It wasn’t just a show. It was a spectacle of world-class production, replete with confetti shower, smoke effects and top-notch props, all of which unfolded before the eyes of the audience who attended the “Grand BINIverse” concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The music extravaganza which lasted for more than three hours presented BINI’s journey, exploring the five elements — mind, body, spirit, soul and heart. The STAR was able to attend the Day 1 of their three-night event on Nov. 16, 18 and 19.
Accompanied by marching band and orchestra, the Nation’s Girl Group made an eye-catching entrance via a gigantic flower to launch their summer bubblegum pop anthem Pantropiko on the 360 degree-designed stage.
The girls were stunned to see all their fans, called Blooms, including younger ones chaperoned by their parents, dancing and singing that night.
“It feels surreal to see you all here. This was just a dream and now it’s happening,” commented Jhoanna.
They greeted their breakthrough single Pantropiko a “happy first anniversary” as well as offered thoughtful messages to those who were affected by Typhoon Pepito.
“And while we are on our celebratory mood tonight, let’s pray na sana humina na yung bagyo at walang maraming maapektuhan,” Jhoanna told the crowd. “Bigyan tayo ng lakas na harapin ang challenging time na ito. We are extending our thanks to all the Blooms na bumiyahe. We appreciate you guys for being here tonight. Tonight, we will give you our best and grandest performances yet.”
Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena mounted a dazzling production number in every song that they played, including Feel Good, Lagi, Ang Huling Cha Cha, Strings, among others, with their backup dancers.
Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Maymay Entrata, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and drag stars Eva Le Queen, Hana Beshie, Maxie, Angel, Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas Deluxe, Popstar Bench shared the stage with them. Vice Ganda appeared on Day 2 of the concert.
A special segment of them performing in pairs was also featured during the music event.
A smoke effect filled up the stage when the first duo, Maloi and Jhoanna rendered a fierce dance number of Tate McRae’s Greedy and Pussycat Dolls’ When I Grow Up; Aiah and Stacey displayed their DJ skills and intense dance moves in Destiny’s Child’s Lose My Breath; Mikha and Gwen executed their own breathtaking stunts; and Sheena and Colet did Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean dance steps and Smooth Criminal.
Together with their fans, they gestured the “eyyy ka muna, eyyy” trend at one point in the program.
Clad in white gowns, designed by Francis Libiran, they crooned Kapit Lang using the Filipino Sign Language. They also dedicated a part where they thanked their band, musical director, sponsors, coaches and dancers, families and friends and ABS-CBN executives for being part of their journey.
The BINI members carried on with Karera, roamed around the venue and bombarded the Big Dome with confetti fired from a loaded confetti gun while singing the track.
They gifted the concertgoers with the staging of ABS-CBN station ID Star Ng Pasko and Christmas version of Cherry on Top as early Christmas presents. They continued the festive mood with Joy to the World as some group of children came up on stage to be with them, dancers who were dressed up in Christmas costume bopped on, and a huge Christmas tree popped up in the middle.
After a short break, they returned to stage in their sophisticated blue and yellow ensemble to belt out Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi and Salamin, Salamin.
And just when the audience thought that the concert was over, the octet gracefully glided on an “eyy”-designed float while singing their encore song Na Na Na.
They were brought back on stage via the float. The crowd raised their light sticks, confetti rained down, the girls made a group hug, waved goodbye to the fans and exited the scene through the massive flower props.
On Day 3 of the “Grand BINIverse,” they announced that they will mount a “Grand BINIverse” for Valentine’s Day slated Feb. 15, 2025 and release an upcoming single, Blink Twice.