BINI is on a roll!
The eight-member girl group—Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena—is gearing up for their highly anticipated three-day concert, Grand Biniverse, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum starting November 16, 2024.
Recently, the group released their docuseries, Chapter 1: Born to Win, streaming on iWantTFC.
Read: BINI documentary shows the making of a phenomenon
The group is also in the running for Best Asia Act at the upcoming MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester, United Kingdom, in November.
But before that, the girls will share the stage with K-pop luminaries Rain and Hwasa of Mamamoo at the HIS7ORY music festival at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 20.
The girls are likewise highly sought-after product endorsers, representing a global soft drink brand, a local fast food giant, and various beauty, grooming, and wellness products.
Recently, the food brand CDO has partnered with BINI for its latest campaign “Idol Meets Idol” raffle promo where fans can win VIP concert tickets to the Grand Biniverse concert and P1,000 worth of CDO products.
Read: Jay R thanks BINI's Stacey for gracing "Sining" music video
BINI ON BEING POP IDOLS
The girls have certainly come a long way from their early days as unknowns to becoming one of today's biggest Filipino pop acts.
However, with fame comes the enormous responsibility of being role models, especially for the young fans who comprise most of the group's audience.
While BINI champions self-expression and individuality, the girls are mindful of the importance of setting a positive example, knowing that their every move is closely observed and scrutinized.
"Yes, for us po yung idol, malaking responsibility siya kasi yung mga kabataan ngayon parang ito na yung susundan nila kung anong gawin namin. Kumbaga kami yung nagse-set ng standards for them sa generation na 'to," Jhoanna told members of the media at the press conference officially launching CDO's campaign.
She continued, "Sobrang happy lang namin kasi katulad nga ng sinabi niyo po kanina, na meron tayong batang idol na sinasayaw nila yung mga songs namin na kahit papano, ganun pala kalaki yung impact ng BINI."
Although unfair criticism from cynics can sting, the girls are learning to filter out the noise so it doesn’t affect their disposition.
Mikha expounded on this, saying, "Well, I do think you can let it affect you, but in a certain way that it doesn't hurt anyone and hurt you in a negative way."
Read: BINI's Jabbawockeez-inspired outfit draws mixed reactions
Added Mikha, "Because I think everyone takes constructive criticism and it just really matters on, it depends on us on how we handle it.
"And I think we've been handling it in the best way possible and where we don't want to cause even more negative thoughts to our Blooms."
Blooms is the official name of BINI's fandom.
Read: BINI celebrates third anniversary with more than 8,000 fans
The girls focus their energy on the positives of fame and the benefits of their growing influence, rather than dwelling on its drawbacks.
Jhoanna stated that they cherish how their success enables them to give back to their families and supporters in every possible way.
"Kahit papaano nakakaya na namin magkaroon ng outreach programs na own expense kasama ng mga Blooms namin para lang makapag-give back kami sa support and love na natatanggap namin, and share our blessings, of course," smiled Jhoanna.
Speaking of their fans, the girls have had numerous memorable experiences during their encounters and interactions with them.
Read: BINI Gwen calls for privacy after fans knocked on their rooms
Maloi affectionately calls the Blooms "crazy" and "sweet," and they appreciate their dedication to supporting BINI since its early days.
"Mga sweet, lahat sila sweet," beamed Maloi.
"I think yung pinaka na-appreciate talaga namin yung last concert namin nung Biniverse. May one prod [production number] kami tapos naglabas sila ng mga banners while we're singing.
"So I find it very sweet. Thank you, Blooms!"
BINI BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHT
Meanwhile, the girls' busy schedules leave them with little downtime, so they make the most of their occasional breaks by enjoying their hobbies and getting plenty of rest.
Aiah offered a glimpse into their activities outside the limelight: "Since walo kami, there are some of us who like to stay indoors, like to stay outdoors.
"And since, thank you, Lord, ang daming blessings na pumapasok lately. So if may time kami to rest, we sleep.
"If not naman, then we get to catch up with friends, we get to do our hobbies.
"So that's our way of de-stressing and coping up with the busy schedule that we have."
Have they discovered any new hobbies recently?
"Ako po, meron po," Colet readily replied.
Read: BINI members Colet, Maloi graduate from senior high school
"Since more on indoor lang po ako na tao, nagde-declutter po ako ng mga gamit," she candidly shared, drawing laughs from everyone.
BINI Members and Their Diverse Passions
What makes BINI captivating and appealing to their fans is their diverse personalities and interests, which allow them to connect with people from all walks of life.
Jhoanna, who lists mojos and fries among her favorite foods, has always been passionate about music.
She can play the guitar and was even a majorette.
Meanwhile, K-drama enthusiast Maloi can play both the guitar and ukulele.
Her love for food and impressive appetite have humorously earned her the title "Rice President" from her fellow Star Hunt Academy trainees.
Like Maloi, Mikhaela is also an avid K-drama viewer, in addition to being a sports enthusiast and former cheerdancer before pursuing a career in show business.
Sheena, hailing from Santiago City, Isabela, loves sweets, dancing, and engaging in the arts.
Stacey, on the other hand, has a passion for makeup, modeling, and dancing.
Aiah enjoys swimming and drawing, while Colet delights in singing, dancing, and reading.
Notably, Colet’s sense of responsibility and organization has earned her the clever title of "TRASH-urer" among her fellow trainees.
Finally, Gwen has a fondness for ice cream, pepperoni pizza, and spicy food, though she dislikes peanuts.
A fan of the late singer Karen Carpenter, Gwen also loves collecting heels and has a fascination with makeup artistry.
