BINI was the sole P-Pop girl group among the headlining artists at the G Music Fest 2023.
Composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena, the group talked about their festival experience in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati City on September 16, 2023.
According to Jhoanna, being the only P-Pop girl group was "an honor and responsibility."
She proudly stated, "It's an honor... na kahit papaano, we are here to represent P-Pop, lalo na hindi naman lahat ng audience natin tonight alam nila ang P-Pop.”
Aiah, the leader of the group, hoped their performance that night would prompt non-fans to explore P-pop.
"At, hopefully, maging BLOOM [din sila]," Aiah jokingly added, refering to their fandom known as BLOOM.
On a more serious note, BINI expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their talents to a large audience.
Maloi earnestly said, “Kami na BINI, iba yung crowd dito, so [this is] our time to show our creativity, to show our craft sa mga tao."
Because, for the two-year-old group, performances serve as a “way of connecting sa mga tao, and introducing yourself.”
Read: P-Pop groups BGYO, BINI, and more headline KUMU's 4th anniversary concert
PASSION AND STRUGGLES AS ARTISTS
However, BINI admitted to facing numerous challenges despite being the leading P-pop girl group in the country.
Their P-pop journey has not been as glamorous as it seems, especially behind the scenes.
Aiah pointed out, "We actually have a lot of tough times na hindi nakikita ng mga tao."
For instance, Mikha disclosed the group's struggle in finding their unique sound within the ever-evolving P-pop industry.
She said, "It took a long while for us to actually find our exact music or exact sound.”
Thanks to their singles like “Na Na Na” and “Lagi,” BINI found the music style they wish to pursue.
Despite the challenges, it is their passion that steers them through the obstacles on their journey.
Sheena reminisced, "Nagsimula ako ang kinakapitan ko lang yung passion ko for dancing...
“It's really important, lalo na sa dark times namin, yun yung naaalala namin...
“We wanted to be an artist, a performer ganyan — so dun kami bumabalik every time na nawawala kami sa role."
Most importantly, their fans are a significant source of motivation.
The eight members are grateful to BLOOM, their fandom.
Aiah said of their fans, “Nandiyan sila kahit ang daming mga negativity in this world.
“Di nila alam na whenever we perform and yung nakikita lang namin sila... nai-inspire kami.”
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH BLOOMS
With the deep affection and genuine love of the fast-rising P-pop girl group toward their fans, PEP.ph challenged BINI to recall the most memorable fan interaction or gift they received from BLOOMs.
Maloi was quick to answer that it was the BINI Fest for her, which she described as an event that was “just for BINI and BLOOMs,” followed by the Meet and Greet, "na halos mawalan kami ng boses kakausap sa BLOOMs."
She added, "Sobrang worth it niya kasi nagkaroon kami ng face-to-face interactions, na napakatagal naming hinintay…
"Pag mga ganong [event], talagang chine-cherish na namin."
For Stacey, it was the time when BLOOMs saw their bare and post-practice faces.
"Kunwari kakagaling namin [sa ABS-CBN] tapos sobrang pagod kami sa training talaga tas yung pinagpapawisan, tas mamaya pagkalabas namin, may BLOOMs, tas parang nakakahiya dahil parang sobrang pawis lahat.
"Pero kahit na nakita nila yung pinakapangit namin na side, na pawis-pawis kami, mahal pa rin talaga nila kami, thank you so much po," she gratefully reminisced.
Meanwhile, Gwen cherished the day they spent with fans during their first anniversary, celebrated with an ice skating activity, because, "Bonding talaga siya like nakasama namin sila [BLOOMs] mag-ice skating [at] nakausap namin sila, tas sobrang tagal din noon na interaction po talaga and super nag-enjoy kaming lahat doon, for sure."
With all the interactions they have had, Colet confidently said that BINI no longer considers their fans as "fans," but as their friends, whom they now recognize by faces and names.
Despite their closeness, BINI was amazed by the respect that BLOOMs have shown in terms of boundaries.
"Mayroong limit pa rin," Colet shared, "Kahit nakikita na nila kami, hindi nila kami dinudumog… mayroong respect pa rin… ‘hi from afar’ lang."
PLANS AND COLLABORATIONS IN MIND
With the busy schedule of BINI, the group is focused on taking their game to the next level.
The members are eager to, “explore [and] yes, evolve, every year, every comeback,” Mikha mentioned.
In fact, BINI just made their comeback on September 22, 2023, with the release of the official music video for “Karera,” which surpassed 100,000 views in less than a week.
Discussing potential collaborations they are interested in, especially with artists also present at G Music Fest, BINI named Lola Amour, December Avenue, I Belong To The Zoo, PLAYERTWO, and the drag queens from the Drag Race Philippines Season 2.
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