P-pop group SB19’s leader Pablo emphasized the true essence of their fandom name, A’TIN, highlighting the collective mission to promote Filipino talent and culture. His reminder came on Monday following an online dispute between SB19 fans and local volleyball supporters.
The feud ignited after volleyball star Sisi Rondina admitted during an Independence Day program in South Korea that she was not familiar with SB19. Both the group and Rondina, representing the Philippine national women’s volleyball team, attended the event.
The disagreement centered on whether Rondina should have recognized the popular OPM group. The situation worsened when a netizen compared the accomplishments of SB19 and Rondina, further escalating tensions.
Atin ‘to lahat! pic.twitter.com/XsjUpgj5Jz
— PABLO (@imszmc) June 9, 2024
Pablo addressed the issue via Twitter, urging fans to accept that not everyone knows or has a favorable opinion of SB19. “There’s no reason to spread hate, disrespect, or drag down our fellow Filipinos,” he stated. “Lahat tayo may effort na i-angat ang Pinoy. Hindi kelangan ikumpara kung sino mas magaling o mas maraming nagawa.”
He recounted how SB19’s mission from the beginning has been to uplift Filipino culture and talent on a global scale, a goal shared by many Filipinos. “We know na hindi kami nag-iisa sa goal na ito dahil marami pang ibang Pinoy na nagsusumikap at nagsasakripisyo para sa layon na ito,” Pablo added.
Pablo expressed gratitude towards their fans, saying, “To A’TIN, salamat sa lahat ng suporta at pagmamahal na binibigay n’yo sa amin. Wala kami kung wala kayo. Sana lagi ninyo tatandaan kung bakit ‘A’TIN’ ang pangalan ng fandom natin. We share our victories! Sa ATIN lahat ‘to!”
SB19’s main vocalist Stell also addressed the situation, calling out the netizen whose past tweets and username raised doubts about their claim to be an A’TIN. The fandom has since disowned the netizen, branding them as a “troll.”
In response, A’TIN apologized to Rondina and pledged to “carry the responsibility to be the best versions of themselves.” Rondina has yet to respond to the fandom’s messages or Pablo’s statement, after she reiterated in an Instagram Live session that she genuinely was not familiar with the group.