It’s astonishing to think that BINI nearly ended before it even began.
This seems unimaginable now, given the group’s incredible success that has established it as the “Nation's Girl Group.”
However, a key takeaway from the docuseries Chapter 1: Born to Win is that BINI’s rise to the top wasn’t instant, but was achieved through adversity, unwavering determination, and personal and collective heartbreaks.
The documentary is produced by ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, and directed by Jet Leyco and journalist-writer Jeff Canoy.
THE BEGINNING OF BINI
The first installment of the three-part docuseries centers on the events leading to the group’s inaugural major concert, which took place on June 28, 29, and 30, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
Within this framework, the storytelling jumps between the concert preparations and the actual event, while exploring the group's origins through interviews and previously unseen footage.
It’s fascinating to trace the group’s journey, which began in 2017 as a concept project envisioned by Laurenti Dyogi, the head of Entertainment Production at ABS-CBN.
Read: Laurenti Dyogi appeals for return of BINI Sheena's stolen standee
Inspired by the global success of Korean pop or K-pop, the Kapamilya executive thought of creating a local group using the same formula employed by South Koreans to develop artists.
Jet and Jeff brought out audition tapes of the group’s members alongside other aspirants from across the country, all sharing the dream of making it in show business.
Interestingly, the aspirants who participated in the Star Hunt Academy tryouts in 2018 were unaware of what they were auditioning for, as the concept was kept tightly under wraps.
On a side note, the auditions were organized by management to also scout for new talents for the network’s programs, particularly reality shows like Pinoy Big Brother, intending to nurture them for its new batch of stars.
Read: Pinoy Big Brother and its memorable real-life drama
However, it was clear from the outset, at least from management’s perspective, that these auditions were largely intended to identify members for a planned singing and dancing group.
BINI'S ROCKY PATH TO STARDOM
After months of rigorous audition and selection process that included workshops supervised by Korean trainers, management chose Aiah Arceta, Colet Vergara, Maloi Ricaldi, Gwen Apuli, Stacey Sevilleja, Mikha Lim, Jhoanna Robles, and Sheena Catacutan to represent the group.
Read: BINI: The binibinis of P-pop in full bloom
With the roster finalized, the group was poised to conquer the music scene, right?
Not quite.
As the girls quickly learned, the road to stardom was bumpy and not for the faint of heart.
The documentary highlights the struggles the BINI members faced—personal differences, conflicts, and demanding training— as they fought to make their mark in a cutthroat industry.
It didn't help that during the group's development, the country was forced to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was further hampered by ABS-CBN’s controversial failed bid to renew its franchise after the majority in Congress voted against it.
Read: President Rodrigo Duterte admits using "presidential powers" against ABS-CBN
The documentary reveals how, upon hearing the devastating news of the network's shutdown, the ladies collapsed to the floor in tears, united in their grief, fearing that management might dissolve BINI before it even had the chance to debut.
With the future in limbo, management faced a tough decision on whether to continue despite the prevailing uncertainties or terminate the project altogether.
In hindsight, the pandemic and the loss of ABS-CBN’s franchise galvanized the group, ironically preparing them for the tsunami of fame that awaited them, even though they were unaware of it then.
BONDED BY JOY AND HEARTACHES
Chapter 1: Born to Win vividly presents the journey of BINI as a group and its eight members.
Being an authorized documentary project, Jet and Jeff had access to numerous video materials that captured behind-the-scenes scenarios, revealing the girls in their most vulnerable and unguarded moments.
The clips of all the members living together under one roof for years are true gems, showcasing the complex dynamics within the group during their formative years.
Plus, first-hand stories as told by BINI members and the people behind the group lend the narrative authenticity that makes the storytelling more engaging.
The documentary is sure to endear the girls even more to its fans while also winning over new converts previously unfamiliar with the BINI story.
Chapter 1: Born to Win reminds us that beneath BINI's surface glamor lies the struggles, sacrifices, and tears everyone involved had to endure to make it all happen.
Read: BINI celebrates third anniversary with more than 8,000 fans
The documentary effectively demonstrates two key points: BINI is not an overnight success, and their achievements are no fluke, making them truly deserving of the accolades they currently enjoy.
Chapter 1: Born to Win is available for streaming on iWantTFC.