Whamos Cruz Calls Out Awit Gamer for Alleged Financial Irresponsibility; Viral Video Sparks Debate as Awit Turns to Selling Condiments

📅 UPDATE: July 28, 2025
📍 Metro Manila, Philippines

Introduction

Tensions within the Filipino influencer community have recently surfaced after popular content creator and vlogger Whamos Cruz publicly criticized fellow online personality Awit Gamer over alleged financial misconduct and irresponsible behavior involving money.

In a livestream posted across multiple platforms, Cruz expressed frustration toward Awit Gamer, calling him out for what he described as “abusive” spending habits and lack of accountability—especially after claims surfaced that Awit had misused earnings from past collaborations and fan donations.

The clash quickly gained attention on social media, with the topic trending across Philippine digital platforms under hashtags like #WhamosVsAwit and #InfluencerAccountability.

Background: What Sparked the Conflict?

According to Whamos Cruz, the issue began when fans and collaborators raised concerns about Awit Gamer’s handling of funds received through joint content campaigns, streaming revenue, and donations. Cruz claimed that Awit failed to fulfill financial commitments and reportedly continued spending on unnecessary luxuries while debts remained unpaid.

In his live broadcast, Whamos stated:

“Hindi mo puwedeng laruin ang pera ng ibang tao. Kung may utang ka, bayaran mo. Hindi lahat ng oras, fans mo ang sasalo sa’yo.”

While Whamos refrained from disclosing exact figures, he alluded to thousands of pesos allegedly spent irresponsibly by Awit on online games, shopping, and non-essential expenses, rather than business reinvestment or settling dues.

Awit Gamer’s Response: “I’m Trying My Best”

Awit Gamer responded to the allegations via a Facebook post and brief TikTok video, where he appeared emotional but composed. In his message, he did not directly deny the financial missteps but pleaded for understanding:

“Yes, I made mistakes with money. I wasn’t ready for this kind of income. But I’m trying to fix things. I’m not scamming anyone — I’m just figuring life out.”

He also revealed that he had recently launched a small business selling condiments online and in barangay markets — including bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) — as a way to recover financially and start anew.

Many netizens praised him for attempting to make an honest living, though others remained skeptical and questioned the sincerity of his efforts.

The Bagoong Business: From Gaming to Grassroots

In what may be seen as a humbling pivot, Awit Gamer shared that he and a relative have started a home-based bagoong business to help cover his financial obligations and support his family. He documented the process in a vlog — from mixing and bottling, to selling at a local market stall.

The vlog has since gone viral, with mixed reactions:

Supporters commended him for choosing a more grounded path and praised his “no shame in honest work” approach.
Critics argued that the move came only after public backlash and did not absolve him of prior irresponsible behavior.

Regardless of opinions, the shift from livestream stardom to small-scale entrepreneurship paints a picture of the challenges influencers face when fame doesn’t translate to financial literacy.

Whamos Cruz’s Perspective: Tough Love or Public Shaming?

Whamos Cruz’s live video divided audiences. While many applauded his boldness in calling out what he views as dishonest behavior, others accused him of contributing to a “callout culture” that can turn personal issues into public spectacle.

In his defense, Cruz later clarified:

“I didn’t mean to destroy anyone. But the younger generation needs to understand: online fame is not a free pass. When you earn, you have a responsibility — to your team, your fans, and your future.”

Cruz, himself a product of viral fame and now a father, has spoken previously about the importance of financial discipline and long-term planning in the influencer world.

Broader Context: The Struggles of Online Fame

This incident is not unique. Across the influencer industry, especially in Southeast Asia, there have been growing cases of creators mismanaging sudden wealth. With monetization avenues such as livestream gifting, affiliate sales, and brand sponsorships, some content creators experience rapid income increases — without the tools to manage it.

Common challenges include:

Lack of budgeting or financial planning
Irregular income streams
Pressure to project a lavish lifestyle
Family or peer dependence

Experts note that financial literacy must now be considered a vital skill for digital creators — alongside content strategy and branding.

Public Reaction: Empathy, Outrage, and Humor

The Filipino online community responded as expected: with intensity, emotion, and memes.

🔹 Supportive Voices

“Props to Awit for admitting his faults and doing something real.”
“Whamos just said what everyone was afraid to say.”

🔹 Critical Takes

“Public humiliation isn’t the way to go.”
“If you cared, you would’ve talked to him in private.”

🔹 Humor and Virality

As always, Filipino netizens turned the incident into meme material, with posts like:

“From gamer to bagoong master: the Awit arc.”
“Next livestream: Cooking bagoong while playing Mobile Legends.”

What Happens Now?

As of this writing, Awit Gamer continues to promote his bagoong business under the brand name “Awit Bagoong Express” and has promised transparency moving forward. He’s also expressed interest in attending financial workshops for freelancers and online creators.

Whamos Cruz, meanwhile, has stated that he has said his piece and wishes Awit well — emphasizing that he hopes his words will help others avoid the same pitfalls.

Whether this marks the beginning of a redemption arc for Awit or a deeper look into the pressures of influencer life remains to be seen. But the public response makes one thing clear: accountability, humility, and resilience matter more than ever in the age of online celebrity.

Conclusion

The Awit Gamer–Whamos Cruz controversy highlights the hidden pressures of influencer fame and the very real consequences of financial mismanagement. It also shows how public figures are increasingly expected to balance success with responsibility — and how the public now demands not just entertainment, but integrity.

As online creators rise to stardom with the tap of a screen, their ability to manage money, relationships, and reputation may determine whether that fame becomes fleeting or sustainable.

Related Articles for Further Reading

https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/philippine-influencers-financial-literacy-issues-2025
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/07/15/whamos-cruz-vs-awit-gamer-accountability
https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2024/11/12/why-creators-need-to-learn-financial-management.html
https://www.pep.ph/news/local/viral-moments-awit-gamer-bagoong-business-a721-20250728
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/2025/07/28/whamos-cruz-speaks-on-influencer-values/