Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma has joined the growing number of beauty pageant personalities speaking out on the controversy involving Filipino-American pageant titleholders Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo, whose recent remarks online sparked criticism among pageant fans and members of the pageant community.
Brandon previously represented the Philippines in the 2024 Mister Supranational competition in Poland where he won second runner-up, while Jether won Mister Pilipinas Global 2025.
The controversy erupted earlier this week after a now-deleted Instagram reel showed several pageant contestants being asked to sing songs representing their respective countries. In the video, Jether sang “Happy Birthday” while Brandon sang the Guamanian anthem. German-Filipino Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad also appeared singing a German song, while other guests performed songs in Spanish and Russian.
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When questioned online about why none of them chose to sing the Philippine national anthem, Brandon responded: “Because we aren't from the Philippines. Why would we lie.”
The criticism intensified when the user pointed out that they should have represented a different country instead. Brandon then replied: “Tell that to all the frontrunners for the Philippines. This country wouldn't have a chance on the national stage without us halfies.”
The remarks quickly sparked outrage among pageant enthusiasts, with many expressing disappointment over what they saw as disrespectful comments coming from titleholders who had represented the Philippines internationally.
On June 14, Joy addressed the issue on her TikTok live after a netizen asked for her thoughts, where she did not hide her disappointment over the controversy. She later reposted the video clip on Facebook.
“I'm so disappointed,” Joy expressed.
She went on to explain that what troubled her most was not the issue of being half-Filipino itself, but what she perceived as a harmful attitude behind the statements.
“Disappointed ako kasi parang ni-represent mo na 'yung Philippines tapos ang baba pa rin ng tingin mo sa mga Pinoy. And it's not even about being a half-Filipino. Parang it's the mindset towards half towards Filipinos dahil half ka”.
READ: Fil-Am pageant kings Brandon Espiritu, Jether Palomo face backlash over 'halfies' remark
The beauty queen then reflected on how Filipinos may have contributed to creating certain privileges around foreign-looking beauty standards, saying society often places individuals with Eurocentric features on a pedestal.
“Pero alam niyo, kung may sisisihin ako, sisisihin ko 'yung mga sarili natin kasi masyado nating pinut sa pedestal 'yung mga taong may itsura, lalo na 'yung mga Euro-centric ang features.”
Expanding on that point, she pointed out how Filipinos tend to respond differently toward foreigners compared to fellow Filipinos, often unconsciously giving greater respect or admiration to those perceived as foreign.
“'Di ba lagi nating sinasabi kapag mga Euro-centric ang features, laging, ‘Anong lahi mo?’ or ‘Ano ka, half ka?’ Lagi tayong ganyan, 'di ba? Tapos parang iba 'yung respeto natin kapag foreigner. Tignan niyo kapag foreigner ang bisita, parang ang bait-bait natin. Pero pag kapwa Pinoy, parang wala tayong masyadong pasensya.”
According to Joy, this social behavior may have unintentionally created a sense of privilege that allows some individuals to feel they have leverage over Filipinos despite representing the country.
“So, medyo tayo kasi naglagay ng ng ganong level of privilege sa kanila, where in the first place, hindi dapat, para hindi nila nafe-feel na meron silang leverage over us. Pero maganda 'yun. At least, na-open 'yung usapin patungkol sa privileges, at tsaka may mga tao talagang hindi deserve ng platform”.
READ: Joy Barcoma on why speaking up is a privilege: 'Not everyone has a safety net'
She also suggested that future pageant representatives of the Philippines should possess at least a basic understanding of Filipino language and culture if they intend to carry the country’s name on the international stage.
“Siguro dapat sa susunod 'pag nagpa-pageant, dapat marunong mag-Tagalog, 'no? Kahit papaano. Kahit 'di makapagsalita, basta dapat nakakaintindi ng Tagalog, alam kantahin 'yung national anthem, ganyan. Tutal gusto niyang i-represent ang Philippines, dapat alam niyo kahit papaano 'yung mga basic words, basic phrases”.
Joy added that the issue should also serve as a wake-up call for Filipinos to be more mindful about extending privilege to people who may simply be benefiting from their Filipino heritage without fully embracing the culture.
“So 'yun, parang magandang usapin siya kasi parang ano din 'yan call out din 'yan sa atin. Huwag natin masyadong bigyan ng pribilehiyo 'yung mga foreigners na pumupunta dito sa country natin tapos ine-exploit lang 'yung pagka-Pinoy nila.”
Despite her criticism, she clarified that she believes many half-Filipino beauty queens have rightfully earned their place representing the Philippines because of their genuine effort to understand and celebrate Filipino identity.
She specifically cited Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, whom she believes have fully immersed themselves in the culture and carried the country with pride on the global stage.
Following the backlash, Brandon initially posted an apology through Instagram Stories, though the statement was later deleted before he eventually deactivated his Instagram account.
Jether, meanwhile, publicly acknowledged the criticism and apologized for his actions, writing: “To everyone I hurt, offended, or disappointed I am sincerely sorry.”
He added: “I take full responsibility. I know these are not light topics, and I should have been more thoughtful. This moment has pushed me to reflect, listen, and genuinely learn and I believe that growth only comes when we are willing to hold ourselves accountable.”
Apart from Joy, several beauty queens and kings have also shared their sentiments regarding the controversy, including Mr. Cosmo Philippines Enzo Bonoan, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao, as well as Miss Universe titleholders Pia and Catriona, as discussions continue surrounding representation, privilege, and what it truly means to carry the Philippine name on the international stage.