Potato Corner to review procedures after controversial 'Miss Universe' job posting
Popular fries brand Potato Corner has acknowledged the "embarrassing moment" involving its "well-meaning but inappropriate" job posting that has been making rounds online since last weekend.
The french fries chain has been the talk of the town after its branch in Ventura Mall in Dasmariñas, Cavite shared a job posting with a list of qualifications that's seemingly "Miss Universe levels," according to social media users.
In a statement released on Monday, Aug. 21, Potato Corner said that it wants to "set things right" after the post has gone viral and noted that its values are "all about diversity and inclusion."
It added that it believes "in celebrating the uniqueness that each individual brings."
"Discriminatory hiring is not something we support or condone, and not aligned to who we are," the brand said. "We're all about providing equal opportunities for all, and giving fair recognition and reward to effort, attitude, potential, and creating positive outcomes."
Potato Corner said it's taking the incident seriously and reviewing its procedures to ensure it won't happen again.
"We remain committed to fostering an environment and society where every single person gets a fair chance to contribute and succeed," it said. "Thank you for your support and understanding, and we will always strive to provide positive flavorful moments to all."
Potato Corner Ventura Mall, in a now-deleted Facebook post but captured by several social media users and pages, shared that it's looking for a service crew with the following qualifications:
- 18 to 30 years old
- At least high school graduate
- Knowledgeable [in] basic mathematical computations
- Preferably female
- Have a good visual impact and pleasing personality
- Weight must be proportionate to height
- Have clear complexion, eyesight, and good set of teeth
- Know how to communicate in Filipino and English
- Definitely love dealing with all types of people
Many netizens poked fun at the requirements, as they noted how high the standards were.
Edson Guido, former data analytics head of ABS-CBN, on X (formerly Twitter) rhetorically asked who will win as Miss Potato Corner Universe, Miss Potato Corner Cheese, Miss Potato Corner Barbeque, and Miss Potato Corner Sour Cream, referencing its offerings' flavors.
"Siguradong pahirapan yan," Guido said.
Sino kaya ang mananalong:
— Edson C. Guido (@EdsonCGuido) August 19, 2023
Miss Potato Corner Universe
Miss Potato Corner Cheese
Miss Potato Corner Barbeque
Miss Potato Corner Sour Cream
Siguradong pahirapan yan 😳😆 pic.twitter.com/RXSox0OzB7
Vlogger Armson Angeles Panesa shared a photo collage of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Megan Young, and Kylie Verzosa as supposed applicants.
A netizen also shared a photo Gray on what her reaction would be when she applies for the job.
Catriona Gray while submitting her application at the Potato Corner. https://t.co/uvrswUmdF0 pic.twitter.com/VlDUcgmFfA
— kiel (@kieldamasco) August 20, 2023
Another netizen on the Facebook page "Bekis of Pageantry 2.0"—a 110,500-member group sharing pageant updates—shared edited photos of Gerry Diaz, who's being credited for discovering and training the country's contestants.
In the post, Diaz is seen having a conversation with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo and other "mystery aspirants" as a would-be human resources officer head.
A more serious user, meanwhile, on X called out the branch for the alleged discrimination.
"Beauty contest ba to? Haha grabeng makadiscriminate!! Fair skin talaga? Weight and height dapat proportion???" the user said. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA pag below minimum wage sweldo nito ewan ko na lang."