In Filipino culture, if you invite people to a party—regardless of the venue—you cover the cost. That’s just how it is.

Now, here’s what happened.

A casual friend invited me to his birthday party at a bar known in the Manila gay scene as a pretty happening spot. The crowd? Mostly "social media gays"—the kind known for being flashy and fab. Around 30 people were there.

Those who arrived late (myself included) had to pay PHP 1,000 each because the group exceeded the table limit, and there were extra charges. Fine, I paid my share.

The night went as expected—people drank, danced, and went home.

A week later, the celebrant sends a group message asking everyone to pitch in again to cover the “excess” from that night. He was asking for another PHP 1,000 per head, even though we already paid that amount at the bar.

At this point, it felt like we were being made to foot the bill for his own birthday celebration—like he just wanted to be celebrated without actually hosting.

I’m not close to him, I already paid the first time, and I honestly feel weird and a bit bitter about being asked to pay more.

AITA for not wanting to pay?