The 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in South Korea became a fan war between SB19 and Philippine women's national team Alas Pilipinas over a comment by Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina.
The “Pistang Pinoy sa Korea 2024” was held on June 9 at the Busan Eurasia Platform in Busan organized by the Philippine Embassy in South Korea and Migrant Workers Office under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). It was also held to celebrate the 29th National Migrant Workers Day.
SB19 performing at the “Pistang Pinoy sa Korea 2024” on June 9 in Busan, South Korea (SB19's Instagram account) 
Members of Alas Pilipinas performing at the “Pistang Pinoy sa Korea 2024” on June 9 in Busan, South Korea (SB19's Instagram account) 
Cherry Ann "Sisi" Rondina (Instagram)
Among those who graced the celebration were SB19, members of Alas Pilipinas, Filipino global group HORI7ON, Zack Tabudlo, Easy Belanio and Zephanie.
However, a comment by Rondina during the program triggered angry comments from SB19 fans.
During the program, the emcee asked Rondina, “Meron ba kayong excited makita sa program natin mamya? (Is there anyone you are excited to see in our program later?)?
“Dito po? (Here?)” said Rondina. “SB19 daw po. ‘Di, Stabucks lang alam ko (No, I only know Starbucks).”
This made SB19 fans angry. The topic “Starbucks 19” trended on X (formerly Twitter) as fans of Rondina and Alas Pilipinas slammed SB19 fans for allegedly harassing her over her comment.
Some also commented that it was not Rondina’s obligation to know SB19.
During an Instagram Live video, Rondina apologized.
“Nandun kasi si SB19. Personally di ko sila...I mean, di ko alam ba. And then tinanong ako sino pinakaaantay mo dito. Tapos sabi nila, ‘SB19.’ SB? Ay di ko kilala yun. Starbucks lang alam ko, ganon. So, ayun, ang daming na-offend siguro kaya sorry po talaga. I’m really sorry,” she said.
SB19’s Pablo and Stell also posted comments about the issue.
“I personally don't tolerate this kind of behavior. Stop this,” Stell replied to a tweet posted against Rondina.
In a post on X, Pablo said, “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! There's no reason to spread hate, disrespect or drag down our fellow Filipinos.”
Here is the full text of Pablo’s post on X:
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.
To A'tin, salamat sa lahat ng suporta at pagmamahal 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!
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! 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 nilababan. Dapat hilahan pataas, kasi iisa 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!