BINI: a dynamic and empowered Filipino girl group redefining the music scene with their infectious energy and captivating performances. Comprised of eight talented members—Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena—BINI burst into the spotlight through the ABS-CBN Star Hunt Academy, showcasing a fusion of sweet melodies and fierce determination.
History of BINI
Believing in the world-class talent of Filipino performers and drawing inspiration from the success of the Korean Idol industry, ABS-CBN’s Head of Entertainment Productions, Direk Laurenti Dyogi, envisioned the formation of groups capable of delivering stellar performances in singing and dancing.
In 2019, ABS-CBN launched the Star Hunt Academy, a training ground for young aspiring talents to develop their skills in singing, dancing, and overall performance while also nurturing them physically and mentally.
The journey of BINI traces back to the nationwide audition caravan dubbed “Star Hunt: The Kapamilya Grand Audition” in 2018, where ABS-CBN scouted talents from various corners of the Philippines and even overseas.
Out of the thousands who auditioned, 250 individuals were selected to undergo a rigorous 5-day boot camp. From this pool, 50 aspirants were chosen, and eventually, 12 young women were selected as the first set of female Star Hunt Academy trainees in August 2019.
Originally planned as a 9-member idol girl group, the trainees underwent intensive training under renowned Filipino coaches such as professional vocal coach Kitchy Molina and dance coach Mickey Perz. Additionally, they received guidance from South Korean coaches from MU Doctor Academy, enhancing their skills in both singing and dancing.
Throughout their training journey, the trainees showcased their progress by occasionally performing at various ABS-CBN mall shows and events, gaining confidence in front of live audiences while demonstrating the results of their hard work.
They were also recognized as Youth Ambassadors at a 2019 National Youth Commission event and were invited to perform at the thanksgiving celebration of the 2019 Manila Southeast Asian Games.
In May 2020, a performance practice video of the group covering ‘Ngiti,’ originally sung by Young JV and Gary Valenciano, was released by Direk Laurenti Dyogi on Twitter, showcasing their growth and development in training.
By August 2020, the group participated in the Philippine Kpop Convention’s Happy Hallyu Day 4 event, where they impressed audiences with their K-pop dance covers.
On October 10, 2020, the 8 remaining members of the original 12 SHA Girl trainees officially graduated from the Academy, marking the beginning of their journey as BINI. They were announced to be pre-debuted in November 2020, gearing up for their official debut in the music scene. – Wikipedia
Members of BINI
Maraiah Queen Arceta, better known as Aiah, brings a unique blend of charisma and talent to the forefront as a member of BINI. With her dynamic presence and versatile skills, she assumes the roles of Main Rapper, Visual, and Sub-vocalist within the group.
Aiah’s journey to stardom is marked by determination and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, such as an unsuccessful audition for Pinoy Big Brother in 2018, her unwavering persistence caught the attention of Star Hunt’s managers.
Recognizing her potential, they welcomed her into the prestigious SHA training program, setting her on the path to realizing her dreams.
Nicolette Vergara, lovingly referred to by fans as Colet, is a multifaceted talent within the vibrant ensemble of BINI. With her exceptional vocal prowess, captivating dance moves, and lyrical finesse, she assumes the pivotal roles of Main Vocalist, Lead Rapper, and Lead Dancer within the group.
Colet’s artistic journey is marked by a deep passion for music and performance. Immersed in the world of singing, dancing, and self-expression, she finds solace and fulfillment in the rhythmic melodies and expressive movements that define her craft.
Gwen the lead rapper and lead vocalist. Even with her shy personality her co-member believed that when Gwen performs she transform into total performer. With her zest for life and a passion for self-expression, Gwen brings a unique flair to the stage as a member of BINI.
Whether she’s captivating audiences with her performances or indulging her interests offstage, Gwen’s vibrant energy and infectious charisma leave an indelible mark wherever she goes.
Jhoanna Christine Robles, known by her stage name Jhoanna, assumes the leadership role within BINI. Growing up as an only child, she discovered solace and delight in music—a passion that echoes as strongly in her life as her fondness for indulging in mojos and fries.
Consistently excelling in academics, Jhoanna has maintained an honor student status throughout her educational journey.
Beyond her scholarly achievements, she has explored a diverse array of interests, including participating as a majorette, crafting lyrics as a lyrist, strumming melodies on the guitar, and serving as a school officer. These experiences reflect her multifaceted nature and showcase her leadership skills beyond the realm of music.
Maloi the main vocalist Her musical prowess extends from skillfully strumming the guitar and the ukulele to crafting soulful melodies as a songwriter.
Unplanned yet serendipitous, her journey into the spotlight began when she accompanied her younger sister to the auditions for Star Hunt Academy. As fate would have it, Maloi not only auditioned but also dazzled the judges, earning her spot in the program and later in BINI.
Mikha the lead dancer, main rapper and the visual. With a special talent for flexibility, Mikhaela’s journey into the world of performance began with two years of experience in cheerdancing. However, despite her background, she found herself challenged by the rigorous dance demands of her training program with BINI.
Yet, with determination and resilience, Mikhaela continues to evolve and thrive, embracing each new challenge as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. As she embarks on her journey with BINI, her passion, talent, and unwavering spirit are sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Sheena the main dancer of the group. Despite her youth, Sheena exudes a rare blend of grace, skill, and passion that sets her apart as a main dancer and sub-vocalist within the group. With a favorite palette of purple and black, she brings her unique style and personality to every performance, captivating audiences with her charm and magnetic stage presence.
As Sheena continues to carve her path in the world of entertainment, her boundless talent and unwavering determination serve as a testament to her bright future and enduring impact within the industry.
Stacey as a main rapper, sub-vocalist, and lead dancer within the group, Stacey’s versatility and talent add depth and dimension to BINI’s dynamic performances. With her magnetic stage presence and unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire fans with her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm.
As she continues to evolve and grow as an artist, Stacey remains a shining star within the constellation of BINI’s success, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment with her passion, talent, and undeniable charm.
BINI is not just a P-pop group; they are a force of energy, talent, and inspiration in the Philippine music scene. With their catchy tunes, dynamic performances, and unwavering dedication, BINI has captured the hearts of fans across the country and beyond. Their rise to fame is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. As they continue to evolve and make their mark in the industry, BINI stands as a shining example of the vibrancy and potential of Filipino pop music. – SkyNews