(CNN Philippines) — “Any talk of discrimination is inappropriate,” said the exclusive resort which ironically offers — for supposed practical purposes — a “Yaya Meal,” or a dish specially designated to the help.
The Balesin Island Club came out with a defense on Monday (April 6), two days after former Binibining Pilipinas-World and fashion designer Maggie Wilson-Consunji slammed the resort for even having such an offering.
“We at Balesin Island Club do not understand this entire hullabaloo about the ‘yaya meal,'” said Mike Asperin, CEO and Island Director of the Balesin Island Club.
He added that the said meal “is merely an accommodation and an option” for guests.
“Incidentally, the yayas are thrilled with their meals because these are deliciously prepared by our chefs,” Asperin noted.
‘ ‘5’:
Asperin posted his statement on the resort’s official Facebook page on Monday after Wilson-Consunji exposed the “Yaya Meal” on the same social media site on Saturday (April 4).
Wilson-Consunji was on vacation with her family when she found out that the Balesin Island Club offered the “Yaya Meal.”
‘ ‘8’:
The model didn’t hold back when she took offense and expressed concern over something she considered highly discriminating and “offensive.”
Wilson-Consunji relayed her own “Yaya Meal” experience and netizens were quick to pick up the hot topic. As comments started flying, it became apparent that Facebook users all over shared the same sentiment.
‘ ’11’:
Later on, Wilson-Consunji explained what happened in full detail: While her son’s nanny was allowed to order the dish in question, her mother was discouraged to order the same thing because it was a “yaya’s meal.”
Wilson-Consunji was able to clear with management that Balesin Island Club will never stop any guest — nannies included — from ordering what they want, but she was still appalled by the mere existence of a “Yaya Meal.” She expressed dismay over the fact that there are some people “who don’t want their yayas to eat whatever they want.”
‘ ’14’:
The pageant winner also criticized the resort for implementing a “No Credit Card, No Food” policy — a rule that the model also wants corrected.
‘ ’17’:
Wilson-Consunji’s latest post on the matter was calmer: She said that offering the “Yaya Meal” wasn’t the resort’s fault, but she did want to know who among its members demanded the dish’s availability.
‘ ’19’:
The model also said that the resort could have trained their staff to respond better to guests.
