MANILA, Philippines — In an unexpected turn of events, P-pop girl group BINI has come under fire from netizens after a now-viral video appeared to show some of the members visibly expressing disinterest—or even disgust—towards popular Filipino street foods.

The clip, which originally aired as part of a YouTube content challenge, sparked heated reactions from local viewers. Several online users interpreted the group’s facial expressions and comments as “snobbish,” “elitist,” or “ungrateful,” with some going so far as to label them “FEELINGERA”—a colloquial Filipino term often used to describe people perceived as acting superior or too full of themselves.

👀 What Really Happened in the Video?

In the YouTube video, the BINI members were introduced to a variety of traditional Filipino street food such as isaw (grilled intestines), betamax (congealed blood), adidas (chicken feet), and kwek-kwek (battered quail eggs). While a few members gave it a try, others were seen pulling away, covering their mouths, or visibly grimacing.

While some fans defended the group by saying it was simply an honest reaction or personal food preference, others were less forgiving, interpreting the reactions as disrespectful to Filipino culture and the working class who rely on these foods every day.

“Hindi naman nila kailangang kumain kung ayaw nila, pero sana hindi gano’n ang reaksyon. Parang pinandidirihan nila ang pagkaing Pinoy,” one comment read, gaining thousands of likes.

🔥 Netizens Divided: Cultural Insensitivity or Blown Out of Proportion?

The incident ignited a cultural debate online. Some believe that as public figures and role models, BINI members should show more respect when being introduced to cultural staples—especially in a country where food is closely tied to identity, class, and pride.

“It’s not just food. It’s a reflection of our culture, our childhoods, and the street vendors who work hard every day. Their reaction felt like a slap to the face,” another netizen wrote.

However, the BLOOMs (BINI’s fandom) quickly came to the girls’ defense, urging the public not to overreact. Many pointed out that the video was edited for entertainment and that the girls have always supported local products and traditions in their past interviews and performances.

“Let’s not cancel people over a few seconds of reaction. Everyone has their food preferences,” said one Twitter user.

🎙️ Will BINI Respond to the Backlash?

As of this writing, BINI and their management team have not issued an official statement regarding the controversy. Still, the incident has undeniably impacted their image, especially among older audiences and street food lovers.

Social media experts note that controversies like this can be both a risk and a lesson for rising stars in the entertainment industry. In the age of virality, one facial expression can spark nationwide backlash.

✅ The Bigger Picture: Fame, Culture, and Responsibility

This viral moment highlights the growing pressure on celebrities to balance authenticity with cultural awareness, especially in countries like the Philippines, where public perception can shift in a heartbeat.

While some see this as a harmless incident, others view it as a missed opportunity for the group to connect with their roots and show solidarity with Filipino culture beyond the spotlight.