It has been viewed negatively by people in the fashion and pageantry scenes, as well as other netizens online.
On Wednesday, June 10, a comment made by model and Philippine male pageant winner Brandon Espiritu on his Instagram account sparked outrage among Filipino users on social media.
This, as a netizen pointed out that him, along with fellow local pageant winner Jether Palomo, sang the American national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, instead of the Philippines’ Lupang Hinirang.
In response, Brandon wrote: “[It’s] because we aren’t from the Philippines. Why would we lie?”
And when the same commenter then said to him that he should have represented the USA instead, the Mister Supranational 2024 2nd Runner-up said: “tell that to all the front runners for the Philippines. This country wouldn’t have a chance on the national stage without us halfies.”
In a separate exchange, Palomo, who served Mister Pilipinas Global 2025, told, “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” with the USA flag emoji attached.
To which Espiritu responded with, “raise that flag, brother!”
Immediately, fellow models and pageant winners called them out on social media over the now-viral exchange.
Some of those that weighed in on the matter include Miss Universe Philippines 2019 and MGI All-Stars Top 5 finisher Gazini Ganados, Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up Pauline Amelincx, Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 Dia Mate, Mister Cosmo Philippines 2026 Enzo Bonoan, and more.
Renowned Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco was also seen giving his thoughts on the issue.
In light of the backlash, Brandon issued a now-deleted statement on his Instagram account.
“I want to address a comment I made earlier. 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, and I deleted the comment shortly after,” he wrote.
He continued, “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.“
“For anyone who was offended by my words, I sincerely apologize,” the model-pageant winner added.
Meanwhile, as the said comments have already begun circulating online, netizens have also started tracking down businesses he is involved with.
In response to that, Espiritu said: “I also ask that any frustration be directed at me alone and not at the businesses, staff, partners, or communities I’m involved with. They had absolutely nothing to do with my comment and do not deserve to be affected by it.“
Lastly, “Thank you to everyone who held me accountable. I’ll learn from this and do better moving forward.”
Meanwhile, in his own IG Story, Palomo also addressed the backlash.
“Recently, I made a comment that upset and disappointed many people, and I want to address it directly,” he opened his message.
“During a segment where we were asked to sing a song from our native language, I was referenced being born in the United States and I made a comment saying, ‘I pledge allegiance to the flag.’,” the model continued.
“While it was made in that context, I recognize that the remark was inappropriate and that it contributed to a conversation that touched on issues of heritage, background, and representation.”
He also explained that he is not a “halfie” and is a fully-blooded Filipino who was born in the United States.
“[…]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,” Jether added.
He also told that he will also “take full responsibility,” as he knows these are not light topics. “I should have been more thoughtful. This moment has pushed me to reflect, listen, and genuinely learn and I believe that growth only comes when we are willing to hold ourselves accountable.”
Lastly, “To everyone I hurt, offended, or disappointed I am sincerely sorry. I will carry these lessons with me and continue to strive to be better.“