Bini member Aiah Arceta calls for privacy, respect amid negative fan encounters

MANILA, Philippines — Aiah Arceta, one of the eight members of the P-Pop girl group Bini, voiced her concerns about privacy and requested respect after incidents of fans ignoring her personal space went viral on social media.

On Sunday, a day after their “BINIverse” concert in Baguio, Arceta posted a statement on Instagram explaining her recent absence from social media.

“The truth is, a lot of things have been happening lately, and I just needed some time and space to process them. I appreciate and am grateful to everyone who has been so kind, understanding, and patient with me. I am blessed to have people like them, and I hope we can continue to have eyes that can see the good, mouths that can speak what’s right, and ears that can listen and understand,” she began.

Arceta shared her experience during a recent trip to her hometown of Cebu following Bini’s three consecutive sold-out shows at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City from June 28 to June 30. She said that she went home to relax with family and friends but noted that there were times when others did not respect her need for privacy and personal time.

“Some would directly run up to me, grab a photo (even while I was eating), post it in real-time, use my face and post it on pages or places for the sake of clout and publicity without my consent, and worse, some would even include the real-time location, which I don’t think is safe,” she continued.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like taking pictures with others, and I enjoy meeting people who are as passionate as we are in the world of music and entertainment. It also warms my heart to hear and see people slowly learning more about me and my group, Bini. But I just hope that people also see and respect us as human beings. We don’t always get to go out lately because we have been busy with work, and the least we can ask for is for others to respect our personal time and our humanity,” the 23-year-old added.

“I also want to remind everyone to be kinder with their words and actions, especially when expressed online. You never know how much it could take a toll on somebody and affect them on a daily basis. I hope we can fill this world with love, respect, and positivity.”

Arceta’s post came after a video of a man who approached her at a Cebu bar went viral.

Fans of the group immediately voiced their concern.

AJ Fernan, the individual involved, posted an apology on Facebook.

Bini member Aiah Arceta. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/BINI_PH 

Fernan clarified that his actions were not intended to scare or harm Arceta but rather to express admiration for her beauty. Despite this, some critics deemed his apology insincere, accusing him of seeking attention.

The hashtag #KasuhansiAJFernan gained traction on social media, with fans urging Star Magic to consider legal action.

In a separate incident, Maloi Ricalde found herself surrounded by fans seeking photos while dining with her family in Batangas.

Addressing these incidents, Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi appeared in a video posted on Bini’s social media pages, highlighting the group’s need for rest following their three-day concert.

“I hope that when our members are spending their personal time, especially with their families and friends, you will also show respect for their privacy and personal space.

They are also human beings who need to interact with others,” Dyogi said.

“I appeal to the Blooms and other supporters. I know you are excited to see them, but please remember that they have come from a very hectic schedule these past few months. We also want to give them a chance to enjoy some semblance of a regular life,” he added.

Bini is one of the most prominent music acts this year, known for hit songs like “Pantropiko” and “Salamin, Salamin.”

Apart from Arceta and Ricalde, the girl group includes Colet, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena.