Read Balesin’s statement about the ‘yaya meal’ issue

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Last Saturday, Coconuts Manila broke the news about how ‘yaya meals’ are available at certain members’ only clubs like Balesin.

READ: The ‘yaya meal’ is real

It was fashion designer and model Maggie Wilson-Consunji who pointed us to the direction of such things when she posted a disgruntled status update on Facebook.

Then the issue went wild.

On Monday, Balesin Island Club’s CEO and Island Director Mike M. Asperin, finally issued a statement, available on its Facebook page. “Any talk of discrimination is inappropriate. In fact, if the guest or member chooses to have the Club serve the ‘yaya’ tenderloin steak and lobster thermidor, we will gladly serve it to the yaya,” a portion of the statement reads.

Which is true. As Coconuts Manila originally reported, the ‘yaya meal’ is only an option for guests who would rather not pay the full meal price. “We treat yayas as our guests,” A certain Jason of Balesin reception told us when we called them to clarify.
 

Read Balesin’s full statement below:

“We at Balesin Island Club do not understand this entire hullabaloo about the “yaya meal.” Any talk of discrimination is inappropriate. In fact, if the guest or member chooses to have the Club serve the “yaya” tenderloin steak and lobster thermidor, we will gladly serve it to the yaya. “Yaya meal” is merely an accommodation and an option for the guest for their “yaya”. Hence, we do not serve this meal if there is no instruction at all from the guest for a “yaya meal” to be served to a “yaya”. Incidentally, the yayas are thrilled with their meals because these are deliciously prepared by our chefs, as well, for our operating staff at Balesin.””