Just moments after their successful and historic Coachella debut, the Nation's Girl Group BINI were still riding the high of a performance that marked a major breakthrough not only for the group, but for Filipino music on the global stage.
In an interview with Tetris Kelly of Billboard after their much talked-about 45-minute set on the Mojave stage, the eight-member group could hardly contain their emotions as they reflected on finally stepping onto the iconic Coachella stage.
READ: BINI performs ‘Pantropiko,’ ‘Karera,’ ‘Shagidi,’ and more in high-energy Coachella debut
Stacey captured the group’s overwhelming joy as she described the moment they had long dreamed of.
“Oh my gosh, it feels amazing. You know, Coachella has always been our dream as a group and to be able to perform at Mojave stage feels like [just] wow, it’s overwhelmingly exciting. I feel over the moon. Thank you, Lord. Thank you to our blooms,” Stacey expressed.
For Aiah, the moment carried even deeper meaning, as she highlighted the significance of representing the Philippines on such a massive platform.
“Well, of course, we are so happy. We’re grateful for the historical moment. It’s not always that we get to be on the Coachella stage, you know? I mean, it’s like we are carrying the torch where all the Filipinos, by blood, by heart, all the young kids who look up to us are so happy seeing us on stage. We are also happy. Our younger selves, our little kids inside [us] are so happy because you know, we get to bring that light to everybody.”
READ: BINI trends Number 1 worldwide as Blooms celebrate historic Coachella debut
Amid the scale of the festival, it was the spontaneous, unscripted moments that stood out most for the group. Maloi shared how the rawness of performing live made the experience even more surreal.
“I think it’s the unexpected adlibs. Not everything is rehearsed, like the way you interact with your co-members or the crowd. It’s something that is very true and humanizing. Like ‘oh, I’m living this moment. I’m performing right now.’ I think that’s the best feeling that I’ve had,” she said.
The crowd itself became one of the biggest surprises of the day. Despite performing early, BINI was met with a strong and energetic audience.
“And also the crowd. We did not expect a big crowd because it’s too early. But when we saw the crowd, we were so excited and we can’t wait to step on that stage,” Stacey added.
READ: BINI brings Filipino humor with ‘Eyy!’ and ‘Uy, Pilipins!’ to Coachella
That connection with the audience only grew stronger as fans sang and moved along to their songs, something the group did not anticipate.
“Personally, I was also surprised during the time when they sang and vibed with us during our 'Out of My Head' performance. It was unexpected. Also, during our 'Karera' when they also waved and clapped,” said Gwen.
For BINI’s leader Jhoana, one of the most touching moments came from seeing Filipino pride shine through in the crowd.
“We’ve seen them raising our Philippine flag...it just made us more proud to be Filipino because everywhere we go, there are Filipinos who will support you in all ways and always.”
Performing during the opening day of the festival’s first weekend will also give BINI the chance to take in the full Coachella experience. When asked which artists they were excited to see, the girls enthusiastically mentioned Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, PinkPantheress, Laufey, KATSEYE, and BIGBANG.
“Everyone!” the girls said almost in unison.
BINI is also set to receive another major international recognition after being named Global Force honorees at the Billboard Women in Music 2026.
Jhoana expressed the group’s humility and gratitude for the honor.
“It’s a big honor for us. It’s a huge honor. We dreamed about it but we never assumed [to receive it]. We just focus on our work, show after show, songs after songs. To be recognized, to be seen in this way now, we’re just grateful,” she explained.
READ: BINI set to receive Global Force Award from Billboard Women In Music 2026
Aside from BINI, The Beaches is also set to receive the same recognition this year. The ceremony, hosted by Keke Palmer, will honor a diverse roster of global artists, including HUNTR/X, Ella Langley, Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist, Tate McRae, Teyana Taylor, Thalía, and Zara Larsson.
The event is scheduled on April 29 (Pacific Time) at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
Amid the growing global attention, the group remains grounded in their mission.
“We just want to release more songs and inspire people. That’s it,” added Jhoanna.
Riding the momentum, BINI invited fans to listen to their latest EP Signals released on April 9, which quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot on iTunes shortly after its release.
Following a triumphant first weekend, BINI is set to return to the Coachella stage once again on April 18 (PHT), continuing a journey that is not only theirs, but one shared with every Filipino cheering them on worldwide.
Rewatch BINI's performance on the Coachella YouTube channel.