Filipino actress Yen Santos. ARCHIVE

Philippine actress Yen Santos is poking fun at one of the most talked-about moments of her career — the 2021 “Baguio as a friend” controversy. In a Q&A vlog posted on her YouTube channel on Wednesday (August 13), a fan asked if it was okay to take a crush to Baguio “as friends,” clearly referencing the headlines she made after being spotted with Paolo Contis in the city. “Ano ba, please naman,” Santos said with a laugh. “I’d rather not be part of another Baguio trip like that.” She then explained that any such trip should have clear intentions between both parties. “If that trip is genuine, I hope you guys are transparent about it, and walang sablay,” she added. Her friend, who was riding in the backseat during the vlog, teased her to take her instead next time, to which Santos burst out laughing again. The original incident in September 2021 sparked a social media storm after Santos and Contis were photographed together in Baguio and at Manaoag Church. At the time, Contis had recently broken up with actress LJ Reyes, prompting speculation about a third party. Contis later denied those claims in an Instagram post, admitting the breakup was his fault but stressing that Santos was not involved. He said he invited her on the trip “as a friend” to avoid being alone, noting she only joined for one day. Despite the clarification, “Baguio as a friend” became a viral catchphrase and meme across the Philippines, inspiring countless jokes and even brand campaigns. CAM/Expat Media
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