BINI is an eight-member Filipino girl group that has quickly risen to prominence in the Philippine Pop Indus. Formed by ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy, BINI consists of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena. Their journey from aspiring trainees to celebrated stars is a testament to their dedication, talent, and the rigorous training they underwent. The group first garnered attention with their pre-debut single “Da Coconut Nut,” released on November 20, 2020. Their Official debut followed on June 11, 2021, with the powerful single “Born to Win,” marking their official music career.
The Kapamilya Grand Audition in 2018 is a nationwide talent search to discover new talents. From the thousands who auditioned nationwide and overseas, 250 hopefuls were chosen to participate in a 5-day boot camp. This rigorous process was designed to find the best among them. After further evaluation and trimming down the numbers, the top 50 participants were selected. Eventually, the management, with recommendations from talent scouts, former scouts, and former reality contestants, narrowed the selection to the first set of female trainees for the Star Hunt Academy, originally 12 girls.
In August 2019, these 12 girls were officially introduced as the Star Hunt Academy (SHA) Trainees. Initially, the plan was to debut a nine-member girl group, but through further assessments and evaluations, the final group was refined to eight members: Maraiah Queen Arceta ( Aiah), Maria Nicollete Vergara (Colet), Mary Loi Yves Ricalde (Maloi), Gweneth Apuli (Gwen), Stacey Audbrey Sevilleja (Stacey, Mikhaela Janna Lim ( Mikha), Sheena Mae Catacutan (Sheena) and Jhoanna Christine Robles (Jhoanna).
Mentorship from Industry Greats & K-pop Experts
From early 2019 to 2020, BINI underwent intense training under some of the best coaches in the industry. They were mentored by renowned Filipino professionals like Kitchy Molina, a former chair of the Department of Voice, Music Theater and Dance at the University of the Philippines College of Music, and Mickey Perz, an Australian dance coach. To ensure they were well-rounded performers, BINI also trained under South Korean Coaches from MU Doctor Academy, who are known for their expertise in shaping K-pop idols.
Throughout their training, BINI frequently performed at ABS CBN mall shows, providing them with invaluable experience in performing live and interacting with audiences. This performance helped build their confidence and stage presence. They also participated in significant events like the 2019 Manila Southeast Asian Games Thanksgiving celebration.
In May 2020, Direk Lauren Dyogi shared a performance practice video of BINI singing and dancing to “Ngiti,” a song by Young JV and Gary V. This video showcased their progress and dedication to their craft, generating excitement and anticipation among fans and the public.
From 8 Binibinis to BINI
The name BINi is derived from the Filipino word “binibini,” which means young lady. This name symbolizes their vision to embody the modern Filipina as sweet, fierce, independent, and informed. BINI’s formation is part of ABS-CBN’s broader vision, inspired by the success of the Korean idol industry, to showcase world-class Filipino talents who can excel in both singing and dancing.
BINI’s Official Debut
On June 11, 2021, BINI officially debuted with their single Born To Win.” The debut culminated years of hard work and preparation, presenting them as a polished and professional group ready to take on the music world. The song received positive feedback because of its empowering message and high-energy performance, establishing BINI as a formidable presence in the pop industry.
The Ongoing Journey of a Rising Girl Group
As BINI continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to excellence aims to create music that resonates with audiences in the Philippines and worldwide. Their journey from Star Hunt Academy trainees to rising stars exemplifies the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
With each new release, BINI aims to push boundaries and explore new artistic horizons. Their story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists, proving that with dedication, hard work, and the proper support, dreams can indeed come true. BINI’s future is bright, and their fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their exciting journey.
Just like one of BINI’s hit song Karera “Sino bang nagsabi na kailangan kong mauna? Hindi naman ito karera; puwedeng magdahan-dahan sa bawat panibagong umaga. Ang pagsimula muli ay isang tagumpay na” these lines remind us that life isn’t a race where we must always be ahead. Instead it’s a journey where every step matters, no matter how slow.
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