Manila, Philippines — Social media’s favorite food vendor-turned-viral icon, Deo Balbuena, better known as “Diwata Pares”, is now facing major backlash after an explosive controversy revealed his alleged “true attitude” behind the scenes. Fans who once admired his humble beginnings and hilarious TikTok energy are now shocked and disappointed, asking: Did fame go to his head?

What was once a story of inspiration has suddenly spiraled into a scandal — one that may cost him not just followers, but respect.

From Viral Hero to Public Enemy?

Diwata Pares rose to fame through his energetic, unapologetically flamboyant persona while serving beef pares on the streets. His charisma, sass, and witty lines made him an overnight sensation. But now, viral posts and insider testimonies have painted a very different picture of the internet darling.

According to a now-deleted viral post by a former customer (screenshots still circulating), Deo allegedly:

Insulted a customer in front of a crowd for not ordering enough

Mocked fellow vendors and street sellers, claiming they “can’t compete with him”

Threw a tantrum when someone asked for a selfie without buying food

“Grabe ‘yung yabang! Akala mo siya si Vice Ganda,” one netizen wrote.

Insiders Speak: “He Changed After Going Viral”

What’s worse? Former staff and food stall collaborators have come forward anonymously, saying that fame changed Deo drastically.

“He used to be kind, humble, full of jokes. Ngayon, parang siya na lang ang magaling. Lahat mali except siya,” claimed one source.

Another said that he no longer helps in cooking and arrives only to record TikToks or “pose for fans.”

Others accuse him of berating small vloggers, saying he only accepts collaborations with big influencers or those with a “blue check.”

Public Outrage: Netizens Speak Up

The internet exploded with reactions. Fans expressed sadness, betrayal, and anger over the alleged “real attitude” of Diwata Pares.

“We supported you because you were one of us. Now you act like you’re above everyone?”
“He forgot where he came from. Sad.”

Hashtags like #DiwataCancelled, #ParesAttitude, and #DeoBalbuenaExposed trended on X (formerly Twitter), with users urging him to “return to his roots” or risk losing his fame altogether.

Deo Balbuena Responds… Or Did He?

So far, Deo has not directly addressed the issue, but he posted a cryptic Story on Facebook:

“People will talk, whether you do good or bad. Just live your truth.”

Many took this as a passive-aggressive response, with some saying he’s refusing to take accountability.

“This isn’t chika anymore — multiple people are saying the same thing. Can’t all be lies,” one comment read.

From Inspiration to Cautionary Tale?

Deo Balbuena’s rise from street vendor to viral sensation was once a story that touched millions. But this controversy has turned his journey into a reminder that fame tests a person’s true character.

Can he bounce back and apologize? Or is the Diwata magic officially over?

Only time — and his next move — will tell.

Meet Diwata, who was trending at the precinct then, is now a successful woman
Previously living under a bridge, now has her own house!
A member of the LGBTQIA community who got into a fight and was injured in an incident became a trending topic in 2016.

He is Deo Balbuena, a.k.a. Diwata, who despite the injuries he sustained, was able to climb a la beauty queen at the precinct in Pasay City.

He also had an introduction, “Coming from the sky, falling to the ground, here is the only Diwata in front of you who looks like a thief.”

You can see the blood marks on her face, a large wound on her forehead, and hand.

Diwata went to the precinct to complain about her two friends who had assaulted and injured her with a cutter.

Diwata said in an interview that she saw two friends allegedly using drugs under a bridge in Pasay where she lives.

The fight ended in a fight that left him with injuries.

Diwata said in a TV interview, “You guys are better suited to jail because you are criminals.

“Look at what you did to me, you ruined my beautiful face.”

Being a Diwata character is the reason she is trending. Diwata, a.k.a. Deo Balbuena, was trending when it was reported that she was involved in a crime.

DIWATA EIGHT YEARS AFTER
Eight years later, her situation has changed.

Her story was featured on the January 28, 2024 episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. The two feuding friends have been released from prison, and they have forgiven each other, according to Diwata.

Her life has also changed, and she has come a long way.

She now has a 24-hour pares business in Pasay that she calls Diwata Pares Overload Unli Rice.

She said about the name of her business: “They got used to it. That was my nickname back then.”

He told KMJS that when the incident happened in 2016, he had just left Manila from Samar.

He took a chance in Manila in the hope of having a good life.

He used to work as a construction worker, and sold coffee, cigarettes, and candies.

“Until I had some savings. I bought a pot, I bought a stove, then we started dating. Diwata being interviewed by Juancho Trivino for GMA show

His meal offer was unli rice and unli soup with a soft drink for PHP100.

“That’s what people liked,” he said.

Diwata was hesitant when asked how much he earns from his dating.

But he has already made some money because of his hard work.

He now has his own place, which although small, is decent. He no longer lives under a bridge.

He also has his own car.

“This is my simple house but I am so grateful because, at least, here, even though it is simple, at least, I am sure that we are all safe.

“Before, my only vehicle was a bike, now I have bought a car that I really worked hard for. It’s funny.” In a separate vlog interview, Diwata couldn’t help but cry when she recalled the hardship she went through before—selling garbage just so they could eat.

It was funny that she had nothing to eat before, now there is a 24/7 restaurant which is the key to changing her fate.