AT THE rate things are going, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if some of today’s toxic fans will be the reason for the slow but steady and untimely demise of their idols’ careers.
During an Independence Day program in South Korea on June 9, the Pinoy pop group SB19 was among the guest performers while the members of the ALAS Pilipinas women’s national volleyball team were invited to grace the event. Before the performance of the SB19, the national team was invited on stage and then the host asked the national players if they were excited about any performances in particular. The predominantly Filipino crowd and the fans were probably expecting the ALAS players to mention their idols. With the prodding of her teammates who pointed towards the group, multi-awarded ace player Sisi Rondina replied in jest, “SB19 daw po,” followed by, “Bhie, Starbucks lang alam ko.”
These remarks did not sit well with the SB19 fandom, also known as A’TIN. In an instant, Rondina’s comments became viral and the SB19 fans’ call for her to apologize trended worldwide. It’s a chain reaction that legions of fans have known and mastered so well. One overly zealous A’TIN fan even shared proudly in a now-deleted post that she actually sent a strongly-worded direct message to Rondina.
The ever gracious and humble Rondina who brought multiple honors to the University of Sto. Tomas during her UAAP days, reaped awards for the country in beach volleyball and recently joined the national team en route to the country’s first-ever podium finish in the Asian Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup, went live on her Instagram to admit that she didn’t really know the SB19 and then apologized to their fans and others who were offended by her remarks.
Many volleyball fans commended Rondina for this gesture; and as expected the entire volleyball community was also quick to react, stating that the so-called “fandom needs to be called out for being so arrogant and thinking everyone should know their idols.”
While I try to understand how some fans can be very supportive of their idols to the point of being so invested in the both their professional and personal lives, I cannot figure it out why they expect, or even demand that others should also feel and do the same for their idols. Supporting your idols, rejoicing in their triumphs and taking pride in the accolades they receive for themselves and for the country lose their meaning altogether when you invalidate what others feel and do for their own idols. I recall one post asking if Rondina had topped the Itunes like the SB19, to which another user, who was obviously following the athlete’s career, retorted, “Rondina has done more for PH than SB 19 like please get that through your head.”
No thanks to this fandom mentality, what started as a harmless side comment that was never intended to offend anyone turned into a word war on various social media platforms. Good thing that Pablo, the SB19 leader, released an official statement and reminded all their fans that the group’s main goal was to elevate Filipino culture to the global stage. He also asked the fans to stop the culture of hate and colonial mentality. While they acknowledge, appreciate and embrace the support coming from their fans, he reminded them to recognize the fact that not everyone is aware of their group, and not everyone will have a favourable opinion about them all the time.
Another SB19 member, Stell replied to a certain X user “ShortcakKe”, who engaged in an online feud against volleyball fans. His post was short but speaks volumes about how fans should behave as true supporters, He wrote, “I personally don’t tolerate this kind of behavior. Stop this.”
I agree. Every single Filipino who brings pride to the country in whatever field deserves nothing but respect and support from all of us. There is no need to even engage in a lengthy discussion as to who is worthier over another, or who brings greater honor than another. Instead of all the negativity and toxicity that comes with the discussion as to who is the best, shouldn’t we just feel lucky and be inspired that the list of Filipinos who stamp their class in the global stage is growing every single day?
