ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas is calling on Ilonggos to stop circulating the controversial vlog attacking homegrown café chain Coffeebreak, urging the public to “amplify respect, not ridicule” amid the online uproar over a viral video that harshly criticized the café’s food and drinks.
The mayor’s spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, issued the appeal two days after social media personality Euleen Castro, known as “Pambansang Yobab”, posted a review – with expletive – of Coffeebreak that quickly went viral and triggered backlash from Ilonggos defending the city’s local businesses.
“We respectfully appeal to our fellow Ilonggos to stop sharing or reposting the video related to the recent incident at Coffeebreak. If you have already shared it, we kindly urge you to consider deleting the post,” said Fantilaga-Gorzal.
She added: “Content that spreads negativity or uses hurtful language does not represent who we are as a people. Reposting the video only amplifies the harm and contributes nothing to the resolution of the issue.”
The statement underscored the city government’s stand to protect local enterprises while fostering a culture of civility online.
“Let us choose to be responsible and respectful online citizens,” said Fantilaga-Gorzal.
The uproar began on May 26 when Castro, known for her brash humor and food content, posted a TikTok video lambasting Coffeebreak’s menu.
“Nag-try kami dito sa Coffeebreak. Andami. Out of all of you [food] walang masarap. Even the drinks. Even the lasagna. Lahat tab-ang… Andami niyo diyan, walang masarap sa inyo? P*ta,” she said in the video, laughing alongside a companion.
The content sparked a wave of criticism from local netizens who accused Castro of going beyond the bounds of fair critique and insulting a brand that has become a fixture in Iloilo City for over two decades.
Coffeebreak Café International Inc. responded with a statement that acknowledged the role of feedback in business growth but emphasized that “constructive criticism can always be communicated respectfully.”
“We’re proud of the work our team puts into creating a positive experience for every guest, and language that crosses the line can be disheartening — not only to us but to the people who work hard every day to serve our customers,” the statement read.
The café also noted that this was the first time it had received such a “strongly worded and insulting” review, and it reiterated its commitment to improving customer service.
Fantilaga-Gorzal reiterated the mayor’s stance in support of the café, saying: “As one of Iloilo City’s homegrown brands, Coffeebreak has long been a part of our community’s growth, proudly serving Ilonggos for over two decades with consistency, dedication, and warmth.”
She said the city encourages businesses to continue improving while also calling on content creators and the public “to be constructive and compassionate in the way they express their opinions, especially in a digital space where words can have far-reaching impact.”/PN
