In December 2023, BINI had their first interview with Billboard Philippines, and in it we asked what goals they were hoping to achieve. While the girls had an array of answers, from topping a Billboard chart to staging a solo concert overseas, one answer stood out the most.
“BINI world domination,” Stacey said then.
Since that interview, BINI has had a whirlwind of a year. From one viral hit after another to sold-out shows across the country to historic performances across the world, Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena are undeniably the most sought-after Filipino artists right now.
Admittedly, their catapult to stardom in just mere months has been a rollercoaster ride for the group.
On one hand, this is their greatest dream finally turning into reality. They’re dominating the country’s airwaves and music charts. They’re selling out shows in an instant and going on world tours. They’re the face of almost every major brand in the country and reaching a wider audience like never before. It’s everything they worked so hard for — and more — finally coming into fruition.
As Stacey puts it, “What we have right now is beyond what we imagined, but is truly what we wanted and prayed for. We’re really happy that after several years, we not only get our recognition from our music but also for our personalities, and who we are as Filipino artists.”
“All of these did not happen overnight. We trained for years and worked incredibly hard; that’s why we’re glad and grateful for what we have now,” she continues.
But on the other hand, of course, it’s a lot to take in.
“Everything happened so fast; it has been very overwhelming for us and even up to this day we still can’t believe how far we have actually come already,” says Sheena.
“It truly is overwhelming to have all of these things happen so fast — especially that since then and until now, we mostly really just see ourselves as these girls who are someone’s daughter, friend, or sister,” concurs Aiah.
Stacey, Jhoanna, Maloi, Sheena (of BINI) photographed by BJ Pascual. On Stacey: LOUIS VUITTON windbreaker jacket, trousers, and heels. On Jhoanna: LOUIS VUITTON crop top (layered under), bra top, varsity jacket, trousers, and sneakers. On Maloi: LOUIS VUITTON head scarf, vest, t-shirt, bike shorts, and knee high boots. On Sheena: LOUIS VUITTON top, trousers, sneakers, and bag.
In less than a year, Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena had gone from rising artists aspiring for bigger stages to pop sensations selling out every show they announce — and unsurprisingly, it’s taking them some time to find their footing.
The last couple of months has seen the girls struggle with privacy, often finding themselves having to call out incidents where their boundaries were disrespected.
“It was never about us being public figures that give them the right to invade and show no respect towards our private time; it was and will always be about basic human decency and respect towards other people, may it be an artist or a normal person,” says Sheena, adding that while they’ve been vocal about certain incidents of disrespect, there will always be people who don’t understand.
“Adjusting our lifestyle is hard but we are slowly, but surely, adapting to our reality now.”
Regardless of all the hardships, the women of BINI are ultimately grateful. Through it all, they’re just happy they get to see their fans.
Having debuted during the pandemic, it took a while for the girls to meet and interact with their beloved BLOOMs (their fandom) in person; but now, with one sought-after show after another, they’re reaching them like never before.
Colet, Aiah, Gwen, Mikha (of BINI) photographed by BJ Pascual. On Colet: LOUIS VUITTON Suit jacket and knee high boots. On Aiah: LOUIS VUITTON bra top, varsity jacket, skirt, and boots. On Gwen: LOUIS VUITTON gilet, skirt, and pumps. On Mikha: LOUIS VUITTON scarf (used as choker), crop top, jeans, boots, and bag.
“It’s amazing how these people, who we may or may not have met in person, have so much love and care to give us,” says Mikha.
“Having them — be it since the start or since this month or this year — we are incredibly grateful and it warms our hearts to have such dedicated supporters. We appreciate and love them and are happy to be going through this journey with our BLOOMs.”
As they wrap up their cover shoot, the girls are getting ready for another set of busy months ahead — which includes preparations for their three-day sold-out Grand BINIVerse Concert this November, their biggest concert yet.
Considering all they have achieved since we first sat down with them last year, we ask them: “Do you think BINI have achieved world domination?”
“We’re definitely getting closer,” says Jhoanna.
“This year has been filled with amazing milestones, and we’ve reached more people than ever before,” she continues. “But ‘world domination’ is a big dream, and we’re just getting started. There’s still so much more we want to achieve, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.”
A version of this story originally appeared in Billboard Philippines‘ Anniversary issue, dated October 15, 2024.
Photographed by BJ Pascual. Creative and Fashion Direction by Daryl Chang. Art Direction by Nicole Almero. Fashion Assistant Kurt Abonal. Hair by July Vito (Aiah, Stacey, Sheena, & Colet). Hair by Cristine Benoman (Mikha, Gwen, Jhoanna, & Maloi). Makeup by Theresa Padin assisted by Edison Matubang (Jhoanna & Colet). Makeup by Angeline Tan assisted by Juliet Villarubia (Maloi & Mikha). Makeup by Julius Cabanisas (Gwen & Stacey). Makeup by Carell Garcia (Aiah & Sheena). Shoot Coordination by Mikaela Cruz.