Self-proclaimed “Philippine Looper” Ferdinand Dela Merced criticized officials of Bataraza town after claiming he was neglected during the municipality’s 62nd Founding Anniversary celebration, where Elias J. TV and his band served as the main guest performers.
In a Facebook post, Dela Merced said he was unable to attend the concert after joining a parade without breakfast, alleging that organizers were preoccupied with “paid” guests and failed to look after him despite his participation being unpaid.
“Attend sana ako sa concert ni Elias, kaso sobrang hilo ko sa gutom attend ng parade walang almusal sobrang busy n’yo sa guest n’yo na may bayad ako na hindi nagpapabayad napabayaan n’yo? Kya nag desisyon ako na umalis kanina papunta sa Brooke’s [Point] pero bumalik ng gabi kc na invite n’yo ako,” Dela Merced wrote.
He said he initially left for Brooke’s Point due to hunger and exhaustion but returned later in the evening after receiving another invitation from organizers.
Elias J TV and his band performed as scheduled during the town anniversary, which marked Bataraza’s 62nd year as a municipality and drew residents and visitors to a series of civic and cultural activities.
Dela Merced has gained online attention for his self-proclaimed “Philippine Loop,” a personal journey in which he documents walking across various parts of the country and shares his experiences on social media. However, his activities have also drawn criticism and backlash online.
In 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental declared Dela Merced persona non grata following social media posts that criticized local officials and downplayed concerns during preparations for an approaching typhoon. The move came amid public backlash over what critics described as insensitive remarks and perceived demands for special treatment.
He has also been criticized by netizens after organizers of the Philippine Loop Adventure Tour clarified that Dela Merced was not an officially registered participant in their event, contradicting his public claims.
Online reactions have been mixed, with some users accusing him of entitlement, while others continue to follow and support his personal journey.
As of posting time, Bataraza municipal officials had not issued a statement responding to Dela Merced’s claims.
