A recent tweet about an Angkas experience has gone viral online, drawing mixed reactions from netizens. Abraham Guardian, fashion designer behind HA.MU, took to Twitter on February 8, 2023, to share his experience where an Angkas driver attributed his motorcycle’s damage to his weight: “Nasira motor ko sa bigat mo, next time cancel na,” read the driver’s message. Abraham also shared a screenshot of his profile which indicates that his weight is over 200 pounds (90 kilograms).
The designer expressed his dismay saying, “I love Angkas – it gets me around and if you follow me on IG you would have seen my stories whenever I am transit. But to blame me for damaging your bike due to my weight when my profile indicates how heavy I am is not it.”
This prompted netizens to share similar experiences wherein they felt discriminated for their weight by Angkas drivers. Aside from Twitter, an entire thread was started on a Facebook group called Service Rants and Raves where people also had issues of the same nature which were not addressed by the motorcycle-hailing company.
“Hello, I experienced bodyshaming from Angkas Driver recently lang, like humiliating, but Angkas didn’t do anything about it,” says on Facebook user.
Another one said, “Had a similar experience in the past. The only difference is the driver said those nasty, fat-shaming remarks while we were en route to my home. I was just praying the entire ride because I was scared for my life and my safety and I was forever traumatized by the driver’s remarks. Never booked Angkas after that incident.”
Others pointed out that logistically, 90 kilograms is not heavy enough to cause damage, saying that the motorcycle itself must be deteriorated.
Many netizens opened up about being body shamed in other modes of public transportation in the Philippines, calling for a change in mindset and behavior that is more inclusive.
“Body shaming is common here in our country. So sad for those people who are a little bit heavier than a normal size person...” one shares.
“I think this goes out to all modes of public transportation here,” says another Facebook user. “May mga driver talagang barumbado. I frequently ride the UV express vans and FX and I see some actually put signs on their front passenger doors na ‘payat lang ang pwede dito.’ Aside from body shaming, they also choose passengers based on looks and blatantly talk about them on their radios and in front of other passengers like they are some pieces of meat. Sobrang toxic. The driver culture here in its entirety need to be addressed [by the] LTRFB.”
More urgently, Twitter and Facebook users demanded immediate action from Angkas and proposed improved training for their drivers.
Abraham shared that Angkas had reached out to him regarding the encounter, noting that they had also raised it to their Quality Assurance team to “ensure riders will be trained better in handling situations like this.”
After thanking Angkas and those who had rallied behind him, Abraham said he hoped to see improvement not just for the company but the community as a whole.
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