An Unofficial Guide to Navigating Fandom Life with Humor and Perspective
Disclaimer: I am, by no means, an SB19 expert. I know a lot, but I am also still learning. This post is about what I’ve recently seen and experienced as someone new to the A’Tin fandom and all the things I’ve recently learned. I hope it helps some new fans, like me. Again, please note that this is from my experience only. If I missed anything, please feel free to drop a line and let me know.
You are going to lose sleep… A LOT of it.
When I fell down the SB19 rabbit hole, it felt like I would never have enough time to go through all the materials online. Their official YouTube channel has music and lyric videos of all their EPs, the “making of” of their MVs, all their Wish Bus Performances, Dance Practice Videos, SB19 Variety Shows, and Group and Individual Vlogs. Outside of that are interviews, quasi-documentaries, guest appearances, and special performances. And when you are done with that, there are reactions to everything I just mentioned above that you will want to watch.
You will think you have covered all your bases and you couldn’t possibly have anything else to look at, until you realize that SB19 members like to go Live at random times of the day. If you are lucky, they will not be in the middle of a world tour, and all you will need to know is Philippine time from wherever you are in the world. However, if, like me, you happened upon them in the middle of a world tour, forget timing sleep schedules around when they MAY show up live. It’s a mystery you would never be able to unlock, just like you will never be able to predict WHO will be going live or who will make an appearance.
The pros: You will realize that you may be able to live on less sleep than you thought you needed. Also, you will get to know SB19 at a record speed.
The cons: You will realize that without sleep, you become delirious, which may further decrease your chances of catching SB19 live.
The solution: Put notification alerts where you can, but please, for the love of God, sleep.
You are going to become a historian/biographer/documentarian/private investigator.
You will notice as you watch all the content online that you can literally track SB19’s journey from 2018. You will know their debut single, what actually catapulted them into fame, and what their goals are. You will learn their histories, their personal experiences, and how they became part of SB19. You will start remembering these details as if it’s your own story, and it is. Because as part of A’Tin their history will become your history, and it is one that the whole fandom treasures dearly.
You will know the members’ likes and dislikes, their habits and whatever routine they show us online. You will get to know their families and even their pets! The beauty of SB19 is that Pablo, Stell, Josh, Justin, and Ken have always been transparent about who they are as people and where they came from. They’ve included us in their triumphs and hardships, so it will literally feel like you know them personally, even if you’ve never met them in person before.
The pros: You will be able to recite SB19 history facts to anyone and correct the misinformed.
The cons: You might become over-vigilant about the details and correct anyone who you feel may be inaccurate about their information.
The solution: Whenever you are facing a situation where the urge to correct feels so huge it will swallow you whole, take a step back and think about whether you are correcting for the sake of educating or correcting for the sake of feeling superior. There is a difference between the two. We love our OG A’Tin who have been here since the very beginning, but some of us just joining the fandom or just discovering SB19 for the first time will not always get it right. We may ask questions, and some of them may sound silly, but answer them anyway. We may say some things online that may not always be in line with what the fandom wants, so please correct us, but stand with us anyway. Please remember that all of us have the same purpose.
We would like to support SB19 too, like you do.
We would love to know SB19 too, like you do.
We would like to love SB19 too, like you do.
Your social media footprint is going to become large. Like real large.
I have only ever used Twitter maybe a handful of times in all my years on this earth (and I do not regret this one bit), and I didn’t even have TikTok account until I became an A’Tin. I use Facebook with barely repressed displeasure, and I don’t think I have even heard of Discord (I am really aging myself here).
In the space of the six weeks that I spent barely able to stomach anything not SB19-related, I found myself updating Facebook and following the group and the individual members there. I reactivated my Twitter and started following official accounts, unofficial A’tin accounts (large and not so large), and casual SB19 watchers. I ended up signing up for a TikTok account after vowing to myself (and my boyfriend, who is my one follower) that I would never do so, all because I heard that’s where the members go live mostly (unless you’re Pablo and you surprise us with a FB Live mid-tour). Now I’m on Discord, and while I’m still not quite sure what happens there, I’ve been exploring it little by little.
My life has suddenly become very busy. It used to be that I would wake up and get ready, work, and then go home. I spent whatever free time I had with the love of my life and my pets. But now, I have no free time. Between checking all social media sites for updates to watching new videos daily to doing whatever fan activities we do (like requesting songs or voting) and chatting with newly found A’Tin friends from all over the world, my schedule has become extremely hectic.
The same might happen to you.
The pros: You will become tech savvy, and you’ll find that you’re actually spending your time online more efficiently. You also become laser-focused to everything SB19 related, so you’re actually getting a lot of things done with whatever time you have, whether it’s little or a lot.
The cons: You might find yourself conflicted by the fact that you’re no longer invisible online. Also, you might get carpal tunnel syndrome. Seriously.
The solution: Stretch between online activities and put the phone or tablet down whenever possible. Use a wrist rest when using laptops or desktop computers. Accept that you’ve probably given up your online anonymity forever. It’s okay. All of us have.
You will never be able to give up your day job.
Being a fangirl/fanboy is not a cheap enterprise. First you have to have some type of device to actually listen to their music or watch their videos. Then you will need an actual internet connection. Sure, we can get away with using free wifi but who wants to fangirl or fanboy in public when you can do it to your heart’s content in your own private space?
If you’re lucky, you will live somewhere where you can attend a concert at some point. So there’s concert ticket costs, not to mention travel plans because of those concerts. That means planes, trains, and automobiles, hotels, and of course, meals (because we have to eat, right?!?!). There’s outfits and gifts to buy, too, if you so choose.
Concert or no concert, you will want merch. Lighsticks, banners, t-shirts, picks, posters. You name it, we want it. If they’re selling it, we’re buying it.
Such is the nature of being a part of a fandom. But you need money to do this, which means you can never quit your job. Like, ever.
The pros: You will find a new or renewed purpose to go to work. Your budgeting skills will probably improve.
The cons: What was once disposable cash is now not so disposable. Also, work may interrupt you from doing what you actually want to do, which is just focus on SB19.
The solution: You may have to set aside part of your income to fan activities only. Whether in fangirling/fanboying or in life, please don’t spend more than you can afford. Prioritize your needs and wants. Work is work. Being a fan is also work. Learn to balance both.
You are going to start using words that no one else except others like you will understand.
There’s a different language in the fandom that might mystify you at first. Words like kaps, ssob, pins, mahalima– what do they all mean??? Rest assured, the more you come across the words, though, the more comfortable you will be seeing them. Understanding becomes a natural thing, and then, you will start using them. Online only, at first (I mean you have some type of self-control), in posts and tweets. But then inevitably, you will start using them in conversation.
People will look at you like you’re speaking a brand new language, and you are. It’s A’Tin language. It’s our language. It’s like speaking in code, in a way that only we know, understand, and appreciate. This will be the language that binds us as a fandom, regardless of where we’re all from.
The pros: You will amaze yourself at how quickly you adapt to this new way of speaking.
The cons: Others may judge you for immersing yourself so deeply in a fandom that you’re now not speaking like yourself.
The solution: It’s not a problem that needs solving. They don’t know what they don’t know, and that’s their loss.
You will start identifying yourself as food, and you may get confused now and again.
Soon, you will start seeing these emojis, and initially, you will be confounded again. But, having watched all of SB19’s variety shows and now with a circle of more established A’Tin around you, you will know what they mean and who they represent.
A quick guide, in case you didn’t know, of the members, their food emojis, and their houses:
🌭= hotdog/Pablo – freezer
🍓=strawberry/Stell – strawberry farm
🐔/🐤/🐥=sisiw/Ken – poultry house
🍢=inihaw(bbq stick)/Josh – bbq shop
🌽=corn/Justin – cornfield
There is no way around it. You will find yourself identifying with one specific food. You may visit other houses, but you will, ultimately, find a home in just one once you discover your bias, your ultimate favorite. This is the one member you like the most, admire the most, or resonate with the most.You will think about this member and most of your online posts will probably be about him.
It doesn’t protect you from temptation, however, and you might swerve. Just like while you’re driving on a road- sometimes you’ll swerve softly, and sometimes hard. There will be times when you will seriously reconsider who your bias is, but it is NOT your fault. It’s your bias wrecker’s fault. It’s like having the guy that you love and want to be with, but your focus is taken away by someone else that, for some reason, you just cannot resist.
Believe me when I tell you I’ve had a first bias, and a first bias wrecker. My bias wrecker is now my main bias, and another has taken his place as my bias wrecker. And then I saw them all in person, and I’m confused again. You’ll get confused, too, and this is the one time in life where it’s perfectly okay.
The pros: Having a bias makes you more focused and opens up a whole new world, as far as meeting other fans who only follow one member.
The cons: Navigating biases in a group like SB19 can be a tricky thing. It sometimes divides the fandom when a perceived issue comes up and fans start warring with one another to protect their favorite. Also, it’s not so much fun when you don’t know which house you belong to, but it’s ok that you endlessly (but not aimlessly) wander between all of them.
The solution: Respect that as individuals, we will have our own preferences, but remember, that we are a part of a greater whole, just like they are. SB19 members have been together for a long, long time, and they had one another before they had us. They are inextricably tied together, just like we are, as the fans who love them. We can only help them reach their goals by putting all our efforts and resources together for the good of the whole group. So yes, you may have a home in an individual house, but we are all family, or, at the very least, friendly neighbors 💙
You might get scolded.
If, like me, you’re not used to fandom culture and etiquette, a time may come that you will get scolded by an OG A’Tin or gently corrected. It comes with the territory when you’re just entering a well-established fandom and are only just learning.
A’Tin likes to remind us that none of us are beyond reproach. If you dig long enough, you will find a tweet from our Pinuno, Pablo, correcting the use of A’Tin in plural form, which, in English, equates to adding an “s”. It seems an innocent enough thing to do, but Pablo reminded us that A’Tin is, in fact, a collective noun, and adding this “s” is not only unnecessary but grammatically incorrect.
There are things that we may want to say in a public arena (i.e. social media sites) that do not necessarily align with the rest of the fandom. Even if it is only our personal opinion, if it can have an effect on the group, you can expect other members of the fandom to reach out and express their concern. This may feel disconcerting at first because, of course, our own opinions are valid, and we should be able to express them, but just know that there is nothing malicious about it.
The pros: We become informed AND educated fans.
The cons: It’s a little humbling at first, but soon you’ll realize it’s not personal. It’s difficult to put aside our pride and egos (I know for me this is, and has always been, a challenge) for the greater good of the group.
The solution: We are all still learning, and, of course, part of that is making mistakes and learning to correct them. Being part of a fandom is like being part of a family, and just like in a family, we have to look out for one another, and that involves being self-aware of our behaviors and what we say, as it will not only reflect on our fandom, but SB19 as well.
There will be people who don’t need to know anything about you except that you’re an SB19 fan to hate you.
That being said, there are fights worth fighting, and it’s not so much a war but a defensive strategy. Believe it or not, SB19 still has haters. And that hate will inevitably be directed against the fandom as well. It can even be the other way around, where other fandoms attack A’Tin and end up criticizing SB19.
The first instinct may always be to protect and attack back, but as an established fandom, A’Tin doesn’t have the luxury of reacting without thinking. We are aware that everything might carry over to how casual observers and people in other fandoms see SB19. So sometimes, we must take the high road and be the bigger person, because that’s what SB19 would want us to do.
The pros: You will never be alone in this battle. A’Tin all over the world will support you and be alongside you in these conflicts.
The cons: You might get so used to being on the defense that you may end up overreacting at any slight provocation.
The solution: Expect that people will still compare SB19 to KPop. Expect that there are people who will talk crap about the group still. Expect the naysayers. SB19 weathered those storms before they got to where they are now. So if we must weather them too, then that’s what we will do. And just like SB19, as a fandom, we will do it together.
You’re going to start learning Filipino, whether you like it or not.
Most A’Tin are Filipinos, and posts about SB19 are often a complex mix of Filipino and English, due to the fact that the majority of Filipinos are raised bilingual. The language is not such a barrier in these conversational interactions.
It is, however, not so much a barrier but just another nuance in supporting a Pinoy Pop group that we must consider. Because while SB19 has some English-heavy songs (like “Bazinga”, “WYAT”, and “I Want You”), most of their discography are in Filipino. Pablo and the rest of the group have always been very vocal about their goal of introducing Filipino music to the world, and a big part of that is its language.
We don’t have a fan chant- A’Tin doesn’t really need it since we know most or all the words to their songs by heart. You can memorize the words of the songs to start, so you can sing along. But to fully grasp the meaning of their songs and appreciate the songwriting, you will want to familiarize yourself with some Filipino words and with what they actually mean. That’s when the magic truly happens. Think of how much harder “Hanggang sa Huli” hits, when you know that “Mahal kita” means “I love you”.
The pros: You will learn another language. Or for non-Filipino speaking Filipinos, you will start learning it again. And for Filipino-speaking Filipinos, you will appreciate the beauty of our language.
The cons: It might get confusing as you start toggling between English and Filipino. You might get self-conscious about your pronunciation.
The solution: Don’t worry about it. SB19 loves hearing all their fans, Filipinos and international alike, sing their songs in their native language. No one cares about pronunciation. We just love and appreciate the fact that you’re trying.
If you are a Filipino or part-Filipino abroad, you’re going to start thinking about going back to the Philippines. If you are neither, you will start thinking about going to the Philippines.
SB19 talks about the Philippines and being Filipinos a lot. This may cause international fans to be curious about the country and Filipino fans abroad to want to reconnect back with the motherland. Videos of SB19 concerts in the Philippines may serve as fuel for the fire to travel there and experience that energy firsthand.
Next thing you know, you’re looking up flight prices and debating with yourself about your ability to withstand the long flight.
The pros: The Philippines is actually a great country to travel to. The most expensive thing you’ll pay for is the flight; otherwise, the dollar and international currency stretch quite a bit there.
The cons: The flight is long, and it’s hot in the Philippines.
The solution: If you can, go! Make your plans and go when you can. You’ll probably understand better why SB19 and Filipinos love the Philippines once you’ve visited. The country is full of friendly and hospitable people, and if you haven’t tried it yet, Filipino food is freaking delicious. Just make sure you book a hotel or airbnb with air conditioning.
You will talk to everyone about SB19.
My first victim was my sister, then my mother. And then I moved on to my boyfriend. And then everyone I know. And then everyone they know. I’m pretty sure I’ve become somewhat repetitive in my mission to expose as many people as possible to SB19 and their music.
With SB19 gaining traction internationally, I believe that now is the perfect time to introduce them and their music to everyone. Some may be receptive, others not so much. If I could even pique one person’s interest, I would consider that a win. If talking about them means that their name might be remembered at any given moment, which could result in someone new looking up one of their music videos, then I’m good with that. If being looked at funny because I seem focused on the group means that it will help them move towards their goal by even an inch, then it’s worth it.
Being a fangirl comes with its own set of challenges. Not only is there a bias in the wider society that those who engage in fan behavior are “crazy, obsessive, desperate, shallow, and hysterical”- directly quoted from a Hot Press article by Selina Juengling in September 2022, there is also a misunderstanding that all of us are not only young, but mostly female. We know that’s not true. A’tin has a multitude of fanboys as well, and the last time I checked, SB19’s fans come from all walks of life and all age ranges.
My point? Those who judge us don’t actually have any idea about what fandoms are made of and what we stand for. With them not knowing anything and not knowing what they don’t know enough to want to educate themselves, they don’t count. Their opinion is irrelevant. They can keep doing them, and we will keep doing us.
The pros: You will get to practice your public speaking skills. You may convince a few people to listen to SB19 music, and once they do, you will be converting casual (partly coerced) listeners into A’Tin themselves. This last part is the easiest because we all know that all we need to do is put SB19 in front of people, and the rest will follow. You will also gain a multitude of online friends, as A’Tin as a fandom are very friendly, welcoming, and always down to talk about anything and everything SB19.
The cons: You might get judged.
The solution: Take every criticism and unwarranted opinion that is thrown your way with a grain of salt and go on your merry way. YOU were doing THEM a favor by introducing SB19 to them. Everyone has different preferences, after all, and who are we to tell them that theirs is wrong? But they are wrong, as far as I’m concerned. Just kidding, or am I?!?!
Your dating/personal life may suffer.
Perhaps one of the hardest parts of being a fangirl/fanboy is that it takes a lot of time to devote yourself to both a partner in real life and also your group and/or bias. I know my not-given-to-throw-tantrums-boyfriend, when I first discovered SB19 and was fully immersed in my discovery, all of a sudden became very pouty. He would demand my attention more frequently and would be a little salty that my focus is elsewhere. It doesn’t help that all my fan activities are connected to social media, and it seems that I’m glued to my phone at all times. So, if you’re coupled up and your partner is not yet an SB19 fan, they may get jealous (it’s a very real thing).
If you are single, then it may get even more difficult. You might start comparing every potential partner to your favorite bias, and they may not meet your expectations. Sometimes they’re better, oftentimes they’re not.
The pros: You will always a jowa in Stell. I mean he introduces himself as A’Tin’s eternal boyfriend. You may even convince your partner, if you have one, to become a fan of SB19 as well.
The cons: No one in the real world may ever live up to the fantasy. And if you are a part of a couple, you might get lectured on how much time you’re spending on fan activities online.
The solution: Make room in your life for love in all aspects. Love for SB19, and love that you can actually feel and touch. Let SB19’s love songs inspire you to love more and harder. Bask in the knowledge that true love exists, because as one Twitter friend (@sb19comebackpls) told me, “If artists like SB19 can sing about it, then it’s real”. Appreciate what you have, and for those who aren’t currently a part of a couple, anticipate what’s to come.
Prepare to live a double life.
We can’t always go around talking about SB19 all the time and still live a functional and productive life. As I’ve mentioned before, there’s real life obligations to our partners, families, friends, and jobs. Some of us balance this better than others. Just like some of us are more comfortable not being openly vocal about being part of a fandom.
With so many biases against being fangirls/fanboys, it’s understandable that some may not want to reveal to those around them that they are one or the extent of their participation in a fandom. That is absolutely ok. We all choose to handle things in our lives in the way that works best for us.
We are all living double lives, although in varying degrees and extent. There is nothing wrong with that, as long as nothing in your life suffers. For me, being a professional means maybe not talking about my love for SB19 as vocally as I would inside my workplace as I would anywhere else.
The pros: We become quite adept at multitasking and compartmentalizing. These skills will not only benefit you as a fangirl/fanboy; in fact they can be applied to every aspect of our lives.
The cons: It might feel like we are not being our truest and most authentic selves all the time.
The solution: Remember that part of our mission as a fandom is to spread the positivity that SB19 brings into our lives to those around us, and that also extends to how we treat ourselves. Know that whatever you do as a fan is always based on love. Spread the passion that led you to the SB19 fandom to all parts of your life and watch it blossom.
Final words
I, as a baby A’Tin, welcome you to the best fandom in the world. I hope you’ll love it here just as much as I do. Let’s continue to support Mahalima and one another in their (and our) quest for world domination. Mabuhay!
Everything SB19 