Balay Dako trends over Aspin entry barring; issues apology over incident

POPULAR restaurant Balay Dako issued a public apology on their social media website, after a complaint against them went viral for disallowing an Aspin (Asong Pinoy) entry into the establishment.

Balay Dako, located in Tagaytay City, proudly states that their establishment is a pet-friendly establishment.

Courtesy: Lara Antonio

Earlier, customer Lara Antonio took to social media to complain as to the treatment they received from the establishment, who refused her Aspin named Yoda.

According to her post, she had previously dined at Balay Dako before with Yoda, so she is aware that it was a pet-friendly establishment. 

But during her recent visit, Antonio said they were told to put a dog diaper for her pets to be allowed entry, a fact that the immediate complied with.

But while waiting to be seated a restaurant staff saw Yoda and then whispered to the fellow staff. 

They then approached Antonio and told her that Yoda isn’t allowed inside as they only allow “medium-sized dogs only.” It was then they asked for the dogs breed.

Courtesy: Lara Antonio

“I have a weird gut feeling immediately. So instead of Aspin, I say ‘mixed breed.’ I’ve dealt with this before. I know this. And as annoying as it is, ‘mixed breed’ is more palatable to elitist establishments like Balay Dako, apparently,” she said in her post. 

Antonio then said that she asked the staff on what qualifies as a medium-sized dog. But the staff inquired about her dog’s weight. 

When she said Yoda weighs 18 kilograms, the staff told her that pets are only allowed if they’re within the 10 to 15 kilograms range. 

She asked for the fine print, but was told that it’s “online” and that the “management said so.”

Courtesy: Balay Dako

Antonio said that in a 2023 Facebook post, it showed the guidelines on pet entry. There, it showed that a golden retriever is allowed. 

They said that the guidelines notes that pets should be vaccinated, be on a leash or in a carrier or trolley close to the owner, not be left attended, and not cause inconveniences to others by barking, jumping, occupying pathways, aggressive behavior, and being unsanitary.

Courtesy: PAWS

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society took exception to the incident, saying that it only ‘underscores the persistence of harmful stereotypes and unjust biases against our very own native dogs’ 

Courtesy: Balay Dako

Meanwhile, Balay Dako, had issued an apology, saying that the incident is a “misunderstanding regarding [their] pet policy.” 

“We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners,” they shared.