Team DailyPedia
Comedian and social media personality Awra Briguela figured in a public online exchange after physical therapist and content creator Rod Samaniego criticized what he described as an insensitive remark attributed to the former child star regarding the cost of dental work.
In a video that circulated on social media, Samaniego took issue with a statement allegedly made by Briguela suggesting that the price of his dental procedure was equivalent to “five years’ worth of salary” for other people. According to Samaniego, the remark was dismissive of individuals who earn modest wages.
“‘Limang taon na sahod,’ tama ba iyon?” Samaniego said in his video. “Alam mo ba na hindi pare-pareho ang sahod ng mga tao?”
He went on to contrast Briguela’s success with what he described as advantages provided by influential figures in the entertainment industry, saying not everyone is given the same opportunities.
“Swerte ka dahil may mga taong tumulong sa’yo. Hindi lahat ng tao may ganoong klaseng swerte,” he added.
Samaniego further accused Briguela of being insulting and entitled, at one point calling the comedian “plastic” and criticizing what he perceived as a lack of sensitivity toward others. He also took issue with a separate remark involving the comparison to a Barbie doll, which he interpreted as derogatory.
Briguela later responded through social media with a sharp rebuttal, dismissing Samaniego’s criticism and questioning his credibility. In her post, Briguela used strong language to counter the remarks, which quickly drew mixed reactions from netizens.
The exchange comes amid Briguela’s recent decision to speak up against online bullying. Just days earlier, the comedian addressed her followers on social media, revealing that she had endured years of homophobic and transphobic attacks but chose to remain silent until now.
“You’ve all been bullying me online, picking on me every single day,” she wrote. “Yet you never hear anything from me in response. I chose peace. I chose to ignore everything.”
Briguela admitted that staying quiet took an emotional toll on her, saying she was hurt daily despite not provoking anyone. She added that her silence may have emboldened some critics.
“But when I finally do [stand up for myself], I’m suddenly the bad person?” she wrote. “It’s 2026, yet so many of you still enjoy bullying someone who is trying to grow, improve, and redeem herself from past mistakes.”
Declaring a shift in mindset for the new year, Briguela said she would no longer tolerate being targeted.
“I’m tired of being the bigger person,” she said. “This year, I’m focusing on myself and my transitioning era. I promise myself that I will no longer give transphobes the freedom to bully me.”
As of writing, neither party has issued a follow-up statement clarifying or de-escalating the exchange, while the online debate continues to draw strong reactions from supporters and critics on both sides.
