Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Golden State Warriors
Barbers of the group National Filipino Barbers Association (NFBA) recently drew flak after they were found using the Philippine flag as barber capes during the Golden State Warriors’ Filipino Heritage Night in California, last March 10.
The free haircuts were given to patrons during the heritage night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. The heritage night was featured on The Filipino Channel’s program “Balitang America” and showed Jayr Mallari of the NFBA talking about the initiative. It was also featured on the Warriors’ official Facebook page and is believed to be a part of Tanduay USA’s “Battle of the Barbers”.
“I think Filipinos do have style and we love to incorporate it and express art, it’s the art of barbering that is able to express the way we want to serve people,” Mallari was quoted as saying. “I think as Filipinos we love to serve and we love to help others and make people look fresh.”
What was supposed to be an initiative to highlight Philippine heritage, however, took a contrary turn as the group was called out online for the misuse and misappropriation of the Philippine flag.
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Republic Act No. 8491, Section 34 details the prohibition of using the Philippine flag as drapery and festoon. It is also prohibited to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform, among others.
Following the backlash, Mallari took to social media on March 16 where he apologized for the NFBA’s misuse of the national flag as barber capes.
“During this particular event, our intention was to use our platform to express pride in and raise awareness of our heritage by highlighting our flag design,” Mallari explained. “It was not our intent to offend or inadvertently disrespect any of our fellow Filipinos or our country in any way.”
Mallari further said that the NFBA will no longer use the Philippine flag as barber capes when providing haircuts.
“Please accept my sincerest apologies as I have made an honest mistake and I am eager to learn more about how we at the NFBA can continue upon our mission whilst navigating respectfully,” he added.
The clip of the heritage night from the Warriors’ Facebook page may be viewed below. JB
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