Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Whenever I try food and it doesn’t quite satisfy my palate, I don’t rush to post something negative online. I simply say it didn’t suit my taste — because let’s face it, we all have different taste buds. What’s bland or off-putting for me might be a delightful experience for someone else.
As much as possible, I choose not to destroy a business, especially those in the food industry or online food delivery. If someone sends me their product to try, I always say thank you. But if I don’t like the flavor or preparation, I don’t blast them publicly. I send them a private message and offer constructive suggestions instead.
I always keep in mind that these businesses are often someone’s lifeline — a way to pay for electricity and water, tuition fees, or employee salaries. Imagine tearing that down with just one careless post? It just doesn’t sit right with me.
If the food isn’t great, I message the owner directly with suggestions. In today’s world, where mental health is finally being taken seriously, even a single negative comment — especially one made publicly — might be the final straw for someone. Imagine if your “it’s not delicious” post ended up hurting more than just someone’s pride.
So I choose to say things properly. Just because I paid doesn’t give me the right to trash someone’s hard work.
Instead, I help businesses grow and improve. A few kind words, a few helpful pointers — it can mean the world to someone who’s trying to build something.
There was this one coffee shop I often visited. I liked the ambiance, the friendly staff, and most of their food. But one day, I noticed their prices had soared — their pasta had jumped to over ₱500, and the taste had changed for the worse. I remembered it being much better when it cost only ₱345. Even their kani salad had been overtaken by shredded carrots. So I casually mentioned my observations to a staff member, nothing harsh — just honest feedback.
To their credit, they took it well. They said they’d tell the branch head, and on my next visit, the quality had returned. It was back to being delicious again. That, to me, is how feedback should work — with kindness, honesty, and a shared goal of making things better.
That’s why when I get sent food to try and I love it, I support them by actually ordering next time. I pay for it. Some business owners insist I don’t need to, saying my post has already helped them gain traction. But I want to help not just by promoting them — I want to be a paying customer too, someone who believes in their product.
I always remind them: Be consistent. I don’t want the delicious version to be just for me because I posted about it. I want every customer to experience the same quality.
A friend once joked, “You should charge when they post your photo eating their food and looking so satisfied.” But I don’t charge. They ask permission, and I agree, because I genuinely enjoyed their product. When I feature something, it’s because I want to, not because I’m paid to.
And to my fellow vloggers and influencers out there: when a dish doesn’t meet your expectations, talk to the staff. Give them a chance. Having a platform doesn’t mean we should use it to instill fear. Being known for honesty doesn’t mean we should weaponize it.
Can’t we speak the truth kindly and in private? Not everything has to be for the views. Sometimes, it’s just about the love — for food, for people, and for the small businesses trying to make it in a tough world.
- Ogie Diaz, Vlogger
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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