to some. We sincerely apologize to those who felt uncomfortable. We appreciate the feedback and will be more mindful in how we execute future experiences," it said.
Influencer Toni Sia, who posted the viral photos in her Instagram story, has also expressed regret in a follow-up story.
"I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt hurt, offended, or uncomfortable because of it. I attended an event to celebrate an important milestone in their field. In the moment, I felt overwhelmed by the scale and atmosphere of the event, and I posted a video with a caption that did not fully reflect the respect I have for the people and work involved," she wrote.
"It was never my intention to belittle or disrespect anyone. I take full accountability for my lapse in judgment and for the impression it caused. I have taken time to listen, reflect, and learn from this experience so I can be more mindful moving forward," her statement concluded.
