P-pop boy group SB19’s member Pablo has issued a statement regarding the online spat between the group’s fans, A’Tins, and volleyball fans.
In a tweet posted on Monday, June 10, the SB19 leader addressed the issue that escalated into a heated argument between the two fandoms, urging for peace and respect between the fan groups.
“Our goal as a team since we started hasn’t changed. ‘langat ang kulturang pinoy sa global stage’. Simula’t sapul, we worked really hard towards that one goal regardless of the challenges, and we know na hindi kame nag-iisa sa goal na to dahil marami pang ibang pinoy ang nagsusumikap at nag sasakripisyo para sa layon na to,” Pablo said.
“To A’tin, salamat sa lahat ng suporta at pag mamahal na binibigay nyo samin. Wala kami, kung wala kayo. Sana lagi nyo tatandaan kung bakit ‘ATIN’ ang pangalan ng fandom natin. We share our Victories! Sa ATIN lahat to!” he continued.
He then emphasized that both SB19 and Sisi are Filipino talents deserving of support. He appealed to fans to engage in healthy discourse and avoid negativity.
“Respect and acknowledge na hindi lahat ng tao, aware or kilala ang grupo namin. Hindi rin sa lahat ng oras, everyone will hold a favorable opinion of us. THAT’S FINE!” Pablo added.
“There’s no reason to spread hate, disrespect or drag down our fellow Filipinos. Lahat tayo may effort na i-angat ang Pinoy. Hindi kelangan ikumpara kung sino mas magaling o mas maraming nagawa. Lahat may pinaghirapan, lahat may nilalaban. Dapat hilahan pataas, kasi lisa lang rin naman ang goal natin. At the end of the day, we’re proud of, and respect, every Filipino who’s made strides to uplift the country whether sa music, sa sports, and sa iba pang larangan. Mabuhay ang Kulturang Pinoy! Happy Independence day!” he ended.
The issue stemmed from a comment made by Philippine national women’s volleyball team member Sisi Rondina during an Independence Day program in Busan, South Korea, on Sunday, June 9.
When the team was asked which performance they were excited about, fellow members suggested SB19 while Sisi commented, “Starbucks lang alam ko”, on which some fans took it as an offense. Later on, Sisi took to Instagram Live to apologize and clarify that she wasn’t familiar with the Pinoy boy group.
On Sunday night, Stell replied to a certain X user “ShortcakKe”, who engaged in an online feud against volleyball fans.
“I personally don’t tolerate this kind of behavior. Stop this,” wrote Stell.