Joy Barcoma, umalma sa isyu ng “halfies” sa pageantry at sa Filipino representation
- Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma reacted to the controversy involving Filipino-American pageant titleholders Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo
- The issue stemmed from a viral and now-deleted video that sparked backlash over comments about representing the Philippines
- Joy expressed disappointment, saying the issue is more about mindset and respect for Filipino identity than ethnicity
- She also emphasized the importance of understanding Filipino culture and language for those representing the country internationally
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Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma has spoken out on the growing controversy involving Filipino-American pageant titleholders Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo, after their recent remarks online drew backlash from fans and members of the pageant community.
Source: Facebook
The issue began after a now-deleted Instagram reel circulated online, showing several pageant contestants being asked to sing songs representing their respective countries. In the clip, Jether Palomo sang “Happy Birthday,” while Brandon Espiritu sang the Guamanian anthem. German-Filipino Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad also appeared singing a German song, alongside other guests performing songs in Spanish and Russian.
The situation escalated after online users questioned why none of them chose to sing the Philippine national anthem. Brandon responded:
“Because we aren't from the Philippines. Why would we lie.”
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The remark quickly drew criticism from pageant fans.
As the discussion continued, another user pointed out that they should have represented a different country instead. Brandon 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 comments sparked outrage within the pageant community, with many expressing disappointment over what they perceived as disrespect toward the Philippines from titleholders who had previously represented the country internationally.
On June 14, Joy Barcoma addressed the issue during a TikTok live session after being asked by a netizen for her reaction. She later reposted the clip on Facebook, where she shared her honest thoughts on the controversy.
“I'm so disappointed,” Joy expressed.
She clarified that her reaction was not about being half-Filipino, but about what she sees as a deeper issue in mindset and attitude toward Filipino identity.
“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”.
Joy also reflected on how Filipino society may have contributed to privileging foreign-looking features, saying this cultural tendency may have shaped certain perceptions.
“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.”
She added that Filipinos often show different levels of respect depending on whether a person is perceived as foreign or local.
“'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 behavior may have unintentionally created a sense of privilege that allows some individuals to feel a certain leverage when 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”.
She also suggested that future representatives of the Philippines in pageants should have at least a basic understanding of Filipino language and culture.
“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”.
Despite her criticism, Joy clarified that she still recognizes several half-Filipino queens who have positively represented the country through cultural understanding and pride, citing names such as Bea Millan-Windorski, Catriona Gray, and Pia Wurtzbach.
Joy Barcoma is a Filipino beauty queen, media personality, and advocate who rose to prominence after being crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2025 and finishing as a runner-up in the international Miss Earth 2025 competition.
In another report, Brandon Espiritu issued a public apology after receiving backlash over his controversial remarks about “halfies” representing the Philippines in international pageants. The issue stemmed from his Instagram comment, which suggested that the country might struggle globally without mixed-race Filipino contestants.
Meanwhile, Pia Wurtzbach spoke out on the ongoing “halfies” controversy during her Independence Day message, emphasizing that Filipino identity cannot be defined solely by birthplace, physical appearance, or external perception. The Miss Universe 2015 winner highlighted that being Filipino is rooted in values, heritage, and a deep sense of love for the country.
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