MANILA, Philippines — Nation’s Girl Group BINI couldn’t help but shed happy tears as they marked their third debut anniversary with their first-ever “Happy BINI Day” event on June 11 at One Ayala Mall in Makati.
The eight-member group composed of members Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Jhoanna, Maloi, Mikha, Stacey, and Sheena, officially debuted on June 11, 2021, after training under ABS-CBN’s “Star Hunt Academy” for two years.
Most of the Pantropiko hitmakers were immediately overwhelmed with emotions as they stepped on stage and witnessed the huge crowd that showed up at their meet and greet dubbed as “BINI Hour,” a segment of their first grand fan gathering.
The girls of BINI, wearing their black T-shirt merch, turned emotional as they reflected on their three-year journey, marveling at the “BINI-yahe” they experienced to get to where they are now.
“Hindi namin in-expect na mangyayari ang kung anong meron tayo ngayon sa loob lang ng tatlong taon,” said the group’s leader Jhoanna.
Her fellow members, Sheena and Stacey, recalled celebrating their first anniversary with only a handful of fans.
“We had 30 Blooms on our first anniversary,” a teary-eyed Sheena said.
“On our second year, may mga taong dinadaanan lang (tayo) pero ngayon hundred Blooms na talaga. Super thankful po kami sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa ‘min and sa mga magmamahal pa,” shared Stacey.
Seeing the sea of Blooms who came to celebrate with them, BINI members were in awe and disbelief.
“We are very grateful,” said Aiah.
“We’re not able to reach our third year if not for you, guys, so thank you po.”
Colet, meanwhile, quipped, “Siguro, mga multo ‘yung iba rito para kasing hindi totoo.”
Maloi, on the other hand, attributed the group’s success to their fandom, saying their immense support is instrumental in their milestones.
Mikha also acknowledged the fans who traveled from different parts of the country to join the celebration.
With their growing popularity and success, BINI considered their packed schedules as “blessings.”
“I think this is our busiest year but we take it one day at a time, and if there are rest days, we rest,” shared Sheena.
Jhoanna admitted that the series of events leading to their upcoming solo concert hasn’t been easy, but the grand fan gathering had lifted up their spirits.
She also expressed gratitude to the bosses for believing in the group.
“Kung alam niyo lang ‘yung pinaglaban nila for us, nung dumaan ‘yung (ABS-CBN) shutdown and pandemic, sino ba naman kami para ipa-stay ng management, di ba?” she recalled.
“Pero pinili nilang maniwala and magtiwala sa ‘min. So maraming, maraming salamat po ABS-CBN,” she added, addressing the Kapamilya executives at the event.
After their successful first-ever “BINI Day,” the group is looking forward to spending the coming years with their beloved fandom.
“To more years sa ‘tin,” said Gwen.
To end the “BINI Hour,” the girls performed their song Na Na Nandito Lang for the first time, which was written by a fan.
Lucky fans and raffle winners were able to join BINI on stage, including TikTok personality zoozoo, who delighted Blooms and “Brooms” after performing his viral acapella version of the group’s hit song Salamin, Salamin, alongside the girls.
BINI saw a rise in their popularity following their viral hits Pantropiko and Salamin, Salamin, among others, and has since gained back-to-back recognitions in the music scene. The octet has since cemented themselves as the hottest P-pop girl group after making history as the first Filipino act to enter Spotify’s Global Top Artist chart.
Ahead of their upcoming three-day “BINIverse” concert on June 28, 29 and 30, at the New Frontier Theater, BINI is holding a string of events: “Ang Pinaka: The SK San Antonio Grand Music Festival 2024” today, Pride event “Love Laban 2 Everyone” on June 22, and the “BINI Run” on June 23.
The group will also embark on regional concerts in Baguio, Cebu and General Santos City in July.