Filipino Rapper Reignites Controversy Over Israeli Tourists' Behavior

A recent interview with rising Filipino hip-hop artist Baby Freeze has reignited tensions surrounding the behavior of Israeli tourists on the island of Siargao. The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Sami Borromeo, sharply criticized Israeli visitors, urging them to leave the popular surfing destination.

Baby Freeze, known for her direct style, accused Israeli tourists of invasive behavior that harms the island's character and local businesses. "Get out of here. This is not your promised land. You have no promised land. Screw you. Free Palestine, you motherf, ers. Get out of the Philippines. Go back to Tel Aviv," she stated in an interview with Pulso World. She further alleged that Israelis "ruin everything," including local businesses and the island itself, while claiming it as their own.

This controversy comes after a period of relative calm following threats from Philippine immigration and local authorities to take strict measures, including deportations and blacklisting, against unruly tourists. The interview suggests that local anger has not subsided and was merely awaiting a trigger to resurface.

Israeli tourism to the Philippines has seen significant growth, with approximately 24,583 Israeli tourists visiting in 2025, a 53% increase from the previous year. Israel's ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Korash, noted that around 40,000 visitors travel in each direction annually, with Israelis primarily being young travelers, families, and honeymooners.

Similar issues involving Israeli tourists have been reported in other popular Asian destinations, including India, Bali, and Thailand, involving overcrowding, friction with locals, and protests. Israeli diplomatic efforts, led by Ambassador Korash, have involved meetings with local officials to de-escalate tensions and emphasize that individual behavior does not represent an entire nation. Philippine authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing laws against rule-breakers.