Cebuano Locals Furious at Azul for “Tuslob Buwa” Trademark

Azul posted a status update on March 3, 2020 that would become viral as they informed everyone that they trademarked the word “Tuslob Buwa”, a street food that is deeply-rooted in the culture of Barangays Pasil and Suba.

This move proved to be unpopular across the board as Azul received harsh backlash from netizens, most of whom are locals of Cebu.

As of March 6, the post already garnered 7,300 reactions, 5,700 comments and 5,200 shares.

But the publicity they are experiencing seems to be for all the wrong reasons.

Netizens who reacted, commented, and shared the status update lashed out at Azul furiously with some netizens commenting “This is an insult to the hardworking people of Suba and Pasil who pride themselves of Tuslob Buwa.”, and “Azul has Fallen”, among others.

Netizens also called on others to boycott the said restaurant.

A page dedicated to Barangay Suba also commented on the matter, saying “They claimed to have the rights and intellectual property of “Tuslob Buwa”. We, The people of Brgy. Suba and Pasil are very much angered coz Tuslob Buwa goes beyond the name. It has been a culture to the people of Brgy Suba and Pasil. Tuslob Buwa has been and is still the go-to breakfast of Pasilnon ans [sic] Subanians students. How could they claim Tuslob Buwa when this existed even before Azul started their business? Since 2015, Brgy. Suba celebrates [sic] our annual Tuslob Buwa Festival. Are we not allowed to use Tuslob Buwa to celebrate our annual feast? Azul didnt [sic] want Tuslob Buwa to be used by anyone but they definitely stole the word and idea from us, the people of Brgy. Suba and Pasil.”

Furthermore, a petition on Change.org is pushing for the cancellation of the trademark, and argues that the phrase “Tuslob Buwa” is public domain under the grounds that “The trademark has become the generic name for the goods or services, or a portion thereof.”

Azul has not posted a comment or statement regarding the matter as of this writing. (GFB)