FILIPINO-British model Shaun Pelayo, who recently walked the runway at the Bench underwear show, expressed disappointment over what he called the lack of recognition for promoting the island province of Siquijor.
Pelayo said he has been showcasing the island in his social media content since returning to the Philippines a few years ago.
“Ako, promoting the island again pero walang acknowledgment,” he said during a Facebook Live.
His wife, content creator Crissa Liaging—popularly known as Life of Habibi—agreed, claiming that Pelayo even played a role in bringing Bench’s recent campaign shoot to Siquijor.
But instead of acknowledgement, the couple drew backlash online.
“Let’s get one thing straight—Siquijor was already a whole vibe long before you two ever stepped on it,” one comment read. “The island’s magic doesn’t revolve around you, and it never will.”
Others accused the couple of using the island’s appeal for clout.
“Influencers don’t promote places—they promote their own Facebook pages,” another critic said. “Siquijor is already known. It’s the content creators who should be thankful.”
Some netizens also took aim at Pelayo’s career shift from the UK to the Philippines.
“If he didn’t get attention in the UK, that’s not Siquijor’s fault. He’s getting attention here thanks to the island, not the other way around,” a commenter added.