A number of local brands have distanced themselves from Filipino-American pageant kings Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo over their controversial remarks about foreign residents with Filipino heritage.
A deleted post showed Espiritu and Palomo “pledging allegiance” to their American backgrounds and claiming the Philippines would not be competitive in pageants if not for “halfies” or part-Pinoys like them.
Espiritu finished second runner-up at Mister Supranational 2024, while Palomo was first runner-up at Mister Tourism World 2023, both while carrying the Philippine flag.
The comments drew flak from within and outside the Filipino pageant community, even after the two men issued apologies.
Brands affiliated with either individual released statements to clarify their ties to Palomo and Espiritu and state their positions on the issue.
Primary among them was leading food brand Century Tuna, under which Palomo won the Superbods title in 2024. Century Tuna responds. In an Instagram story, canning giant Century Tuna described itself as a proud Filipino brand operating in over 80 countries and noted how central its Filipino identity is to the company.
The brand expressed disappointment in Palomo’s words on identity and heritage, stressing that they did not reflect the brand’s values.
“We believe that being Filipino is not measured by where one is born, the language one speaks, or one’s pedigree,” Century Tuna said. “It is shared by every Filipino, at home and around the world, equally and without exception.”
The brand noted Palomo’s apology and his acceptance of accountability, ending by reiterating its commitment to celebrate the Filipino “in all our diversity, from every region, language, and walk of life.”
Cutting ties
More brands affiliated with Espiritu also spoke up after his controversial comments circulated, with some opting to cut ties with the pageant king.
Men’s grooming and skin care brand Camou clarified that it has had no connection to Espiritu since 2024, disavowing support for and disassociating itself from his recent actions.