BINI’s Gwen On The Journey To Manifesting Her Childhood Dreams
“Parang normal lang pa rin yung trabaho and effort na inbinubuga namin kasi I feel like I’m still the same provincial girlie I’ve always been,” Gwen tells Billboard Philippines as she discusses how she has remained grounded after all these years on the scene.
BINI‘s Gwen has always been a firm believer in manifesting her childhood dreams.
From her humble beginnings in the province of Albay, where music was her constant companion to her present-day status as one of the most prominent voices in the Philippine music scene with BINI, Gwen has never wavered in her pursuit of becoming a singer. It was a dream she nurtured quietly in her heart as a child — and today, that dream is unfolding on the international stage as BINI rises to new heights.
As I sit across from Gwen behind the scenes of the group’s Billboard Global No. 1s cover shoot, we’re lightly joking about the weight of what it means to achieve such an honor as the title of the No. 1 artist in the Philippines. “I’m kind of pressured,” she jokes, before continuing her train of thought, saying, “It’s always like that though, but it’s actually a good kind of pressure. It’s something na we’ve been working on for so long, and we can’t believe na we’re finally here. That’s why we’re very grateful [to be doing this].”
Growing up in Albay, the 21-year-old P-pop idol’s early life was far removed from the flashing lights of the entertainment industry. Yet, even then, she found solace and joy in music. “Ever since, introvert na ako, eh (I’ve always been an introvert). Tahimik (Quiet) and consistent. Sobrang simple lang po kasi ‘yung buhay namin sa province (That’s because our life in the province was really simple),” Gwen shares, reflecting on her roots.
Music, in all its forms, was a way for her to express herself, which is why she ended up enrolling in voice workshops growing up. It was a stepping stone that allowed her to become drawn to the craft, knowing that somehow, music would always be a part of her life.
Still, the road from Albay to becoming a member of BINI wasn’t without its challenges, yet it was Gwen’s persistence and her belief in manifesting her dreams drove her forward. “I used to say that I should dance so I can learn how to be better. But you know what? Wag kang mabitin (Don’t limit yourself). It’s part of the process,” Gwen reflects, emphasizing how every step, every obstacle, and every lesson learned along the way was necessary for her growth.
Eventually, Gwen found herself participating in the teen edition of ABS-CBN’s reality program Pinoy Big Brother: Otso, alongside fellow member Sheena, and eventually a trainee for the network’s Star Hunt Academy that soon paved the way for her to become a part of BINI. She was patient with herself trusting the journey — no matter how long it took.
In the present day, achieving new peak levels of one’s career may be considered a daunting (if overwhelming) task for some, yet Gwen openly welcomes the challenge of representing the Philippines on the international stage. She views it as an opportunity to prove their haters wrong, while also proving to themselves that they’re more than capable of representing the country as flag-bearers for the richness of the Filipino music scene on a global scale.
“Honestly, sinasabihan namin sa sarili namin na ‘wag kang mapagod (we just tell ourselves not to get tired of this). Kasi (Because) there’s still a lot of room [for us] to really explore the different musical genres, lalo na when it comes to our goal of ‘global domination.’ So we’re playing around with our music, choreography, styling, and all para (so that) we can make an impact for ourselves and ‘yung mga kasama namin (our peers),” she states.
But beyond the group’s open-minded approach to their craft, a significant appeal from BINI’s success isn’t just a reflection of their talent –– but also of their authenticity. “[It’s about] being authentic lang po talaga (really),” Gwen says when asked about their approach to social media. “All those random videos we release mean that it’s okay for the audience to see us as human beings. Sometimes nagkakamali kami (we make mistakes), but it’s human, and that’s our point.”
The result of such transparency in their personal nature has won over the support of millions of people, which Gwen notes for its heartwarming nature. “It’s really an honor and a big responsibility. But it’s so nice to see the support of ‘yung mga kapwa naming (our fellow) Filipinos. Parang makikita mo talaga ‘yung support nila sa time na ganito, and grabe talaga ang support na binibigay nila (You can really see the support they give in times like this, and it’s amazing).”
“Dahil sa mga pinapakita nila (Because of what they’ve shown us) we’ve realized na (that) we really will do our best with this platform na (that) we have. Because eventually, mare-realize nila rin na (they’ll realize that) they can do this too,” she mentions.
Amidst all the recent success and overwhelming nature of their status as ‘the Nation’s girl group,’ Gwen points out how she’s come to emphasize staying grounded despite everything. Luckily for her, she credits her fellow BINI sisters for being there for one another as they share this journey together — though she also takes a moment to shout out the support of the team behind the BINI project as significant figures that keep her in check.
“I’m really grateful for our workmates and ‘yung mga kasama namin sa (the rest of of our) team. Kasi lagi kaming nire-remind na (Because they still remind us that) they can still give us advice. And also help us to stay humble. But I don’t know, personally, I’m also just very focused on our craft. I don’t really feel like, ‘Oh, our supporters are increasing,’ because I’m just so focused on what I was doing. Parang normal lang pa rin ‘yung trabaho (the work) and effort na ibinubuga namin kasi (that we give because) I feel like I’m still the same provincial girlie I’ve always been,” she states.
Expounding on that last statement, Gwen fondly reflects on her life back in Albay. For her, it serves as a respite from the busy schedule of the group, and a way of keeping in touch with the girl who has always dreamt of this life. “Ako kasi, gustong gusto ko pag umuuwi ako (I really love going home home to Albay). Parang naglo-look back ako sa mga routine ko dati, or pinupuntahan ko yung mga lugar kung saan ako pumupunta before (I try to look back on my old routines in the province, and I even get to visit all those places that I used to go to before when I was growing up),” she says with a hint of nostalgia in her delivery.
However, being thrust into the public eye comes with its own set of challenges, and Gwen was not immune to the pressures of fame. The gradual ascent of BINI within the scene has made them experience two levels of extremes, which include fans who tend to breach their privacy, and online haters who just keep bashing them without any real basis.
“Nakakapraning minsan na baka may lumabas na camera lang sa mukha mo (I get paranoid that a camera will just get shoved into my face),” Gwen notes. She recalls what Aiah mentioned about having fans follow them into public restrooms, corroborating her story, and even adds: “Minsan pinipili mo na lang na wag nang mag CR, kasi nakakapraning talaga siya (Sometimes you just choose not to go to the CR at all because it can be nerve-wracking).”
On the other hand, Gwen has come to get used to the plethora of negative comments targeted towards her and the group. “Galing akong (I came from) PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) before BINI. So I was more overwhelmed by that experience, especially on social media, as a person who hasn’t been on those platforms as much ever since.”
“At the time, I was very overwhelmed and shocked by ‘yung (my) social media ko. Kasi as in, sobrang sabog talaga yung social media ko (Because my social media was really messy). I was also super affected by ‘yung (the) bashings during my PBB days and I was affected by ‘yung impact niya (its impact) on my mental health. But eventually, I’ve learned that you don’t waste your time and you choose where to react or put your attention to. Natututo mo lang talaga (You really just learn how to deal with it) on the way,” she continues.
With such a disciplined mindset, Gwen and her fellow BINI members find themselves busy these days preparing for their 2025 comeback with the song “Blink Twice,” which Gwen is eager to show the world, given how it showcases another side of their artistry. “Actually, I’m the only one who’s kind of like that song in real life,” she admits, noting her personal love for the genre of music they’re exploring. “It’s very international sounding. And I love it! Because ever since before, those are the kind of songs I loved listening to.”
As BINI’s fanbase continues to grow, so does the pressure to keep up with the expectations that come with being one of the Philippines’ top acts. But for Gwen, it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters most. “You know, with every achievement, mas nakakaba (it’s more nerve-wracking) for us. It’s like, when I get compliments, I get more scared,” she admits, acknowledging the weight of the expectations that follow each success.
“Because, for example, when I hear about more of our achievements, I’m like, I hope it will continue.” Despite this, Gwen’s sense of purpose remains steadfast. She wants to be remembered for more than just her music — as she wants both her and BINI’s legacy to be one that transcends their impact on various music charts.
Looking ahead, the 21-year-old idol envisions a future where BINI’s impact on Filipino culture is felt for years to come. “Hopefully, by that time, there will still be people singing ‘Da Coconut Nut.’”’ Maybe by that time, we’ll have sung it a thousand times,” she laughs.
But beyond the fun and success, Gwen wants BINI’s values of hard work, authenticity, and staying true to one’s roots to be what defines them. “Maybe when they hear the name BINI, they’ll remember our looks, our music, and even our BINI-core values that are present on social media. It’s kind of like a nice remembrance of who we were,” she reflects.
From her days in Albay, where music was just a quiet dream, to performing on international stages, Gwen has proven that dreams — when nurtured with determination, resilience, and authenticity — can become reality. And as BINI continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a Filipino artist, Gwen’s story serves as an inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big, no matter where they come from.
Her journey is a testament to the power of manifestation, the importance of staying grounded, and the belief that anything is possible with passion and perseverance. With the support of her fans, her group, and her unwavering belief in herself, Gwen has already achieved so much — but the best is yet to come.
Read BINI’s Global No. 1’s digital cover story here.
Photographed by Shaira Luna. Creative Direction by Alannah Mitra. Art Direction by Nicole Almero. Styling by Quayn Pedroso. Makeup by Angeline Tan (Maloi, Mikha, Gwen, & Stacey). Makeup by Theresa Padin (Colet, Aiah, Sheena, & Jhoanna). Hair by July Vito (Stacey, Aiah, Colet, & Sheena). Hair by Cristine Benoman (Jhoanna, Mikha, Gwen, & Maloi). Photography assistants Emelito Lansangan & Albert Calaguas. Styling assistant Renan Pacson. Produced by Mika Cruz.
Featured artwork by Orley Ypon, Blooming Flowers in Pussian (Alcala, Cagayan Valley)