More Than Just ‘Maarte’: BINI Accused of Shaming Filipino Culture After Controversial Street Food Reactions

Manila, Philippines – What began as a lighthearted food challenge quickly exploded into a heated national conversation about cultural pride, public image, and what it means to represent the Filipino identity in front of a global audience.

On July 8, the rising P-pop girl group BINI appeared on the foreign YouTube channel People vs. Food, where they were asked to try classic Filipino street foods such as betamax, isaw, hopiang baboy, and balut. While the video was meant to be fun and relatable, clips of some members hesitating, grimacing, or reacting negatively to the dishes quickly went viral across social media.

The backlash came fast and furious. Netizens began calling the girls maarte – a Filipino term often used to describe someone who’s overly picky, high-maintenance, or acting superior. Others accused the group of being too influenced by Korean pop standards, claiming they were trying to act “K-pop perfect” while turning their backs on Filipino culture.

“Why agree to a Filipino food challenge if you’re going to act disgusted?” one user wrote.
“They made us look bad in front of the world,” another added.

The Video That Sparked Outrage

The full video, still available on YouTube, shows the BINI members sampling a wide range of Filipino foods. Some dishes were well received, while others were clearly outside the members’ comfort zones. Many viewers who watched the entire video said the reactions were normal and authentic.

However, it was the edited clips, often just a few seconds long and stripped of context, that went viral first. In these, certain members are seen wincing or making faces as they try balut or isaw. When shared out of context, those reactions came across to many viewers as disgust or disrespect.

For some Filipinos, especially those living abroad, the sight of their national dishes being rejected on an international platform felt personal.

“Balut may not be for everyone, but it’s part of our culture,” one overseas Filipino commented.
“It’s not just food – it’s identity.”

From Food Challenge to Cultural Clash

The criticism quickly escalated beyond simple disapproval. BINI was accused of being “ashamed” of Filipino roots and “mocking their own culture for clout.” Online forums and Facebook groups debated whether young Filipino celebrities were losing touch with their identity in the pursuit of international fame.

Amid the criticism, some pointed to how other Asian idols proudly showcase their native foods abroad, regardless of how “weird” or unfamiliar they might seem to foreign audiences.

Sharlene San Pedro Steps In

In the midst of the backlash, actress and host Sharlene San Pedro came to BINI’s defense. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), she called out netizens for piling onto the group unfairly.

“Why are people judging them based on short, trimmed clips? Watch the full video. Not every Filipino likes every Filipino dish – that doesn’t make you less Pinoy.”

She also accused some users of jumping on a “hate train” simply because the topic was trending. Her comments, though meant to deescalate, sparked a fresh round of controversy.

Many fans applauded her for speaking out. But others accused her of gaslighting public criticism and ignoring the deeper issue of national pride.

“Sharlene, we love you, but this time you’re wrong,” one follower responded.
“Defending them blindly is just as harmful,” said another.

The backlash was so intense that Sharlene eventually locked her post’s replies, citing the flood of hate and toxicity.

Public Reaction Remains Divided

The incident has left the public deeply divided. Supporters of BINI argue that the video was overanalyzed and that the girls should not be forced to enjoy every Filipino dish just to prove their cultural loyalty. After all, taste is subjective.

But critics say this isn’t just about food – it’s about how Filipino culture is represented on global platforms. They argue that celebrities, especially those rising to international fame, carry a special responsibility to uplift their heritage rather than shy away from it.

“You can dislike something and still show respect,” one netizen wrote.
“What they showed wasn’t dislike – it was mockery.”

A Wake-Up Call for Artists

This controversy reflects a deeper tension that many young Filipino artists face today. As P-pop grows and competes on the global stage, performers are under pressure to blend international appeal with cultural authenticity. Missteps, however small, can quickly snowball into full-blown cultural debates.

As of now, neither BINI nor their agency has released an official statement. Whether they choose to apologize, clarify, or stay silent remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear – in the age of social media, one bite of balut can bite back.