Condé Nast Traveler has broken its silence about its Many People, Many Places video series that went viral in the Philippines after netizens accused it of misrepresenting the country.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Wednesday, the prominent travel publication recognized people’s comments and said that it was taking responsibility for the videos.
“We appreciate your feedback and take seriously our responsibility to respectfully represent the many different aspects of the countries we cover at Condé Nast Traveler” the statement reads.
https://www.facebook.com/ManyPeopleManyPlaces/posts/250643948885610
Many People, Many Places, the video series in question, is meant to showcase different cultural practices around the world. A woman picked to represent the Philippines was featured in several episodes but was criticized for her answers.
READ: Netizens slam Condé Nast Traveler Facebook page for misrepresenting PH
Netizens took issue with the fact that the woman spoke in English when asked how people in the Philippines count and sang Happy Birthday in English instead of the Filipino Maligayang Bati.
She also infamously said that there were no tongue twisters in Filipino, leading netizens to comment the most famous ones on Condé Nast Traveler‘s videos.
Apart from criticizing the woman for lacking knowledge on her own culture, the Condé Nast Traveler was also slammed for featuring her in the first place.
Even with the apology, however, many continued to criticize the publication, as seen in people’s comments on the statement.
Facebook user Nissan Escusa reiterated what critics have been saying since the issue blew up. “She clearly doesn’t have strong Filipino roots. We would appreciate it if we could be represented well.”
While Arjho Carino Turner said the statement should be added to the videos.
“You should put this comment as part of the video you shared. Or, take down the original video and replace it with the right one with another Filipino or the same person if she is still willing to re-do it.”
Bernard Ellorin also thinks Condé Nast Traveler should redo the video “with a legit Tagalog speaker.”
Ann Jemimah Miraflor thinks the publication should have done better research.
“It’s obvious Condé Nast did not do their research well. Change the producers and that woman please,” she said.
Another netizen pointed out the obvious and said they “fcked up big time” because Filipinos are some of the most active people on social media.
What do you think of Condé Nast Traveler‘s statement? Was it enough? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @CoconutsManila
