‘Hindi Ako Affected’ — The Most Out-of-Touch Take on the Gas Crisis

Every now and then, a post blows up online, not because it inspires people, but because it irritates them.

That’s exactly what happened with content creator Luz Basagre, after she shared her take (now deleted) on the recent gas price hikes. She called it “real talk.” 

“Hindi Ako Affected”—Good for You… But Then What?

Let’s start with the line that got everyone’s attention:

She says she’s not affected by the gas increase because she works hard—and can afford it even if prices double.

Okay. Good for you.

But here’s the problem: that statement adds nothing to the conversation.

People are struggling with rising prices. Transport fare is going up. Food is getting more expensive. Small businesses are adjusting just to survive.

And then someone comes in and basically says, “Hindi ako affected.”

It doesn’t sound inspiring. It sounds like, “Not my problem.”

Turning Struggle Into Sin

The post didn’t stop there. It went on to list reasons why people are affected by the crisis:

• Isa lang income
• Walang ipon
• Baon sa utang
• “Maluho”
• “Easy easy” lang dati

Let’s be real—this isn’t “real talk.”

This is blame.

It’s easy to point fingers and say people made bad choices. But that ignores a very basic truth:

Not everyone had the luxury to save. Not everyone had extra to begin with.

Some people are:

• Supporting families
• Living paycheck to paycheck
• Earning wages that barely keep up with daily expenses

So no, being affected by a crisis doesn’t automatically mean you were irresponsible.

Sometimes, it just means kulang talaga ang kinikita.

The “Work Hard” Card Is Getting Old

Another highlight of the post:

“I’m not affected because I work hard.”

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

A lot of Filipinos work hard. Every single day. And they’re still struggling.

• Construction workers
• Delivery riders
• Nurses on long shifts
• Employees with side hustles

Effort is not the issue.

The problem is, hard work doesn’t always translate to financial security, especially when prices keep rising, and salaries don’t.

So when someone says “work hard lang,” it doesn’t sound motivating anymore.

It sounds detached.

Multiple Income? Not Everyone Has That Option

The post also flexes having multiple income streams and a safety net.

Again, that’s great if you have it.

But let’s not pretend it’s easy for everyone.

Not everyone has:

• Extra time after work
• Capital to start a business
• Access to opportunities

Some people are already exhausted trying to survive one job. Adding another isn’t always possible.

So when this advice is thrown around like it’s simple, it feels less like help and more like “figure it out yourself.”

Aware Na Mayabang—Pero Tuloy Pa Rin

At one point, she even admits:

“Ang yabang pakinggan, diba?”

Yes. It does.

And instead of adjusting the tone, the post just… keeps going.

That’s what makes it worse. There was a chance to step back, add empathy, or at least balance the message.

But no. It doubled down.

This Isn’t Motivation—It’s a Flex

Let’s call it what it is.

This kind of content isn’t about helping people. It’s about showing you’re doing better than others.

Real motivation:

• Lifts people up
• Understands different situations
• Gives realistic advice

This post?

• Shames
• Lectures
• Flexes

Big difference.

Why People Are Calling It Out

The backlash didn’t come out of nowhere.

People are tired.

Tired of being told their struggles are their fault. Tired of advice that ignores reality. Tired of “success stories” that sound more like bragging. 

Because at the end of the day, not everyone is starting from the same place.

And pretending they are? That’s where the problem begins.

Real Talk? Here’s the Real One

Yes, saving helps. Yes, preparing for the future matters.

But let’s not act like that makes someone immune to crisis, or superior to those who are struggling.

Sometimes, the reason you’re “not affected” isn’t just hard work.

Sometimes, it’s because you had:

• Better opportunities
• More resources
• A head start
• Or advantages that not everyone has access to—yes, even things like having a financially stable partner (AFAM), which can make a big difference.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

But don’t turn it into a lecture.

Because in times like this, people don’t need to be talked down to.

They need understanding.