Ryan Layug posted on Facebook this appalling situation which he experienced during his trip enroute to Cebu, Philippines. He was at Kalibo International Airport and his flight was at 5am heading to Cebu. He wanted to avail the VIP lounge of Discovery Boracay which is an airport lounge in Kalibo, Aklan. He was appalled by the establishment saying that they do not accept Filipinos as guests but only Koreans even over hearing the Korean supervisor saying “No Filipinos! No Filipinos!” Continue reading his full story with photos:
Direct Quote:
Calling All Filipinos and the Government. At 10pm of January 1, 2016 I was refused to check-in and avail the VIP Lounge of Discovery Boracay an Airport Lounge in Kalibo International Airport that cost Php300 saying they only accept South Koreans. I am to avail of the service because my flight is at 5am going to Cebu. In photos below, I approached the lady Filipina Staff at the cashier where inquiries and payment are made. Me: Ms I’d like to use the VIP Lounge. Lady Staff: Naku sir sa ngayon sa mga Koreans lang po nila inooffer ang lounge. Me: Are you serious? Bakit sa kanila lang? Lady Staff: Korean po kasi ang may ari sir. Me: First time ko yata makaranas ng discrimination sa sarili kong bansa at sinasabi mo yan sa kapwa mo Pilipino. Lady Staff: Sir sandali po magtanong muna ako
(she looked for her supervisor then dumating sa counter ang koreano) Lady Staff: Sir a Filipino would like to check-in. Korean Supervisor: No Filipino! No Filipino! I was pissed off gusto kong kunan ng video na sabihin ng staff na for Koreans only but this time: Lady Staff: Sir ang sabi ko po Fully Booked kami then ayaw nakong pansinin.
I went outside naghanap ng makainan, I told the story sa may ari ng Carenderia, he advised me sir isumbong mo sa Pulis. So I seek the help of PNP personnel in Kalibo Airport.
They responded and escorted me to talked with the Manager. The manager apologized to me and said the lady staff made an error. They accept everyone eregardless of Nationality. He offered me free stay, i declined. I told him you have to remember during Korean War, Filipinos fought on the side of South Koreans then you will just discriminate me. I asked him what would he feel if the same incident will happen to him back in his own country. He apologize but seems to be sarcastic. I left with the Police.
Upon returning to the Carenderia to eat my ordered food, somebody was yelling Kuya! Kuya! The manager chased me, I stopped. He handed me my Insurance ID that I left. He again apologized saying he was a soldier before in Korea and he appreciates Filipinos. I again told him I was very offended because I said some of our countrymen maybe poor, but we have a bigger heart. Proof to this is our acceptance on the surge of South Koreans in the Philippines but didnt realized that Koreans do descriminate Filipinos. He this time offered me free food. I declined and said I cannot be bribe, sorry, but I value my being a Filipino specially in my homeland.
I am Ryan Layug, a soldier, a Filipino, I am returning to duty in Mindanao after my New Year’s Leave. I am a bit worried that I might be reprimanded of this post but as a soldier I defend democracy, and I will defend my fellow Filipinos on the face of discrimination. this country has no room for Discrimination. I am not convinced of the Manager. I heard with my ears the Supervisor: No Filipinos! No Filipinos! Besides, almost half of the seats at the lounge were empty (but they said ita fully booked) I pity the lady staff, she has to decline Filipinos because she has to retain her job. I call the LGUs, DTI and DFA please conduct further investigation and surveillance on the same hotel and other hotels in the Philippines. Calling my Compatriots, if you love your race and your country, the Philippines and is against discrimination, share this post to your wall. #stoppinoydiscrimination
Photos and story by Soldier Ryan Layug
The Discovery Hotel has released their statement through Facebook.
Wow, what an experience. What can you say about this? Hearing both sides. Are you also contented with the hotel’s statement? Let us know.
Wow first it was the Chinese, then the spaniards! then the Americans, japanese and now Koreans. May work permit ba yang Korean na empleyado to work in the Philippines? So many other nationals discriminating against Filipinos in their own country. So upsetting. And against a soldier too? In all American airports, when there are soldiers travelling, the airport have a special lounge for them.
Not only that, I also observed discrimination being done to balikbayan taking our own
PAL flight back to the Philippines for a visit. When food are being served you can see that when you asked for a soft drink,they would open a can and fill up a cup with the drink but if you are white/caucasian they offer/give the whole can. Also, flight stewardess should know how to respest their passender and not be rude. Isn’t it that their main job is for service?
No Filipinos!No Filipinos! And your staff are Filipinos?That is a BUL kinda policy!It should be the other way I think coz your in our homeland!Let me see your By Laws if it’s really for Koreans only!
I have seen the response from the discovery boracay and red that they already a victim??? OMG shame on you… This was happen on your place so don’t make that as an excuse.. You should know your policy and it includes social responsibility for mankind especially for your own fellowman!!! Kakahiya kayo baguhin niyo sistema niyo!!! Alisin niyo yang mga koreano na yan!!! Pinoy first before anything else!!! Huwag kayong matakot malugi ang negosyo dahil sa dayuhan!!! Nasa Pilipinas kayo kaya mas matakot kayo kung sariling kapwa niyo ang di tumangkilik sa inyo!!!
I sincerely hope our government (LGU, DTI, DoT, etc) take action re this clear discrimination.
Discovery Boracay also has to take action re their partner lounge. Their statement that this lounge is not part of them, is not enough.