Nation’s girl group BINI recently released their photo journal Journey Through the BINIverse, capturing their colorful journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of today’s global OPM representatives.
The photo journal reflects their stories of triumphs, struggles, and unwavering pursuit of their dreams. During a signing event, the members also shared what they would call the “song title” of their journey.
“Siguro yung title is ‘More than a Band’,” BINI Colet answered PUSH ABS-CBN. “Nasa isip ko na kasi iyon matagal na, hindi ko lang magawa. Parang ‘yung song na iyon siguro about sisterhood. Kung ano ang mayroon kami na hindi nakikita ng mga tao.”
Maloi also shared, “Sa akin naman ‘Look Back‘ kasi gusto namin magreminisce ng mga memories namin before, ng mga pinagdaanan and everything.”
BINI marked their 4th debut anniversary last June. They prepared special events and activities for the Blooms, their beloved fans, even during their world tour which wrapped up last July.
After a short break, the group is now back with a full schedule, including festival appearances, fan meetings, and their first-ever year-end event, BINIfied, happening on November 29 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. They are also preparing for a new album featuring songs in both Filipino and English.
READ: BINI to bring BINIverse, MINIverse to Iloilo and CDO and return to PH Arena
While celebrating milestones, BINI acknowledged the challenges they’ve faced, particularly harsh criticisms and online attacks. During the photo journal signing, they reflected on how they have been coping with negativity.
“Kapag po may criticisms or controversies, hindi naman ako magpe-pretend na it doesn’t affect me at all,” BINI Gwen admitted. “We heard it, we felt it, but at the same time, sabi nga nila choose your battles, so ginagawa namin iyon. Kapag may lesson, we learn. Kapag nasasaktan kami, ginagawa na lang namin iyon na motivation na lang po to do better and work hard.”
BINI Jhoanna agreed, saying they use criticism as a reminder that people are still watching.
“Criticism — we used it as a reminder na people are still watching and our voice still matters. Parang mas nakakatakot kapag wala na may pakialam sa amin and kahit anong gawin natin, ito ‘yung mundo natin na may masasabi at masasabi ang ibang tao. Kapag may nagawa kang mali, magagalit sila. Kapag masyado kang mabait, too good to be true daw,” she expressed.
Jhoanna added: “So kami, we choose to take the noise and turn it into something na mas makakatulong sa amin. Siguro ganoon kami bumabangon. We turn pain into power.”
Earlier this week, BINI, together with their legal counsel Atty. Joji Alonso, filed a complaint against an individual at the Sta. Rosa City Prosecutor’s Office. The case stemmed from a spliced video that spread online, which the lawyer said led to bashing, insults, threats, and emotional distress for the members.
“This resulted in online bashing, and even escalated to threats, insults and personal attacks and name calling of the different girls. And naturally, they suffered extremely from mental and emotional anguish and distress because of what happened," Attorney Joji stated as reported by ABS-CBN News.
READ: BINI files legal complaint against spliced-video uploader
"BINI is now taking the stance to stop this kind of online bullying, this kind of online accuse. Because this thing can happen to anyone, to any unnamed person -- from the highest of the highs, to the lowest of the poor. And it's high time that this should stop," the lawyer added.
This is not the first time BINI spoke about negativity. Last February, during their network contract signing, the girls also thanked their critics for pushing them to be stronger.
“To our bashers, thank you. Hindi po siya madali to see the bashing, hating and all the negativity. Hindi siya madali. Masakit siya, pero you know what, thank you kasi that’s what motivates us to keep pushing, to be stronger, and to really give out our all,” BINI Aiah expressed.
READ: Here’s what BINI Aiah has to say to their bashers
She added that negativity, while painful, can be transformed into something meaningful:
“At least that is something that we can turn into something great,” Aiah remarked. “Masakit siya pero it also allows us to look at all the brighter things in life and the many things that we could be grateful for.”