Rendon Labador (born July 24, 1995), is a Filipino social media personality known for his outspoken and often controversial commentary has resulted in his expulsions from various social media platforms, particularly related to social issues in the Philippines.

Rendon Labador
Born
Rendon Labador

(1995-07-24) July 24, 1995 (age 29)
NationalityFilipino
EducationUniversity of the East
Occupations
Known forMotivational content, fitness advice, and candid commentary on various social issues
PartnerHazel Ortiz
Children1

Labador regularly discusses issues subjects including politics, social norms, public figures and his raw analysis has won him praise and scorn. He has been involved in several controversies related to his livestreaming activities and criticisms of media content, further cementing his reputation as a contentious figure in social media.[1][2][3][4]

He gained significant attention with a viral social media post featuring a meme he created, humorously dubbed the "Motivational Rice".[3] The meme, which Labador shared on his social media platforms, depicted a plate of rice with motivational phrases written on it. Labador use of the familiar food item as a medium for motivational content resonated with a broad audience, further cementing his presence in Filipino's pop culture.[5][6]

Early life

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Rendon Labador was born on July 24, 1995. He graduated from the University of the East, where he began his studies in Information technology before transitioning to Civil engineering. He has referred to himself as a "geek", with Calculus being his preferred subject.[7][8]

Social media

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Labador gained popularity through his active presence on platforms like Facebook where he shares videos and posts aimed such as self-discipline, and societal concerns, gaining a significant following for his straightforward and controversial issues.

In June 2023, Labador faced backlash over his comments about actress Andrea Brillantes. Labador criticized Brillantes' behavior and appearance, which many viewed as misogynistic. His comments referenced her breakup with basketball player Ricci Rivero.[9] The controversy highlighted broader issues of gender bias and the unfair view that public figures, particularly women, often face. The criticisms against Labador centered on his perceived reinforcement of harmful gender stereotypes.[10]

In July 2023, Labador criticized a segment from the ABS-CBN show It's Showtime, where Vice Ganda and Ion Perez licked icing off their fingers in front of children, calling it inappropriate. Labador's comments quickly escalated the situation, leading the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to summon the producers of the show and eventually suspend it for 12 days. Labador celebrated the suspension, while ABS-CBN planned to challenge the decision.[11][12][13]

Labador made headlines by criticizing comedian Michael V. in a social media post. Labador claimed that Michael V and other celebrities were "outdated" and accused them of lacking influence compared to social media personalities like himself. Labador asserted that social media now holds more power in shaping public opinion than traditional media. This statement sparked controversy and debate regarding the role and influence of social media in the entertainment industry.[14]

In August 2023, Labador has been vocal in criticizing various television personalities. He targeted senator Tito Sotto and his wife Helen Gamboa for their on-air display of affection during the 44th anniversary of the noontime show E.A.T. (commonly known as Eat Bulaga! after reclaiming its original title), Labador deemed the act as indecent and inappropriate for national TV, calling on the MTRCB to take action. He criticized Sotto for setting a bad example and accused him of contributing to the moral decline of television content. Labador also reacted to an apology from E.A.T. management over a controversial joke made by comedian Joey de Leon, advising de Leon to change his ways despite the apology. Labador continues to push for an investigation by the MTRCB.[15]

On September 7, 2023, Labador's Facebook page was deleted which caused a significant stir among his followers and critics alike after his outspoken views, particularly against LGBTQ+ issues and his support for the suspension of the TV show It’s Showtime, expressed shock and disbelief at the deletion. He attributed the mass reporting of his pages to fans of Batang Quiapo which starring actor Coco Martin[16] and It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda. In response, Labador posted a message on his other social media platforms, expressing his gratitude to his supporters and promising to release an official statement on his YouTube channel. But after a few weeks later, Labador's Facebook page was back.[17]

Other ventures

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Labador opened a restaurant called Episode Bar + Kitchen.[5]

Controversies

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In 2023, Labador is currently under investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for livestreaming a police raid on an online lending company in Makati City.[18] The raid, conducted by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in collaboration with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), targeted the company for allegedly harassing clients who failed to repay loans. Labador's livestream, which showed the faces of employees and included a caption suggesting their guilt, has been criticized by the families of the workers. The PNP spokesperson Capt. Michelle Sabino expressed concern that his presence and actions during the raid might have violated police protocols.[19][20][21][22]

In June 2024, Rendon Labador along with Rosmart Tan-Pamulaklakin and Marki Tan, was declared persona non-grata in the entire province of Palawan[23][24][25] due to their disrespectful behavior, negative publicity, incitement to conflict, and violations of Republic Act No. 10951 (the 'Property and Damage Penalty Adjustment Act'), Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code, and Republic Act No. 11313 (the 'Safe Spaces Act').[26][27]

Personal life

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Labador is a fitness instructor, and entrepreneur and his known for being a "motivational speaker". In October 2021, Labador's partner Hazel Ortiz gave birth to their son, Zik Labador. He has a brother who is also a social media personality.[28][29]

Labador talked about what his father allegedly told him when he was young. He said that his father was a general and that he was once told that he was nothing without his father's position. He said he recalled his father allegedly telling him that he was "walang kwenta" (worthless). Despite the negative statement of his father, the social media influencer opted to just make it his motivation to succeed.[30]

References

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  1. ^ Leon, Marguerite de (2023-01-05). "[OPINION] When social media influencers spread misguided principles". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  2. ^ Acar, Aedrianne. "Rendon Labador, kinumpirmang deleted na ang Facebook page; may mensahe sa kanyang followers". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  3. ^ a b John Micheal, Agustin (July 27, 2023). "Rendon Labador slams It's Showtime's host Vice Ganda and Ion Perez for inappropriate act on television | Video sparks outrage from viewers". Spiel Times.
  4. ^ One News PH (2023-08-29). Influencer Rendon Labador on being reactive on socmed: You can always apologize after. Retrieved 2024-07-30 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ a b "Rendon Labador on His Viral Motivational Rice: 'Our National Rice'". Philippine News. April 12, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  6. ^ "Rendon Labador binanatan dahil sa P100 'motivational rice' sa pag-aaring resto: 'Seryoso? Pang-2 kilong bigas na ang presyo?'". INQUIRER.net. 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  7. ^ ilucas (2017-04-21). "Be a man of passion and fitness". POP!. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  8. ^ Rendon Labador (2023-03-23). RENDON LABADOR INTERVIEW. Retrieved 2024-07-30 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "Patama ni Rendon Labador kay Andrea Brillantes at sa iba pang nilayasan ng dyowa: 'Maraming pera pero isip bata, iiwanan talaga namin kayo'". INQUIRER.net. 2023-06-15. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  10. ^ Cruz, Amrie (2023-06-16). "Dear insecure cishet men, Andrea Brillantes doesn't live to impress you". Preen.ph. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  11. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2023-09-10). "Vice Ganda throws shade at MTRCB, Rendon Labador amid 'It's Showtime' suspension". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  12. ^ "Rendon Labador inasar sina Vice Ganda at Ion Perez, nagbunyi sa 12-day suspension ng 'It's Showtime'". INQUIRER.net. 2023-09-05. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  13. ^ TDT (2023-09-30). "'Hindi ko kayo dini-discredit': Rendon Labador apologizes to Vice, Ion, Michael V." Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  14. ^ "Michael V tinira-tira ni Rendon Labador: 'Masakit na katotohanan na laos na kayo WE CONTROL THE MEDIA NOW!'". INQUIRER.net. 2023-05-11. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  15. ^ "Rendon Labador walang takot, pati si Tito Sen tinalakan; gusto ring paimbestigahan ang 'E.A.T.' sa TV5". INQUIRER.net. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  16. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. "Coco Martin to Rendon Labador: 'Sana maging successful negosyo niya'". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  17. ^ Arceo, Therese. "Rendon Labador sa Facebook outage: Alam n'yo na pakiramdam". Bandera Inquirer.
  18. ^ Malasig, Jeline (2023-10-27). "Rendon Labador sympathizes with sacked cop after granting him access to PNP raid". Interaksyon. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  19. ^ "Rendon Labador under probe for livestreaming raid —PNP | GMA News Online". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  20. ^ "ACG spokesperson axed over Makati raid vlog". www.philstar.com. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  21. ^ CASUCIAN, JISELLE ANNE (2023-10-27). "PNP-ACG probing sacked spokesperson over Makati raid vlog". GMA News Online.
  22. ^ Raya, Capulong (October 23, 2023). "PNP unit pinagpapaliwanag sa pagsama ng vlogger sa operasyon". ABS CBN News.
  23. ^ Pasajol, Anne (2024-06-18). "Rendon Labador, Rosmar Tan say sorry for Coron commotion". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  24. ^ "Rosmar Tan, Rendon Labador, Team Malakas declared persona non-grata in entire Palawan province". GMA News Online. 2024-06-18. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  25. ^ "Vloggers Rosmar Tan and Rendon Labador face possible persona non grata in Coron, Palawan". news.tv5.com.ph. 2024-06-17. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  26. ^ Laqui, Ian. "Coron municipal council mulls 'persona non-grata' tag vs vloggers Rosmar, Rendon". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  27. ^ Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (June 17, 2024). "Vloggers Rosmar and Rendon face potential ban in Coron". PEP.ph.
  28. ^ Monserate, Glory Mae (2023-03-21). "Kapatid ni Rendon Labador: "Tol wag puro gym, mag-workshop ka"". Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  29. ^ Medina, Josh (2023-06-22). "Rendon Labador, ibinagsak presyo ng 'motivational rice': "Para sa mga Pilipino"". Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  30. ^ Medina, Josh (2024-01-07). "Rendon, kay Jiro Manio: "Baguhin mo sarili mo para magkaroon ng halaga buhay mo"". Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
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