Customer receives racist remarks from a restaurant

A netizen by the name of Michael Melvin Odoemene shared his experience while dining in a restaurant in Quezon City. Michael was surprised to received his receipt allegedly with the following remarks printed:

“SA NAKA BLACK NA NAKAUPO SA 14 KULOT ANG BUHOK KAMUKHA NI BLACK JACK.”

Michael is a Nigerian with a Filipino descent.

Here is his full post:

“I don’t usally post about things or people that have wronged me. But last April 30, 2024, approximately 12 midnight, I went to North Park, Tomas Morato with some friends to have dinner. Following my meal at the restaurant, I received a receipt with this note written on it – “SA NAKA BLACK NA NAKAUPO SA 14 KULOT ANG BUHOK KAMUKHA NI BLACK JACK.”

This behavior was exhibited by one of their staff members, who took it upon herself to make remarks about my appearance based on my racial background. As an individual of Nigerian and Filipino descent, I know I’m different. But was the note necessary?

Upon bringing this matter to the attention of the assistant manager present at the time, I was met with a dismissive response. I had to repeteadly ask for the original receipt back. At first, the manager DID NOT WANT to give it back saying excuses like “natapon na po” or nawawala na. Wala na system” I stood firm and told them I won’t leave until i get the original receipt back. By then, they decided to give the orignal reciept to me already.

While he assured me that the waitress (the one who wrote on the receipt) would be reprimanded, I am left feeling unsatisfied with the resolution provided. Merely reprimanding the staff member in question does not address the broader issue of fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect within their restaurant.

I am posting this for awareness against racism or any form of judgment/bias passed to strangers. Who knows how many black people they have done this to? Is this the standard of customer service for North Park? They apologized yes, but what lessons can we learn from this experience?

Gets ko, nagju-judge naman talaga tayo, consciously or unconsciously. If we keep it in our heads and be mindful not to act upon it, then walang na offend. Di kailangan isulat sa resibo and worse i-hand over sa customer mo pa mismo.”

(Photo source: Facebook – @Michael Melvin Odoemene)