Diwata responds to backlash: ‘Hindi ko po intensiyon nabastusin ang mayamang kultura ng mga taga-Cordillera’

Benguet, Philippines – Social Media Influencer ‘Diwata’ apologized to the Cordillerans after drawing flak for ‘cultural insensitivity’ in one of his videos online.

Diwata released a statement on his official Facebook page on February 28 to address the uproar caused by his video in La Trinidad, which he uploaded on February 22 while visiting the place.

In a post on Friday morning, the influencer took responsibility for his actions and acknowledged his mistake of referring to the ethnic attire he was wearing as mere ‘costume’.

“Hindi ko po intension na bastusin o maliitin ang mayamang kultura ng mga taga-Cordillera, ngunit naiintindihan ko na higit na nakapagbigay ng madaming hinanakit ang making ginawa kaysa sa making gustong gawin na magpasaya lamang,” he wrote.

He noted he got too excited and was carried away by his emotions for it was his first time visiting Baguio City and La Trinidad, conveying, “Nagpadala ako sa making pusong bata dahil sobrang saya ko nang makarating ako -for the first time sa Baguio.”

The vlogger then asserted he will work on understanding first the culture and heritage of the communities he is covering in his content.

“Muli, ako po ay taos-pusong humihingi ng tawad. Umaasaa kong sa pamamagitan ng aking mga kilos at tunay na pagbabago, makamit ko po sana ang inyong kapatawaran at hindi maging una’t huli ang aking naging paglalakbay sa magandang lungsod ng Baguio at Bayan ng La Trinidad,” Diwata concluded his post.