Entertainment 2025-04-24 10:02:04

Vlogger Shaun Pelayo finally speaks up after "unacknowledged" Siquijor promotion comment

Vlogger Shaun Pelayo recently issued an apology after a comment made during a live TikTok session sparked backlash.


Vlogger Shaun Pelayo. Image: Instagram/@shaun_pelayo; Facebook/Shaun Pelayo

Vlogger Shaun Pelayo, alongside his partner Crissa Liaging, addressed a growing controversy that emerged after a TikTok live session in which he expressed his frustration about being "unacknowledged" for promoting the island of Siquijor. Pelayo's comments, made in a live broadcast, sparked backlash, with netizens questioning the couple's sentiments and linking their remarks to the recent social media activity surrounding actress Anne Curtis's Siquijor video.

On April 22, 2025, Pelayo took to Facebook to apologize for his comments, offering a public explanation to his followers and those who were offended by his words. He clarified his stance, expressing regret for any negativity his comments may have caused.

“I haven’t addressed any of the controversy online yet but it’s getting out of hand. Okay—in English because I’m not good in Bisaya, and I want to make sure it’s very clear," Pelayo began. "I take full responsibility and accountability for the comment that I made on a Facebook live. As you all know, a lot of my day revolves around making content, and I’m on live a lot, and I need to be super conscious of any throwaway comment that I make because it could offend someone. And if it has offended anyone, that I do apologize, I’m sorry. It was never my intention to bring any negativity. So, apologies."

He further expressed his surprise at the media coverage, stating, "I don’t know where they get the information from. It’s so buang (crazy). I’m reading it and I’m so surprised myself. So you need to make your own minds up about that."

Pelayo also took time to thank his supporters, acknowledging the continued love he received from the people of Siquijor. "Because every day I’m still in Siquijor, many of the people of Siquijor still come to me, my kababayan, and they’re showing me love. They’re making me feel welcome still. They’re showing so much understanding, and I’ve got so much love and appreciation for them," he said.

Addressing the negative comments and threats directed at him and his partner, Pelayo said, "They’re taking it too far, I feel, when they’re sending death threats to me and my asawa. That’s unacceptable on any level, and I don’t appreciate that. But let’s try and move forward from this."

Pelayo continued to emphasize that while he was grateful for the support, it was important to remember that not all people from Siquijor were involved in the controversy. "It’s not the whole of Siquijor. It’s just a few selected individuals, so don’t think bad of Siquijor because they’re kind and beautiful people," he explained.

He also expressed his deep connection to Siquijor, stating that it was his home and that he had cherished memories of the island since childhood. "I’ve had it tattooed on me for over 13 years. This is my home. I wanna raise my family here. I moved my mom here. I got a beautiful home here. I got beautiful kababayan here. So that’s not gonna change."

Pelayo concluded by maintaining a positive outlook, sharing his excitement for future projects and encouraging his followers not to focus on the negativity. "Let’s not focus on the negative. Life’s good and I don’t wanna let this negativity define us," he said. "We’ve got so much stuff to look forward to. So yeah, life’s good."


Biography of Shaun Pelayo:

  • Shaun Pelayo is a popular vlogger and content creator, known for his travel and lifestyle videos. Along with his partner, Crissa Liaging, Pelayo has built a significant online following, often sharing their adventures, challenges, and experiences as they explore different places in the Philippines. Pelayo’s connection to Siquijor, where he has lived for many years, is central to his online identity, and he often promotes the island’s beauty through his social media platforms.

The recent controversy surrounding Pelayo's remarks about Siquijor has sparked significant discussion online, especially regarding how influencers and content creators navigate public perceptions and manage the responsibility that comes with promoting destinations or causes. Pelayo’s apology reflects his acknowledgment of the impact his words can have, especially when addressing such a passionate community.

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