What Really Happened? Waiter Publicly Humiliated by Jude Bacalso in Cebu Restaurant – Full Story Revealed!

In a shocking incident that has gone viral across Philippine social media, celebrated personality Jude Bacalso has come under fire after allegedly publicly humiliating a waiter at a restaurant in Cebu City. The scene, captured discreetly by another diner and shared online, sparked massive outrage, with netizens demanding accountability and respect for service workers.

But what really happened?

The Incident: A Heated Exchange Over a Simple Mistake

According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began over what appeared to be a minor service error—a mix-up in the order or a late serving time. However, instead of a calm discussion, Jude Bacalso allegedly raised her voice, ordering the waiter to stand up straight and be “professional” in front of other diners.

“You’re being paid to do your job right, so do it properly,” she allegedly said in a sharp tone.

Witnesses claim the waiter appeared shaken and humiliated, but remained calm and apologetic throughout the ordeal. The manager later intervened and escorted the waiter away from the scene.

Jude Bacalso’s Response: Clarification or Excuse?

After the video sparked online debate, Jude Bacalso issued a short public statement, saying:

“I deeply regret that the incident caused distress to the individual involved and those who witnessed it. It was never my intention to degrade anyone.”

She added that the confrontation stemmed from “repeated unprofessional behavior,” and that she had reached out to the waiter to personally apologize.

However, for many netizens, her statement felt more like damage control than genuine remorse.

Online Reactions: Empathy for the Waiter, Outrage at Entitlement

Filipino netizens were quick to rally behind the waiter, sharing stories of how service industry workers are often mistreated and disrespected by people in power.

Hashtags like #RespectAllWorkers and #ServiceNotServitude began trending on X (formerly Twitter), while hundreds flooded Jude Bacalso’s pages with comments expressing disappointment.

“Humility is what separates great people from just being famous,” one user wrote.

The Restaurant’s Statement

The restaurant where the incident occurred, a high-end Cebu dining establishment, later issued its own statement confirming that:

The waiter involved was not fired.

The management has counseled all staff to remain calm in confrontational situations.

The establishment supports all its employees and does not tolerate customer abuse.

They stopped short of directly criticizing Bacalso, possibly to maintain neutrality.

Who Is Jude Bacalso?

A respected figure in Cebu’s cultural scene, Jude Bacalso is a writer, food columnist, and documentary filmmaker. She’s known for her eloquence and charm—but this incident has caused serious damage to her public image, especially among working-class supporters.

A Lesson in Power and Respect

This event is more than just a viral controversy—it’s a reflection of a deeper issue in Philippine society: the treatment of service workers. In a country where waiters, janitors, and cashiers often face daily disrespect, this incident sparked a much-needed conversation about dignity and humanity.

For now, the waiter involved remains silent. But his calm composure in the face of public humiliation is being hailed by many as the true display of professionalism.

Waiter files complaints vs Cebu personality he called “Sir”
The waiter strikes back.
The waiter strikes back.

An LGBTQIA member and personality in Cebu is facing multiple complaints over an incident that went viral in July 2024.

In late July, Jude Bacalso’s anger over being called “Sir” by a waiter at a restaurant inside a mall in Cebu became a topic of social media.

Bacalso spent two hours arguing with the standing waiter over the “misgendering” issue. Aside from being an LGBTQIA member, Bacalso is a writer, host, and former TV personality in Cebu.

Bacalso received heavy criticism from netizens, including celebrities.

Bacalso was chastised for what he did to the waiter.

Bacalso soon updated and said that he met with the restaurant’s management and reached an agreement. But the waiter was not present at the confrontation.

Bacalso also issued a public apology.

A month later, the waiter strikes backWAITER STRIKES BACK
The waiter filed five complaints against Bacalso, according to a report by SunStar Cebu this Friday, August 30, 2024.

These include unjust vexation, grave scandal, grave threats, grave coercion, and slight illegal detention.

The waiter’s complaints, through his legal counsel, Atty. Ron-Ivan Gingoyon, were submitted to the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office on August 28.

The lawyer requested that his client not be named.

Gingoyon added that they also have a labor case against Ulli’s, the restaurant where the incident occurred.

WAITER STILL TRAUMATIZED
The lawyer is still revealing that his client is traumatized after what he experienced from Bacalso.

“As of now, the victim is still traumatized but is trying to co-exist with society,” Gingoyon said, as reported by the Manila Standard on August 29.

“We’re also helping him but the effect to his mental health was significant.”

The lawyer added that Bacalso allegedly made no effort to settle the issue with his client.

Bacalso has not yet made a statement regarding the latest update on the issue.