Sisi Rondina apologizes to SB19 fans for 'Starbucks' comment

SISI Rondina found herself on the receiving end of online hate amid a backlash from fans of Pinoy pop group SB19 following her remarks during the 'Pistang Pinoy sa Korea' Philippine Independence Day event in Busan, Korea on Sunday.

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The Alas Pilipinas spiker was asked about which guest performer she was most looking forward to watching live in the said event.

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As the host pointed out how some fans in attendance mentioned SB19, one of the event's guests, Rondina said in jest how'Starbucks lang ('yung) alam ko' (I only know Starbucks) when referring to 'SB.'

Some fans of the group, known as 'A'TIN,' didn't take Rondina's comments lightly in a series of now-deleted posts on social media platform X. Questions were raised on how it was supposedly impossible for Rondina to not know the group, with other diehard fans taking offense and demanding the Alas player to apologize.

PHOTO: Ivy Ferrer

Shortly after the event, Rondina took to Instagram Live to share how she received multiple hate messages from SB19 fans and apologized to those who were offended by her comments.

"Personally, hindi ko talaga sila (SB19) kilala. I mean, hindi ko alam ba. I'm really sorry," Rondina said.

"Kaya sa lahat po ng na-offend ko, sorry po. Sorry po talaga. Inaatake na po ako ng mga SB19 fans kaya sorry po. Hindi ko po intensyon 'yun," she added.

Volleyball community in full defense

Just as some SB19 fans were displeased by Rondina's remarks, volleyball fans fired back in unison to defend the ace spiker as the hashtag #SB19FansApologizeToSisi trended nationwide on X.

Among their counter-responses ranged from the fact that Rondina, like any other Filipino, shouldn't be faulted for not knowing who the group was to how the Alas player herself has made countless contributions to Philippine volleyball just as the group has in their own field.

PHOTO: Ivy Ferrer

SB19 members respond

In the aftermath of the issue, SB19 members Stell and Pablo condemned the unwarranted behavior from their fans as the former replied to a fan's hateful post towards Rondina while the latter made a separate statement.

"I personally don't tolerate this kind of behavior. Stop this," said Stell.

"Respect and acknowledge na hindi lahat ng tao, aware o kilala ang grupo namin. Hindi rin sa lahat ng oras, everyone will hold a favorable opinion of us. That's fine! There's no reason to spread hate, disrespect or drag down our fellow Filipinos," wrote Pablo.

"Lahat tayo may effort na i-angat ang Pinoy. Hindi kailangang ikumpara kung sino mas magaling o mas maraming nagawa. Lahat may pinaghirapan, lahat may nilalaban. Dapat hilaan pataas, kasi iisa lang rin naman ang goal natin," he added.

Rondina and the rest of Alas Pilipinas were in Korea for their exhibition match against Daegu City, in which they lost in five close sets, before gracing the Philippine Independence Day festivities and the celebration of 75 years of international relations between both countries.