Mc Richard Paglicawan
Josh, a 22-year-old network engineer, has finally addressed his viral dating show appearance and the intense online backlash that followed.
Known as the “Golden Retriever Boy”, Josh became the subject of online discussions after appearing on ‘Pusuan or Laruan’, a YouTube dating show, where he described himself as looking for a “Golden Retriever gal.”
In a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Josh revealed that he deactivated some of his social media accounts after receiving hate comments and being doxxed. He shared that a fake account was even created using his username to spread negative content about him.
“Mas lumala pa [siya]. Like someone made a hate account under my username dati. And it started with posting of my clips and segments, with my face ridiculed as its profile,” he wrote.
The resurfacing of these hate posts prompted him to finally speak out, as the situation was taking a toll on his mental health.
“As someone who isn’t really used to being known, lalo na [in] a negative light, [this] is very stressful and taking a toll on my mental health,” he admitted.
However, despite the backlash, Josh said he has no regrets about joining the dating show.
When asked if he regretted being on ‘Pusuan or Laruan’, Josh said he enjoyed the experience and formed great friendships with his fellow contestants.
“I had fun with the guys. Mababait sila and fun to be with. Nagkaroon ako ng insider knowledge sa fields nila, lalo na sa IT,” he shared.
However, he did acknowledge that his nervousness led to some awkward moments, including his now-famous way of holding the microphone during the show.
“I want to fidget so bad pero ayaw ko gumaslaw [I didn’t want to move too much] like big movements… So ano pwede ko paglaruan? [What could I play with?] Yung mic, which I find dumb na rin when I look at it,” he explained.
Yeah, this is Josh. ✨golden retriever boy✨ and prolly an AMA and status update ig
byu/Shhhh-hilencio inChikaPH
Josh also addressed the “Golden Retriever Boy” label, explaining that he was simply using a popular dating term that describes someone as loyal, affectionate, and playful—characteristics often associated with Golden Retrievers.
“’Di ko nga alam yang ‘Golden Retriever’ [na] ‘yan eh. Nalaman ko lang ‘yan sa mga dati kong kausap. Edi ginamit ko, ganyan description sa’kin eh,” he said, clarifying that it wasn’t meant to be taken too seriously.
He also admitted that he didn’t expect the show to gain so much attention, let alone cause memes, backlash, and emotional distress for him.
“Imagine nyo pinagpalit ko ‘yung chill Saturday ko [for] a free lunch, not knowing na stress at [pagka] memeable ko sa buong Pinas nakasalalay,” he said lightheartedly.
Despite the controversy, Josh said he is focusing on his work and family, adding that his parents were not affected by the hate comments since they didn’t see them.
“Buti nga ‘di nila nakita ‘yung hate comments ko kasi we all know na ayaw makitang nasasaktan ‘yung anak nila, because magulang sila. So I hope they don’t see all of the bashing,” he shared.
As for taking legal action, Josh said he consulted his lawyer friend and fellow contestants but decided not to pursue any case against the show or those who spread hate against him.
Josh’s experience highlights the unpredictable nature of internet virality, where even a simple dating show appearance can lead to both admiration and criticism.
While he acknowledges that the situation has been mentally exhausting, he remains grateful for the support he has received and is determined to move forward with his life.
“So as weeks go by, nagpapakabusy lang ako sa work and sa fam because sila lang naman mahalaga sakin,” he concluded.
