SHOCKING DISRESPECT? Manny Pacquiao OFFENDED as BINI Allegedly GAGS at Filipino Street Food During Viral Food Review — Netizens Furious!

The Filipino entertainment and online world are in a frenzy after a viral video surfaced showing members of the rising P-Pop girl group BINI allegedly reacting negatively — including gagging and laughing — while tasting iconic Filipino street food during a live food review. The backlash has been fierce, and the controversy reached a boiling point when boxing legend and national icon Manny Pacquiao reportedly expressed his disappointment over the group’s behavior, calling it a sign of “disrespect to Filipino culture.”

The video, which was initially uploaded as part of a fun vlog segment, quickly spiraled out of control as clips of BINI members making faces, laughing, and allegedly gagging while trying items like isaw, betamax, and balut spread across TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. The moment sparked outrage among many Filipinos — especially those who consider these delicacies a beloved part of the nation’s heritage.

A “Fun Segment” Gone Wrong

The vlog was meant to showcase the members of BINI — known for their clean image, catchy music, and synchronized performances — trying out classic Filipino street food for the first time. But what started as a playful segment turned into a PR disaster.

In the now-viral clip, certain members are seen sniffing the food suspiciously, making exaggerated facial expressions, and even spitting out bites off-camera while giggling. One moment, in particular, where a member appears to gag after trying isaw, has drawn intense criticism.

The group, often branded as “the Nation’s Girl Group,” was immediately accused of being out of touch, elitist, and disrespectful to Filipino culture — especially considering they owe their fame to local fans.

Manny Pacquiao Reacts

What made matters worse was the reported reaction from Senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who has always been a vocal supporter of Filipino culture and traditions. In a statement released through a close associate, Pacquiao reportedly expressed “deep disappointment” over the incident.

“These are the kinds of food that fed me growing up. These are the flavors of our people — of survival and simplicity. Laughing at our street food is like laughing at where we came from,” Pacquiao allegedly said.

Though the statement has not been posted on his official accounts, it has circulated widely across media outlets, with many netizens rallying behind Pacquiao’s sentiments.

Netizens Go on the Offensive

Social media was instantly flooded with reactions — ranging from furious condemnations to calls for accountability. The hashtag #BINIIsawIssue began trending within hours, along with #RespectPhilippineCulture and #CancelBINI.

“You sing in Tagalog, wear baro’t saya, then laugh at our food? That’s not nationalism, that’s performance,” one user posted.

“Not everyone grows up in a mansion. For many of us, street food is not a joke. It’s our childhood, our comfort, our culture,” said another.

Some users also began sharing old clips of celebrities like Heart Evangelista, Kathryn Bernardo, and even foreign vloggers respectfully and enthusiastically trying Filipino street food — using these as comparisons to highlight what BINI “should have done.”

The Group’s Response

After hours of intense backlash, BINI’s management team — ABS-CBN’s Star Magic — released a public apology:

“We sincerely apologize to everyone who was offended by the recent food tasting vlog featuring BINI. The video was intended to be lighthearted and entertaining, but we recognize that some moments were insensitive and unintentionally disrespectful to Filipino culture. We deeply regret the oversight and are taking steps to ensure greater cultural sensitivity moving forward.”

Shortly after, BINI also posted on their official page:

“We love the Philippines and everything that makes it unique — including its food. We’re sorry if we came across as disrespectful. That was never our intention. We are learning and will do better.”

However, not everyone was quick to forgive. Critics argued that the apology seemed “scripted” and lacked genuine emotion. Some called for individual apologies from each member, while others demanded that the video be permanently taken down — or edited with a clearer cultural context.

Cultural Pride or Cancel Culture?

While the controversy has clearly struck a nerve with many Filipinos, a counter-movement is now also taking shape. Some netizens have come to BINI’s defense, calling the backlash an example of cancel culture gone too far.

“They’re young girls who tried food they weren’t used to. Maybe they overreacted, but they didn’t mean harm. Let’s not crucify them,” one supporter tweeted.

“We should teach — not cancel. Yes, educate them on cultural sensitivity, but don’t ruin their careers over one mistake,” said a long-time fan.

This has sparked a broader debate about how celebrities should balance entertainment with cultural awareness, and how much room should be given for growth and mistakes.

Moving Forward: Can BINI Recover?

PR experts now say that BINI and their management need to take concrete steps to repair the damage. Suggestions include:

A follow-up vlog where they try the food again — but this time with a local street food vendor explaining the history and meaning behind each dish.
Collaborating with local chefs or cultural historians to promote Filipino cuisine.
Community immersion projects where the girls spend time with street vendors and feature their stories.

“There’s an opportunity to turn this mistake into a lesson — not just for BINI, but for every influencer and celebrity out there,” said media analyst Mika Reyes. “But it requires humility, accountability, and genuine action.”

Final Thoughts

In a country where food is more than just sustenance — it’s history, identity, and pride — mocking or rejecting it on a public platform is bound to spark controversy. Whether intentional or not, BINI’s viral vlog touched on deep cultural wounds — and serves as a reminder that fame must be paired with respect and responsibility.

Will this controversy mark the end of BINI’s meteoric rise, or will it become a turning point in their journey toward growth, maturity, and renewed connection with the Filipino people?

Only time will tell — but the nation is watching closely.