Phoemela Baranda took someone’s seat on the airplane?
PHOEMELA BARANDA – The television host faced significant backlash on social media following allegations made against her by an airline passenger.
A netizen posted on Reddit criticizing Air Asia Philippines for allowing a “celebrity” to occupy the seat reserved by the complainant on a flight from Manila to Caticlan. According to the complainant, upon boarding, they found someone already seated in their window seat—a child by the window, the mother in the middle, and their helper in the aisle.
The complainant showed their boarding pass, assuming there had been a mistake. However, they were asked to take an aisle seat instead, implying the group had deliberately taken the window seat without permission.
The complainant accused the celebrity of using their status to disregard rules, alleging that even the flight attendant facilitated this seat switch. Although the netizen who initially named Phoemela as the celebrity deleted his comment, it triggered a wave of criticism on Phoemela’s social media accounts after her name was mentioned.
As of now, Phoemela has not responded to these accusations. Meanwhile, Phoemela Baranda is a well-known model, actress, and television personality. She started her career at a young age, becoming a model after winning a club search for the brand Pink Soda at 13. She has appeared on the covers of several local magazines and in numerous advertising campaigns.
Baranda’s television career began with minor roles in series like “Pangako sa ’Yo” and “Narito ang Puso Ko,” followed by hosting roles on shows such as “Extra Challenge” and “The Buzz.” She anchored the Star Patrol segment on ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” from 2004 to 2010, solidifying her presence in Philippine media.
Apart from entertainment, Phoemela Baranda is known for her active lifestyle, participating in sports like badminton and squash. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, graduating in 2001.
In her personal life, she has two children and is in a long-term relationship with businessman and race car driver Jason Choachuy. Baranda continues to be active in the industry, hosting programs like “Cityscape” on ABS-CBN News Channel and appearing in films and TV series.