BINI, the Pinoy pop group known for their hits "Pantropiko" and "Salamin, Salamin," caught attention over the weekend as they donned coordinated outfits at the airport en route to General Santos for their BINIVerse concert.
The all-female group, clad in khaki hoodies, pants, and masks obscuring their faces, evoked comparisons to the iconic hip-hop group the Jabbawockeez, who shot to fame in 2008 after winning in the reality dance show, America's Best Dance Crew.
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In addition to their entertaining choreographed dance routines, the Jabbawockeez are renowned for their distinctive style of synchronized attire and masks, which serve to conceal their identities.
Many assume that BINI's choice of attire was not just a homage to the hip-hop group but also a pointed response to critics.
PRIVACY CONTROVERSY
Recently, the members of the group were photographed wearing face masks, dark sunglasses, and caps in public, leading netizens to speculate that they were intentionally trying to avoid being recognized by fans.
Earlier this month, BINI member Aiah Arceta appealed to fans to respect their privacy following an incident in Cebu during a day out with her family.
“However, there were still times when other people would not understand the need for privacy and personal time," posted Aiah on Instagram Stories.
She further lamented, “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.”
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While some sympathized with Aiah, others argued that losing privacy and entertaining fans in public are inherent aspects of fame that celebrities must learn to deal with.
Read: Tama bang isiwalat sa social media ang kundisyon ng isang pasyente nang walang pahintulot?
TRENDING ONLINE
Meanwhile, BINI's airport outfit gimmick drew various reactions from netizens.
Fans — who called it "the biggest clapback" to bashers — applauded the group for being bold, praising the members for getting back at their critics with both humor and creativity.
Critics, meanwhile, hit back anew at the group, calling them "OA" and "mayabang," among others.
Interestingly, the issue even made it to the news of the Korean pop culture online publication Koreaboo popular among K-pop and K-drama fans.
Read: BINI to perform at KCON LA 2024
Setting controversy aside, BINI's concert in General Santos reportedly attracted loads of fans, with supporters sharing photos and videos taken from the day of the show.
#BINI : Gensan! We're so grateful for a night full of love and strength all around???????? Salamat kaayo, langga! Sa susunod! #WaloHanggangDulo ????
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) July 21, 2024
BINIVERSE GOES TO GENSAN#BINIverse #BINIverseGensan#BINIverse_TheRegionalTour#BINIversayangHulyo pic.twitter.com/t7R2z6SEaa