For so many years now, the term “influencer” has been widely used in the industry in reference to people who have a huge following on social media and has an effective audience reach—someone brands or businesses can tap if they want to promote their products and services online. Since one of the perks of being an influential person online is getting freebies or being invited to “cool” places and events, some who claim to be an influencer are appealing to businesses for partnership. While this may seem like any other business proposal for some, a beach club in Siargao snapped at “wannabe influencers” who have been contacting them with offers to “collaborate” in exchange for free food and accommodation.

In a Facebook post, White Banana Beach Club Siargao clapped back after “receiving many messages regarding collaborations with influencers, Instagram influencers.” The beach club was firm in stating that they have no interest in collaborating with “self-proclaimed influencers” and cheekily suggested for these people to “try another way to eat, drink, or sleep for free. Or try to actually work.”

“The dynamic is that you [influencers/freeloaders] come here, and you try to get stuff for free. And to appear cool, you go [to these “cool” places] and you post about it. In this way THEY are taking advantage of [these establishments].”

White Banana Beach Club Siargao, who has been receiving 9.4/10 ratings on most booking sites despite little online presence, clarified the intention of their now viral post.