By Bot Glorioso BINI’s threeyear journey to becoming P-pop idols

The eight-member P-pop girl group, composed of Colet, Maloi, Aiah, Gwen, Sheena, Stacey, Mikha and Jhoanna, aims to show the world what the modern Filipina is through its music.

Forget that pre-conceived notion that the female sex is weaker because in this day and age, women are more likely to survive even in the worst of circumstances. Members of BINI are no exception. No amount of hard work is too tough for them to accomplish.

The eight-member P-pop girl group was formed in 2018 through the Kapamilya talent search Star Hunt Academy. It first went viral for its pre-debut single titled Da Coconut Nut, a pop remix of maestro Ryan Cayabyab’s hit novelty song, released in November of last year.

Composed of Colet, Maloi, Aiah, Gwen, Sheena, Stacey, Mikha and Jhoanna, BINI finally had its official launch last June 11 in a grand virtual event that included performances from the girls and a fashion show where they strutted on stage the Francis Libiran collection, specially designed for them. The event was witnessed by fans called Blooms and select members of the entertainment press.

“BINI represents the modern Filipinas who are informed and empowered,” Colet told The STAR about the group’s music. “We’re not afraid to try new things and we want to show the world what the modern Filipina is through our music.”

Music enthusiasts will definitely be inspired with their debut track Born to Win that speaks about courage, strength and determination. It is also an apt description of what BINI stands for: The modern Filipina can be both fun-loving and determined to succeed.

Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi could attest to how the girls persevered in polishing their dance moves and harnessing their vocal power.

“2018 was a significant year for all of us,” began direk Lauren, who was also present at the launch. “It was a year when we met in different venues auditioning for Star Hunt. Back then, we didn’t know that we would all meet up today on this stage.”

He recalled how the girls underwent rigorous training for three years. “Your bodies were not used to it. I remembered Colet would be brought to the clinic because of pure exhaustion. At that time, I didn’t think that she was going to survive the training.”

All eight girls, direk Lauren added, had doubted their abilities that led Aiah and Gwen to go home. “But you (referring to the two girls) came back stronger and you found a very comfortable home in this new environment.”

Death in the family and homesickness were other difficulties that the girls had to handle yet they remained strong. “I’m so proud that all of you carried on despite the grief (because) of a loss in your family. Sheena and Jhoanna, we’re sorry for your loss but we’re so proud that you were able to show resilience and you found comfort in your new family and new sisters,” direk Lauren said.

“Lahat kayo dinaanan n’yo rin ‘yung teenage issue,” he noted and revealed how Maloi, Stacey and Mikha have matured and evolved into very responsible ladies. “You are all teenagers n’ung pumasok kayo dito and you were all trying to get used to each other’s personality coming from different backgrounds.”

According to Maloi, the value of discipline is one of the most important lessons they learned from their mentors “because without discipline, we won’t be able to improve ourselves and our craft in performing.”

No wonder, direk Lauren had nothing but praises for the girls. He admired how the girls all blossomed into beautiful binibinis inside and out.

“I know that you are confident enough because you have the right training,” he said, “the discipline and the right values that will carry you on in facing all the challenges.”

“Walang makakapigil sa inyo because I know that in your heart nothing can limit what you can do individually and as a group. And I know that it is etched in your hearts that you were all born to win,” he added.

Direk Lauren also shared that BINI and its male P-pop counterpart BGYO will have a joint concert in the latter part of the year. He also said that BINI’s Born to Win and BGYO’s The Light are set to be released in several foreign-language versions.