How BINI Plans to Bring Filipino Bubblegum Pop to the World: Exclusive ‘Blink Twice’ Music Video Debut

Maloi (22, main vocalist from Batangas): I feel like now is the time to break these stereotypes and boundaries imposed on us. I think we’ve gotten too used to the notion that women are only supposed to sit down, keep quiet, wait for things to happen to them. But hopefully, when fans listen to our music, our songs will give them a sign that it’s alright to make things happen for a change, to do what you want to do and feel what you really want to feel.

TV: Can you name a time in your lives when you made the first move and the risk paid off?

Gwen (21, lead vocalist and lead rapper from Albay): Personally, it was the time I was still deciding if I should be part of BINI. I was considering so many things in my life and I was just unprepared for the physical, mental, and emotional toll that training would have on me. As time passed, I wasn’t really confident that I had what it takes to make it. P-pop back then was also just an emerging field and I wasn’t sure if the group as a whole would be successful. Of course, right now, looking back, I would definitely say it was worth it.

TV: Based on what I’ve read, you got sick as well during this time, right? And you were looking for signs if you should return to the group.

Jhoanna: Yes! Gwen had to quit [bootcamp] before because of that. But now I guess [the way everything turned out] just means that she was meant to find her way back to us.

TV: BINI has also been inspiring fans all over the world to make moves of their own. You are a role model and the representatives of P-pop to many. How do you feel about taking on this title?

Stacey (21, main rapper and lead dancer from Nueva Vizcaya): We consider it both an honor and a responsibility that we’re now a group that others look up to. It’s flattering that a lot of people now recognize us in public or take inspiration from our outfits. International audiences are now exposed to our songs — even the K-pop artists that we’ve loved ever since have covered Pantropiko and Salamin Salamin.

I think we have to continue being authentic and passionate in our craft, because these qualities are what captured the hearts of our Blooms and what drew the masses to us. We don’t pretend to be someone we’re not, both on and off cam – we’re a very ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of group. No filter but in a good way.

TV: Do you have any message for our readers, who will hopefully be your future Blooms after listening to your upcoming single?

Mikha (21, main rapper and visual from Metro Manila): We hope that you can hop on this journey with us and that we’re able to create more memories along the way. We’re very excited for you to experience these international stages that we’ve prepared for you, and we hope that this gives us the opportunity to connect with you guys. Even if we’re separated by cultural barriers, we want you to be able to relate to us as well. Maybe we can inspire you to visit the Philippines too!