By Larissa Wong – published 9 Apr 2026
Bright, youthful and energetic, the Filipino idol group BINI is finally stepping into a global spotlight that feels long overdue. Formed through the survival show Star Hunt Academy in 2019, this eight-member powerhouse has dedicated years to refining their sound, discovering their niche and shaping their style. They have transformed from hopeful trainees with dreams into a fully realised act that is bringing Filipino pop to the forefront, making their mark at the world’s largest music festival, Coachella.
The group is made up of eight members: Jhoanna Christine Robles (Jhoanna), Maraiah Queen Arceta (Aiah), Nicolette Vergara (Colet), Mary Loi Yves Ricalde (Maloi), Gweneth Llaguno Apuli (Gwen), Stacey Aubrey Sevilleja (Stacey), Mikhaela Janna Lim (Mikha) and Sheena Mae Catacutan (Sheena). Together, they’ve achieved over one billion streams on Spotify, won the Billboard Philippines Women in Music “Rising Star” Award, been included in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30, and the list goes on.
From top left clockwise: Gwen, Stacey, Colet, Jhoanna, Aiah, Mikha, Sheena, Maloi
Photo: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Music International
Now, with their newest EP “Signals” and as they step onto the global stage with their highly anticipated debut at Coachella 2026, BINI strides into a new chapter as eight trailblazers shaping their own narrative, on their own terms, bringing Filipino music with them as they go.
In our exclusive interview, BINI opens up about their Star Hunt Academy journey, sisterhood, their musical inspirations, what it means to represent a new generation of Filipina talent and more.
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Get To Know BINI
1. When you were first formed on Star Hunt Academy in 2019, what was the group dynamics like, and how has it evolved?
Photo: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Music International
JHOANNA: All members come from different provinces and grew up with different backgrounds. At first, it was not an easy adjustment for everybody. We had a lot of fights and disagreements. But as we got to know each other and learned to appreciate each other’s individuality, we became closer and like true sisters.
2. What are some lessons you learned while on Star Hunt Academy that you still uphold to this day?
AIAH: While training, we learned the value of discipline, teamwork and love for your craft. Until now, we hold on to these, as we work towards our common goals. At the end of the day, I think these three are what keep us going, despite challenges that we face along the way.
3. Your group name “BINI” from the Tagalog word “binibini” is intended to represent the modern Filipino woman. What does being a modern Filipino woman mean to you?
COLET: A modern Filipina is enlightened and empowered. She knows what she wants and will work hard to make sure her goals are reached. She has a voice to speak her truth and is not afraid to be different.
4. Who are your biggest music inspirations?
MALOI: BINI has a wide variety of music taste so we have a lot of music inspirations—from our local superstars like Sarah Geronimo to well-established girl groups like Blackpink and Twice. Some also idolised Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, to name a few.
5. Congratulations on becoming the first all-Filipino girl group to perform at Coachella! How does it feel to bring Filipino music to a global stage?
STACEY: Coachella is a manifested dream. We are very grateful to be given an opportunity to represent the Filipino artist in this stage. We are excited to watch and meet the other artists there too! We hope that this will be the start of more Filipino artists on the world stage. I hope more people will discover and love Filipino music!
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6. You’re also set to perform your new EP “Signals” at Coachella. What can Blooms look forward to in this new era?
MIKHA: We don’t want to repeat ourselves so with the release of our new EP “Signals”, audience can expect to discover yet another facet of BINI. We also try to reinvent ourselves by experimenting with new sounds that represent us now. We hope people will like it, as there is a song for everyone.
7. What is your favourite track to perform from your discography, and why?
GWEN: We are looking forward to performing “Blush”, the carrier track of the EP. It represents a sound that we enjoy performing and listening to. Choreography is very intricate and yet enjoyable to perform!
8. BINI is often referred to as the “Nation’s Girl Group”. In expanding the BINIverse to the world, what is something you want people to know about Filipino music?
Photo: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Music International
SHEENA: We want people to know that Filipino music is not just one genre. It is the evolution of years and years of music that was shaped through culture and experiences. Filipinos are known for being great singers and with that, there is also a lot of great music to be discovered.
9. With your growing global fanbase and busy international schedules, how do you stay connected to your Filipino roots?
AIAH: It is not at all hard to stay connected to our Filipino roots because at the heart of it, we are Filipinos. We do try to be intentional in everything that we do. As we start being known globally and catering to a wider market, we also make sure that we do not forget our local fan base. We listen to their suggestions and their constructive criticisms of us.
10. What kind of conversations do you hope your music sparks?
COLET: We often read that our music “saved” them. So we hope that our music will continue to do that. I hope it will inspire people and continue to spark hope in them. Whether it’s the melody or the lyrics or the overall feel of our song, I hope that our songs continue to spark positive feelings in its listeners.
11. Do you have any dream collaborations, if so, who are they?
MALOI: We have always said that our dream collaboration is Sarah Geronimo from the Philippines. We are inspired by her passion in her craft and the career longevity she has sustained through the years. For international artists, I hope we can collaborate with Taylor Swift. Maybe she can give us pointers on how to write creatively brilliant songs like hers!
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12. What’s next for BINI in 2026?
STACEY: It will be a busy year for BINI this 2026! Please expect more music and more opportunities to meet our fans locally and globally.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.harpersbazaar.com.sg ’
