A PROMINENT resort in Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) is once again under fire after a transgender woman accused it of discrimination after she was allegedly denied entry due to her gender identity, causing distress to her and her family.
Facebook user Renzyy Rice shared her experience at Isla Reta Beach Resort on Facebook on Saturday, February 22, 2025, stating that the staff did not give her clear information about the resort’s policies. She expressed her disappointment at being unable to enjoy the planned weekend getaway with her family.
“It was supposed to be a day filled with smiles and photographs, but it’s the other way around,” Rice wrote. “I was willing to compromise — even if I couldn’t swim or stay at the resort, I just wanted to be with my family. But I was still denied entry.”
Rice claimed that her family, which included two senior citizens and a child, had traveled from Bukidnon only to be refused check-in at the resort.
She described the incident as an act of discrimination.
“I was asked if I am male or female, and even without an answer, I was immediately told, ‘You are not allowed here,’” she stated. “I felt like their ‘no pets allowed’ policy applied to people like me.”
Rice further pointed out the inconsistency in the resort’s policies, alleging that a staff member of Isla Reta is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, yet transgender individuals were being denied entry.
The incident has sparked outrage online, with netizens calling for accountability and policy clarification from Isla Reta Beach Resort.
In an online interview, Rice said she will be filing a complaint against the resort on Monday, February 24. She said the Igacos City Investment and Tourism Office will be assisting her.
Igacos City Investment and Tourism Office officer-in-charge Rosabel Jusguan told VoxPop Davao in a text message that while she already read the post, she has not yet personally communicated with the complainant.
Jusguan said they had been in constant communication with Isla Reta regarding the resort’s alleged ban on transgender. But with regards to the latest incident, she said the owners have not yet responded to them.
The official said that only Isla Reta has this policy, which will be discussed in a meeting with the Samal Island Tourism Council next week.
“Our office truly recognizes the LGBTQ sector and, in fact, we support their island-wide organization and had [a] meeting last week,” she said.
VoxPop Davao has reached out to Isla Reta through their social media page and the number posted on it, but they have not responded to any of our messages as of writing.
The management has also not yet issued an official statement addressing the complaint.
In 2021, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a transgender also slammed the resort after receiving a homophobic response from the resort's management.
In a previous interview, Isla Reta owner Mario Reta belied the claim that the complainant was disrespected by the resort. Reta even planned to take legal action against the complainant.
Following the incident, Isla Reta said it will not accommodate transgender guests because they do not have the facility for them.
Lesbians, gays, and bisexuals, along with men and women, are still welcome to enter the resort.
This policy was met with various criticisms from the LGBTQ+ community.
Igacos Mayor Al David Uy even called on tourism establishments to establish additional amenities, including a separate restroom for members of the LGBTQ+. RGL
