Mc Richard Paglicawan
Content creator Shaun Pelayo has issued a public apology after drawing flak for his comments regarding the lack of recognition he and partner Crissa Liaging, also known as Habibi, received for promoting Siquijor.
The controversy began after a TikTok live session on April 19, where Pelayo lamented that their efforts to spotlight the island’s beauty went unnoticed by local authorities. “Ako, promoting the island again pero walang acknowledgement,” he said in Bisaya. Liaging echoed his sentiment, adding, “If I were the local government, I would say thank you.”
The remarks came in the wake of actress-host Anne Curtis’ viral visit to Siquijor in March, where she posted a series of scenic videos showcasing the island’s iconic spots, including Cambugahay Falls and Isla del Fuego. Her content generated millions of views across platforms, with many praising her for subtly promoting the province without asking for anything in return.
Pelayo’s remarks were quickly criticized online, with netizens labeling the couple as “entitled.” Some pointed out that Siquijor’s appeal predates the social media era, and promotion should be done out of genuine passion—not for praise.
Former Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon was among those who weighed in. “Sino ka teh?” she quipped in a Facebook post, poking fun at the couple’s perceived self-importance.
In a follow-up video on April 22, Pelayo addressed the backlash and offered a heartfelt apology.
“I take full responsibility and accountability for the comment that I made. If it has offended anyone, I sincerely apologize. It was never my intention to bring any negativity,” he said, adding that the issue had spiraled beyond what he expected.
He also claimed that much of what had been reported in the media was exaggerated, saying, “Daghan ang botbot. Susmaryosep. Buang.” (There are a lot of lies. My goodness. It’s crazy.)
Pelayo condemned the threats he and his wife allegedly received, saying, “That’s unacceptable on any level.” He then thanked locals in Siquijor who continued to support him, sharing that the island has always been home to him since childhood.
“This is my home. I wanna raise my family here. I moved my mom here. I got beautiful kababayan here,” he said. “Let’s not let this negativity define us.”
As of writing, Anne Curtis has not addressed the issue. Pelayo and Liaging continue to post content, while the debate over influencer recognition and responsibility remains active across social media.
