Walo Hanggang Dulo: The Heartfelt Evolution of BINI’s Growing Fandom, The Blooms

Over the past week, you might have noticed the viral hashtag #WaloHanggangDulo trending across several online spaces following the conclusion of BINI’s concert at the Philippine Arena. 

Though not many would be too familiar with the phrase alone, it comes as a popular saying within the lore of BINI — especially as an idea that has continued to resonate with their fanbase, the Blooms, since the group’s official debut all the way back in 2021.

For those who haven’t been following BINI since the beginning, this catchy fandom name was chosen during a special live stream in that same year to signify that the popular phrase is much more than just a catchy slogan, but a symbol of loyalty, perseverance, and a promise to stand by the group “from beginning to end.” 

It’s a concept that represents the unwavering commitment of the Blooms to their idols, as well as the heartfelt connection that has formed between the group and their fandom over the years. Because as BINI has evolved, so has their fanbase, growing into a tightly-knit, passionate community –– with the bond between the Blooms and the group deepening further over time.

As one of the fastest-growing fanbases in the country, Blooms aren’t just your casual fans, but are a passionate, vocal, and supportive group who were quick to embrace BINI’s potential. Sure, they were initially drawn to the members’ diverse personalities, impressive talent, and the empowering messages behind their music, with the relationship built on mutual respect, admiration, and love — the kind of foundation that allows a fandom to truly thrive.

Yet over the years, BINI’s lore expanded, with intricate layers of backstory, music videos, and fan interactions enriching the experience of being a Bloom. Key moments from BINI’s career, such as their early performances, behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives, and subtle references to Filipino culture, created a sense of belonging among fans. With each new song or concert, BINI’s craft was able to speak to people at various points in time, fostering an unspoken connection with the people who would later become avid fans.

“There’s a popular saying in the fandom that you don’t find BINI, BINI finds you at the right time,” says Eunice Braga, a marketing and communications consultant and founder of fan/work. 

It’s a sentiment that Quito Nitura, a professional lawyer, could echo, given how much he was able to resonate with the girl group’s discography. “As a 30-something tito (uncle) at the crossroads of life, ‘Karera’ was the song that I needed to hear at that perfect moment,” he mentions.

Though both Nitura and Braga can admit that their journey as die-hard Blooms began at the cusp of BINI’s boom in the mainstream, several loyal fans have been supporters of BINI’s journey since the group’s early days in the music scene, as noted by how much BLOOM PHILIPPINES co-admins, Gabriel Angeles and Jaden Ramos have dedicated in their efforts to champion the P-pop group. 

Spearheading one of the largest and arguably first-ever Philippine fanbases for BINI may not have been too daunting of a task in the beginning, yet the rapid ascent of Jhoanna, Maloi, Colet, Stacey, Gwen, Sheena, Mikha, and Aiah in the public eye has led this fanbase of Blooms to grow significantly over the past year alone. 

Angeles, who works in Artist Management at Warner Music Philippines, attributes the group’s relatability as a strong component of their appeal to audiences here in the country. “The thing that struck me the most about BINI was how relatable they are, as we are used to idols being these aspirational figures that you don’t get to meet in your usual walks of life. Yet I find it very down-to-earth how the girls portray themselves — not only towards their fans, but also in their candid moments that we cherish [as fans}.”

It isn’t merely something he notes as a figure within the local music industry, as Ramos also notes how their journey is admirable in many ways. “I think what makes them so unique is they never really had a blueprint to begin with. It’s the journey and the fact that they’re more unapologetic than ever for the things that they do and who they are as people and most especially as women.”

“BINI is refreshing, empowering, and fun. But the most special and admirable thing about BINI is that they are real people. They are not like marble sculptures which were manufactured to appear a certain way. They are authentic young women who work very hard and, despite being at the pinnacle of success in the Philippines, remain true to their roots,” adds Nitura.

Yet beyond their personal appeal, a great deal of their impact could be attributed to the quality of their music. Sure, their behind-the-scenes content is more than endearing to make their avid fans swoon, but it’s their discography that has found its way into the hearts of a mainstream audience. While some may easily associate such a feat with its similarity to K-pop’s sound, or ‘international sounding quality,’ Braga notes how BINI’s “optimistic” pop is “for the dreamers and yearners in all of us.”

“I find BINI’s hopeful, joyful pop refreshing because I think joy and playfulness are essential not only to creating but [also] to imagining better worlds and futures,” she adds. “It’s about believing in and loving yourself, the joy of finding and being around the right people (and the ache when you’re not), and finding the courage and hope to take things one day at a time — knowing that things do get better.”

While it might sound too saccharine for some, Braga is aware of the potential skepticism that comes with it, stating, “I think people underestimate how hard it is to make something that brings people together and makes them smile. That’s why they’ve been able to find fans across different backgrounds and age groups. BINI’s music feels like a fun street party or fiesta — everyone’s welcome.”

Even when looking at the demographics of the Bloom fandom, you’d be surprised to see just how diverse it is in comparison to what one might assume. “You have Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha folks; I think you have Boomers too,” Braga notes. “It’s people coming from different walks of life, different parts of the country.”

While there is a great deal of effort made by the fans to coordinate regarding the logistics of marketing, voting streaming, and heavily promoting BINI’s releases through sets of teams, a lot of real-life interaction occurs between the people who make an effort to support the group. Though there has now been a great deal of events that allow the community to come together, a lot of early Blooms organized various cupsleeve events and anniversary celebrations wherein most of the fandom was able to hone in on the community aspect of their efforts. 

Angeles recalls the very first cupsleeve event he attended (right before BINI’s first anniversary event), and remembers how he volunteered for several tasks to support the fanbase’s admins at the time. “We ended up being well-acquainted [that day]. I hold onto that memory dearly because it was a time when I felt that our interests were so aligned after months of not being able to share the same passion and excitement for the group with the people around me.”

Ramos describes her experience of joining such events for the first time, narrating how despite being a silent fan in the beginning, she eventually stepped out of her shell to attend one all on her own. “It was there that I met one of the people I now consider my big sister. She approached me and accompanied me for the whole event, and ever since then, she (along with the other Blooms she introduced me to), are the people I now consider my found family.” 

Though as the fandom began to grow even more, more avenues for the Blooms to connect with one another opened up over time, resulting in various sub-groups such as Blooms 911 (a disaster relief group), Bloom Doctors (who offer free online consultation services), varying weekly sports groups, and the Blooms Run Club — the latter of which Nitura helped in co-founding. “That was when I started to meet new Blooms, some of whom weren’t really into running but were inspired to start their physical fitness era because of BINI, and what made me realize that what was really impressive about the fandom was how supportive each of us is of each other.”

“I think it’s great that being in fandom gives people the space to cultivate their interests, harness their skills, and build friendships and connections with people. It’s fun to be in a space where there’s a lot of creative energy, because it also inspires me to be more creative,” Braga states. “If BINI core is the girls being open, authentic, honest, kind, and funny, I think Bloom’s core is being passionate, caring, joyful, creative, and supportive. ​”

Amidst all the career milestones that BINI was able to achieve in 2024 alone — including numerous sold-out concerts, a smashing EP, a plethora of hit singles, and the official distinction of being the No. 1 Artists in the Philippines for that year alone — the Bloom fandom has only renewed their determination and willingness to support the group as they embark on new ventures in the years to come. With a world tour coming up on the horizon, Nitura points out the group’s impact as representatives on the global stage. 

“I feel very proud of BINI because I think they have brought OPM to greater heights. BINI showed what was possible and what else could be done by a Filipino act by showing that they are world-class talents,” he proclaims.

It’s something that Angeles also notes, given how he envisions their future success as BINI expands their brand beyond the Philippine archipelago. “I believe they have the potential to be a ‘household name’ not just in the Philippines, but worldwide. Their songs could be karaoke staples; they could sell out stadiums and arenas, their influx of brand deals will continue, and they will achieve their goals and look back on them as milestones. But I guess one thing will remain the same –– and it’s that we will still see them as endearing, authentic, and relatable as we all did when we started to gain interest in the group.”

“It feels weird because at the end of the day, I’m a stranger to them, but I am so proud of BINI and so happy for everything they’ve achieved. What’s also been great to see is that our love for P-pop and OPM doesn’t just start and end with BINI,” shares Braga. “But also, the more you get to know them, the more you just want to root for them. It’s because at the end of the day, they remind us that in our heart of hearts, we’re all dreamers, and if they can make it happen, you can make it happen too. 

Amidst all of BINI’s career milestones, the most significant achievement may not be their success in the music industry, but the way they have touched the lives of their fans. The Blooms, steadfast in their support, have been there every step of the way. They celebrated every victory and milestone, wishing BINI good luck in their ventures, and reminding the world of their unshakable loyalty. The phrase “Walo Hanggang Dulo” has become a promise — one that the Blooms have made to BINI and vice versa.

“What keeps [us Blooms] as such as supportive and passionate fandom is really the love of BINI for the Blooms, and the love of Blooms for BINI which fuels everything. The authenticity of each BINI member and their sincere appreciation for the Blooms makes you want to root for them and for their success even more,” Nitura concludes. “As a Bloom, it’s a kind of feeling which you want to share with even more people. That’s why Blooms are so eager to invite more people into the fandom because we want to be able to share BINI’s story with more people.”

In the end, what has truly stuck out about BINI’s journey is the profound effect the group has had on the lives of their fans. The success, the sold-out concerts, the global recognition — they are all significant. But it’s the positive, healthy community that the Blooms have built, based on love, respect, and mutual support, that is the greatest testament to BINI’s impact. As the Blooms continue to support their idols in every venture, they do so with the knowledge that, together, they will always be there for each other —  “Walo Hanggang Dulo.”