IN CONVERSATION WITH BINI
interview by JANA LETONJA
BINI, Southeast Asia’s #1 girl group and the pride of Philippine pop, are taking their global rise to new heights, having broken records with over 1 billion streams, sold-out arena shows, and chart-topping singles like ‘Salamin, Salamin’ and ‘Pantropiko’. Their newest single ‘First Luv’ further showcases their versatility and cements their reputation as leaders of the new Asian pop wave. With their vibrant mix of Filipino roots and global pop appeal, BINI continue to expand the BINIverse worldwide, from collaborations with international stars like Belinda to historic performances at KCON. Now, with their highly anticipated debut at Coachella 2026 on the horizon, BINI are poised to bring their dynamic sound and cultural pride to one of the biggest stages in the world, proving that their momentum is only just beginning.
image courtesy of ABS-CBN MUSIC
Your latest single ‘First Luv’ showed a softer, more emotional side to BINI. How did you approach that track differently from your high-energy hits?
Colet: It was very unexpected compared to what we’ve done so far. With ‘First Luv’, we wanted to show a softer, more emotional side of BINI. It felt like a different chapter, almost like we’re evolving into BINI 2.0, exploring new emotions and styles while still staying true to who we are.
Do you feel that ‘First Luv’ marks a new chapter in your sound and artistry?
Mikha: Absolutely. ‘First Luv’ feels like a fresh chapter for us. It shows how we’ve grown, not just in our sound, but in how we express ourselves as artists. Every note, every move, every look in this era reflects a side of BINI that’s more confident, more vibrant, and ready to explore new creative directions.
You’ve reached over 1 billion streams and sold out the Philippine Arena. Did you ever imagine
this level of success when you first started?
Maloi: Honestly, we never imagined reaching this level of success when we first started. Hitting over a billion streams and selling out the Philippine Arena is incredible, and yes, it comes with pressure. But, I think that pressure is what pushes us to keep improving. Being nervous sometimes just shows that we’re still grounded and grateful for everything we’ve achieved.
The BINIverse has become a unique identity that blends music, fashion, and art. How do each of you contribute to building that world?
Aiah: For us, the BINIverse isn’t just about music, it’s a whole lifestyle and expression of who we are as artists. Every part of the BINIverse feels connected, fresh, and truly ours. It’s a team effort, and it’s amazing to see how our individual contributions come together to create something bigger than ourselves
How do you balance staying true to your Filipino identity while appealing to a global audience?
Jhoanna: We stay true to our Filipino identity by carrying our culture and values with us wherever we go. At the same time, we aim to connect with a global audience by showing that Filipinos are talented, hardworking, and capable on any stage. All we need is the support of our fellow Filipinos, because their encouragement pushes us to share our culture proudly while engaging with the world.
Having admiration for groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, and Red Velvet, what did you learn from their careers that you apply to your own?
Colet: We’ve always admired groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, and Red Velvet, and watching their performances taught us a lot about stage presence and confidence. They’re all so talented and inspiring. What we’ve learned from their careers is to be bold, supportive of each other, and to bring energy that our fans, the Blooms, will truly vibe with.
How do you keep evolving as artists while staying connected to your loyal fan base, the Blooms?
Sheena: We keep evolving as artists by always listening to our fans and staying true to ourselves. Our connection with our Blooms and the Filipino people is what drives us to grow and improve. The support and trust they give us motivates us to keep pushing our limits while making sure we never lose sight of the people who believe in us.
Congratulations on your Coachella 2026 debut! What went through your minds when you got the news?
Stacey: Thank you! It was an absolute dream to see our name on that lineup. We even manifested it on the Zach Sang Show, and to seal the deal, we all knocked on the wood of a nearby table and here we are. Words can’t describe how thrilled we are to hit the stage. The funny part? We found out we made it the very same day Coachella announced the lineup and we all screamed together!
image courtesy of ABS-CBN MUSIC
Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. How are you preparing to bring the BINIverse to that stage?
Gwen: We’re preparing just like we always do, putting in the work to make not only our fans proud, but our Nation, too. We still don’t know exactly how it’s going to go, but whatever happens, we’re beyond excited because our dreams are finally coming true and we can’t wait to bring the BINIverse to the Coachella stage.
What do you hope international audiences will take away from your Coachella performance?
Maloi: It’s such an honor to be the first Filipino girl group to perform at Coachella, and we definitely feel the weight of the stage. For some festival-goers, we might be their first exposure to Filipino pop music and culture, and we really want to represent well. Most of all, we hope international audiences take away the energy and joy we bring, that they feel our music and realize we have the power to make people dance, no matter where they’re from.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest dreams or goals for BINI over the next few years?
Aiah: Our biggest goal is to keep growing while staying true to who we are. Our love for our craft, our fans, and what we do, will always be at the heart of everything we create. As we mature and the music world evolves, we hope to grow alongside our fandom and continue making music that connects with people. With all the success we’ve had, I want everyone to remember us as the same BINI girls at heart, no matter how far we go or how much we achieve.
