The proposal to declare social media personality Yobab persona non grata in Iloilo City over her critique of a local café reflects a disproportionate response to subjective criticism. While the intent to protect the city’s cultural pride is understandable, elevating a personal opinion to the level of a formal sanction risks undermining free expression and the very values of openness that a UNESCO Creative City should champion.
The Weight of Persona Non Grata
The label persona non grata carries historical and political gravity, traditionally reserved for individuals whose actions threaten public safety or dignity. Applying it to Yobab—who shared a blunt and maybe for some defamatory opinion about a coffee shop—distorts its purpose. Criticism, even when harsh, is not inherently malicious. Her remarks, which she later clarified and apologized for, did not incite harm or hostility. To equate subjective feedback with a need for banishment sets a dangerous precedent. If cities penalize every critical voice, public discourse risks being replaced by performative defensiveness.
The Flaw in Punishing Subjective Opinions
Yobab’s review was rooted in personal taste (“hindi talaga ako nasasarapan”). Such critiques are everyday occurrences in consumer culture. What makes this case unique is the involvement of PJ Arañador, a consultant linked to Iloilo’s UNESCO designation, who framed her remarks as a threat to the city’s reputation. While his advocacy for local businesses is valid, conflating a single critique with cultural disrespect overlooks nuance. A UNESCO Creative City thrives on diversity of thought, not uniformity of praise. Progress requires acknowledging flaws, not silencing those who point them out.
The Power of Dialogue Over Punishment
Instead of resorting to symbolic sanctions, Iloilo could model maturity by engaging critics constructively. Yobab’s apology demonstrated accountability. The city could build on this by fostering conversations between influencers, businesses, and cultural stakeholders. Punitive measures, like persona non grata declarations, shut down dialogue. They signal fragility, not strength.
What’s more?
At its core, the push to declare Yobab persona non grata in Iloilo City over a coffee critique misses the point. Some Ilonggos’ proposal—while likely meant to defend local pride—confuses criticism with disrespect. Let’s be clear: Yobab shared a personal opinion (one some found harsh), not a smear campaign. Slapping the persona non grata label on her isn’t just extreme; it’s counterproductive. Let’s acknowledge that cultural perspectives differ—but silencing critique won’t bridge that gap.
Real cultural pride comes from being secure enough to listen and improve, not from silencing people who don’t rave about your coffee. When locals handle criticism with maturity instead of trying to silence it, they prove their city’s UNESCO title is deserved. Empty gestures like this declaration don’t protect Iloilo’s image—they make it look thin-skinned.
Yobab apologized. The café got curious customers. Why not leave it there? If Iloilo lives by this mindset, what they do—not just what they say—will show their true strength. Let the coffee speak for itself.
P.S. This article reflects my personal opinion and does not intend to spread negativity. Iloilo holds a special place in my heart, and I believe healthy debate strengthens communities.
Ilonggo Traveler 