SB19, the P-POP Kings, has captured the hearts of many with their powerful music and inspiring journey to the top. Known for their dedication, hard work, and talent, the group has cultivated a passionate and ever-growing fanbase known as A’TIN.
More than just fans, A’TIN share a deep connection with each other that goes far beyond their love for SB19. Through social media and real-life meetups, they have built lasting friendships, creating a supportive and tight-knit community where they can grow, thrive, and stand by each other—just like family.
Stan X, formerly Twitter, has often been seen as a platform for quick interactions and fleeting connections, but for A’TIN, it’s much more. X and other online spaces have become bridges that connect people from all walks of life, turning strangers into friends, and sometimes, into chosen family.
It is not just about being fans—it is about finding a community, a safe space where people understand, support, and grow together.
A Lifeline in Difficult Times
Julienne Zabala, a 27-year-old fan who has been part of A’TIN for two years, reflects on how her fandom friendships started unexpectedly at a fan event: “I attended the Watsons Con 2023, and nakilala ko ‘yung dalawang girls sa pila na nasa 40 plus na ‘yung isa, habang ‘yung isa ay mas bata sakin, mga 24 pa lang.”
Despite the age gap and the fact that they live far from each other, Zabala says these friendships have become a crucial part of her life: “Lumalim na rin yung friendship namin kasi nagsshare na kami pati ng personal life and struggles namin. We really talk almost everyday, mga chikas, kamustahan ganun. Its really comforting kasi nga we understand each other.” She shares.
Zabala’s story is a common one within A’TIN, where fans often form tight-knit groups over shared experiences. These connections go beyond just talking about their idols—they become confidants, people you can rely on for emotional support.
Zabala shares how her core group of A’TIN friends has become a source of strength: “Lagi silang andiyan [for me], online man or physical. Theyre really helpful also kasi we share each others stories din sa group and ayun somehow it lessens the burden.”
For 23-year-old Emman, who joined A’TIN five years ago, these friendships were a lifeline during the pandemic. “During the lockdown, when everything felt uncertain, I had my A’TIN friends to talk to. Like magdamag magkakausap sa call ganon, and it really kept me sane,” he says.
Even though they do not talk as frequently now because of their busy schedules, Emman feels that the bond has not faded: “Once we see or talk with each other again, parang walang nagbabago, andon pa rin yung closeness.”
Beyond the emotional support, Emman’s A’TIN friends also had a huge impact on his professional life. One of his friends encouraged him to enter the world of virtual assistance (VA), which is now his primary source of income.
“Isa sa A’TIN friends ko yung nag-push sa akin to work sa VA world. Hindi ko akalain na kaya ko pala,” Emman shares. “Super grateful ako sa kanila because they helped me realize na I could do it. That decision changed my life, and now it’s how I make a living.”
Fandom knows no boundaries
One of the most beautiful aspects of A’TIN friendships is how they bring together people from all over the world.
Louise, who has been in the fandom for five years, shares how she reconnected with an elementary school friend after discovering they were both A’TIN. “We hadn’t seen each other in years, but once we realized we were both fans of SB19, it was like no time had passed. From there, we went to different events together where we also gained other friends.”
Even during the pandemic, when in-person events were impossible, Louise says the friendships never wavered: “‘Yung connection na na-build sa fandom, hindi nawala despite the fact na hindi kami nagkikita nang personal dahil sa pandemic at Twitter or social media lang ang ways namin to communicate.”
For many fans, these friendships aren’t just about attending concerts together—they’re about sharing life’s highs and lows.
Mark Jhondel, a 24-year-old fan, found that his A’TIN friends were there for him in ways he didn’t expect: “During the pandemic, online classes were hard for me. I didn’t even have Wi-Fi at home, but my friends were so kind—they would spare me load just so I could attend my classes. They didn’t just support me emotionally, they helped me in practical ways too.”
Mark also talks about how his friends became a vital source of support when he faced negativity online: “There were moments when I doubted myself, but they were always there to remind me that what I feel is valid. When I was caught up in cancel culture on X, my A’TIN friends were the ones I leaned on. They defended me, but they also corrected me when I made mistakes. That kind of friendship is so rare.”
Growing together, supporting each other
The friendships within A’TIN have helped many fans grow, both emotionally and personally. For Zabala, these connections have provided not only emotional support but also a sense of belonging. “More than the core friends that I have, the whole A’TIN community talaga is really helpful sa mental health ko. It feels like you have a place na you belong.”
Louise also found herself growing through the encouragement of her A’TIN friends. “When I discovered my love for writing, graphic designing, and photography, it was my A’TIN friends na nag-encourage at sumuporta sakin. Also, whenever I’m in doubt, sila rin yung nag-a-assure sakin na kaya ko at magaling ako.”
For her, these friendships have extended beyond the fandom, becoming a space where personal dreams are supported and celebrated.
Mark echoes this sentiment, saying that his friends helped him become more confident and secure in who he is: “They didn’t just cheer me on, they helped me grow. They were there during my broken moments and my happy moments, and they gave me the tools I needed to become a better version of myself.”
What begins as a simple online conversation often turns into something more profound. Mark shares how his friendships have led to memorable in-person meetups at SB19 concerts: “We don’t see each other often because we live in different parts of the country, but we always make time to see each other from time to time. Those moments are priceless.”
For Emman, meeting his A’TIN friends in real life for the first time at a concert was unforgettable: “I’m shy in person, but when we finally met, it felt like we had known each other for years. Enjoy na enjoy lang kami sa concert ng idols namin with each other.”
Louise talks about how spontaneous her real-life meetups have become: “After years of just talking online, I found myself picking a friend up from the airport or traveling to Baguio to spend a few days with them. Those trips were spontaneous. SB19 brought us together, but it’s our connection that keeps us close.”
A family built on shared interest
The stories of Zabala, Emman, Louise, and Mark show that A’TIN friendships go far beyond the love for SB19. As Louise aptly summarizes “SB19 man naging channel ng friendship namin, but we were able to build a connection that’s beyond the love and admiration we have for the group.”
These friendships provide emotional support, inspire personal growth, and create a sense of belonging that is invaluable in today’s digital world. What starts as a shared passion for music becomes something much deeper—a family that stands by you through thick and thin.
For A’TIN, the bonds they have formed are as meaningful and lasting as their love for the boys who brought them together.
