LANS, Bianca Mallorca push back against 'karespe-respeto' debate
Content creator LANS has gone viral in recent days after many social media users praised her as "karespe-respeto," with some claiming more women should emulate her because she does not post thirst traps.
What began as praise, however, quickly evolved into a broader debate as some netizens used LANS' image to criticize women creators who wear revealing outfits or embrace a more provocative online persona.
Several female creators pushed back, arguing that respect should not depend on how a woman dresses or presents herself online.
LANS herself addressed the issue in a Facebook post, saying she was uncomfortable seeing other women being compared, belittled, or attacked in her name.
"Maging ako po mismo ay hindi rin nakaligtas sa pambabastos... Hindi ko po ma-consider na achievement yung pagtaas ng followers kung may mga kababaihan naman pong binababa para lang may maitaas," she wrote.
She stressed that women do not need to fit a single mold to deserve respect.
"Women do not have to fit one image to deserve respect. Hindi kailangang educational creator ka, mahinhin, conservative, o tahimik para masabing 'worthy' kang respetuhin... The way we dress is never an invitation for disrespect."
She added: "Hindi babae, hindi ang aming kasuotan, ang dapat pinapabago para itrato nang maayos. Ang pag-iisip po ninyo sana ang ayusin."
While LANS' statement earned praise from many, others criticized her stance.
"Nagets ko si Lans kasi kahit ako hindi din talaga nakakatakas sa mga pambabastos. Akalain mo naka full horror makeup na ako, tapos long sleeve, tapos dress na hanggang paa pero nababastos pa din," Bianca wrote, sharing screenshots of inappropriate comments she has received.
She added that she has experienced harassment since she was 11 years old, saying offensive remarks persist regardless of what women wear or how often creators speak against such behavior.
Obviously, the issue is less about clothing or online personas and more about the persistent tendency to judge—and disrespect—women regardless of how they choose to present themselves. (Ian Ureta)