BINI looks forward to 2025 world tour, eyes more international collabs

 

BINI looks forward to 2025 world tour, eyes more international collabs

BINI collaborates with Indonesian pop star Agnez Mo (center) for the 'BINIMo remix' of Cherry On Top.

Photo from BINI's Instagram

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

December 21, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — What a year 2024 has been for BINI. But it looks like 2025 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for the “Nation's Girl Group” with their first-ever world tour.

In an exclusive interview with The STAR on Thursday, BINI members Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Mikha, Gwen, Sheena, Aiah and Colet shared what they were most grateful for this year.

Besides hit songs, they mounted major solo concerts — first with “BINIverse” in July at the New Frontier Theater, with several stops in cities outside Metro Manila, and then the “Grand BINIverse” three-day concert series at the Big Dome in November.

The girls also had their first international collaboration with Indonesian pop superstar Agnez Mo for a remix version of Cherry on Top. The group reportedly met her at the Enterprise Studios in L.A. and later at the Billboard Korea's K Power 100 launch in Seoul earlier this year.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase our song to everyone, especially (to people) in Indonesia. We’re grateful for Agnez Mo’s beautiful voice and for accepting this project,” began Stacey.

“Thank you also to the brands we’ve worked with,” Jhoanna added.

“For this year, there have been so many blessings and achievements that we've gotten. We are grateful because it shows that our efforts have been seen and acknowledged,” Aiah further said.

“And not just the (individual) efforts but also the teamwork. Everyone has put in a lot of work, especially when we did the concerts. Having done two concerts in a year, that was hard to pull through, but we managed. Thank you to everyone who has shown us so much love. Thank you, Lord!”

They also recognized their fans, also known as Blooms, as part of the driving force behind whatever they accomplished this year.

In an exclusive interview with The STAR, BINI members Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Mikha, Gwen, Sheena, Aiah and Colet look back on 2024 and share what they are most grateful for this year.

“Thank you to our Blooms, who are always there for us, voting endlessly for us. They always have our backs,” said Maloi. “This is the time that we give back through our music.”

On what fans can expect from BINI in 2025, Gwen revealed, “More shows and song releases! We’re preparing to release our new song, Blink Twice. Of course, we will also have our grand BINIverse repeat concert at the Philippine Arena in February and a world tour, yes!”

As mentioned, one of the highlights of this year was their first international collaboration. The girls recalled their first impressions of Agnez Mo. “The word is ‘intimidated,’” said Aiah. “If you just look at her before she speaks, you’ll feel intimidated. But when she starts sharing her experiences and everything she knows about the world of music, we feel warm and comfortable just being with her.

“It feels like we have a big sister. That’s very nice because, especially in this industry, it's hard to find someone you can be comfortable talking to and expressing yourself with. This collaboration is a great step, and hopefully, it doesn’t end there. We hope to have more collaborations in the future. If we get to travel, hopefully, we visit Indonesia for work or leisure.”

For Mikha, recording with Agnez “taught us how to mesh three languages — Bahasa, Tagalog and English — altogether. I think it really worked well. Agnez Mo’s verse really amazed us; it brought a different flavor to the song.”

“We hope this collaboration opens more opportunities for BINI, Agnez Mo, other Filipino and Indonesian artists. Imagine the exchange of artistry among Asian (talents),” Jhoanna added.

As for Agnez, she found it easy to build a rapport with the girls due to quite similar backgrounds.

“When I first heard the record — even before Cherry on Top was out — we kind of dabbled into the possibility of us working together. I also did my research on BINI. I love what they stand for — girl power. It’s very aligned with my career and has always been my message throughout my life.

“Honestly, they reminded me of who I was when I was 17, 18, 19 years old. It brought back so many memories, and I definitely wanted to show up for the girls.

“I think the message of doing this is about crossing boundaries and countries, embracing multiculturalism, and celebrating unity in diversity. That has always been a huge part of my campaign as an artist. This collaboration solidifies that. Representing Asia and music on the global stage is something that should be celebrated.”

When asked about the possible impact of this project on the music scene in the region, Agnez shared that the beauty of the collaboration was that she came into it with zero expectations. She said it wasn’t about trying a strategy to break into another music market or vice versa.

“It’s really a genuine connection between strong girls and women, and also about representing Asia on the global stage,” she reiterated.

Given her success and staying power in the industry, Agnez sees qualities in BINI that she believes will help them last long in the entertainment business.

“It’s their curiosity. Every time we met, they would ask questions, they were willing to listen, and they were eager to learn. We connected not just as artists but also on a human level — like a big sister to younger sisters,” she said.

“The reason I’ve stayed at the top of my career for literally 30 years is because I’ve always been curious about what else I could learn — from experiences, life, other artists and established creators.

“On top of that, BINI is surrounded by a strong team that really cares about them. I think that’s also very important in this industry.”

Global pilgrimage of Christmas: Home is where the heart is

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 22, 2024 06:37 AM 

 

Today, millions of people around the world are on their way home to join their families for Christmas.

From bustling airports to crowded bus terminals, the desire to reunite with loved ones transcends borders, religions, and cultures, reflecting humanity’s shared yearning for connection, tradition, and celebration. In our culture, this is the time when the extended family comes to life, adding close friends to the clan.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects some seven million passengers to flock to bus terminals, airports and sea ports around the country to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with their families.

To ensure public safety, nearly 40,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide to secure bus terminals, ports, places of worship, tourist destinations, and other places of convergence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Christmas, for many, is a time of reflection and joy, symbolizing love, gratitude, and togetherness. These universal values draw people back to their roots. 

Globally, billions of people participate in this seasonal migration. In the United States, a record for holiday travel will be made with 120 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day in 2024, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicted. 

In the Philippines, holiday travelers plus the influx of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) create a surge in air travel and domestic transport systems.  In response, 956 special permits were granted for public utility vehicles (PUVs), especially passenger buses, in anticipation of the increased number of passengers from this weekend to Jan. 10 next year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Dec. 19.

The holiday season’s dramatic movement of people places immense pressure on transportation systems worldwide. Airports operate at full capacity, airlines add extra flights, and roads become congested.  Although the government responds with measures deploying additional personnel, and enhancing traffic management, private citizens should do their part to ensure safe and efficient travel.  Road courtesy will help make travel safer and smoother.

What awaits these travelers at home are cherished traditions that have been passed down through generations. Among these is the traditional Noche Buena, a grand Christmas Eve dinner where families gather to feast on a traditional menu. This meal is not just about food but about the warmth of togetherness, laughter, and storytelling.

Gift-giving is another strong element of the season, symbolizing thoughtfulness and love. Filipino children do not only wait for gifts from Santa Claus and their parents, but also from their ninongs, ninangs (godparents), and relatives.

Beyond material traditions, the deeper reason for the journey home lies in shared experiences and making memories. For Christians, the center of the Christmas celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ, a time to reflect on faith and gratitude. Many memories will be made in churches where traditions of Christmas celebration are performed – like the Simbang Gabi and the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

From the Philippines to other parts of the world, the annual pilgrimage home shows humanity’s shared values of love, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether it’s for a grand feast, or simple meal, exchanging gifts, or simply sitting around the table laughing, Christmas reminds us all of one thing: Home is where the heart is, and family – which also includes friends as adopted members – is what makes it a whole family.

Invite a friend to join your family for Christmas Eve. Be extra courteous to a motorist and pedestrian. Reach out to a stranger with a kind act. 

Arch. Royal Pineda on redefining Filipino identity and inspiring the next generation

BY REY ILAGAN

Dec 21, 2024 04:27 PM 

Arch. Royal Pineda (Photo courtesy of Royal Pineda/Facebook)

During the launch of “Ugnayan,” Genteel Home’s latest collaboration with Arch. Royal Pineda at Manila FAME 2024, the spotlight wasn’t just on the stunning furniture collection—it was on the dialogue surrounding Filipino creativity. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach to design and architecture, Arch. Pineda shared insights on his partnership with designer Katrina Blanca de Leon, the local creative industry, and his vision for modern Filipino design.

One theme consistently emerged: Arch. Pineda’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Filipino identity in design, always aiming for global recognition without losing authenticity.

Katrina de Leon and Arch. Royal Pineda (Photo courtesy of Genteel Home)

Culture of betterment

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For Arch. Pineda, every collaboration is an opportunity to inspire creatives to embrace and refine their unique Filipino identity. Reflecting on his work with de Leon and Genteel Home, he emphasized the importance of authenticity in creativity. “As I collaborate and work with any creatives as a naturalist, I always say, just be yourself. I am not here to tell you to follow my ways or my approach, but to understand the principle of how to become you and a better Filipino,” he explained.

This philosophy translates into a mindset of continual improvement—a rejection of mediocrity. “When I see a creative digging for that identity, I help them. Because I always tell them, you will not just be Filipino—you will be a better Filipino, a modern Filipino,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of creating designs that contribute to a broader narrative. “The culture of betterment—where we keep saying better, better, better—is actually created to cancel out ‘pwede na.’ You see a version, so there’s a contribution, because it cannot be the same. Otherwise, there’s no point; there’s no creativity.”

(Photo courtesy of Royal Pineda)

Local design, global market 

Pineda believes that Filipino design has the potential to thrive in a global market, not by competing with mass-produced pieces but by embracing its exclusivity. “Philippine furniture stands out because we are not about mass production. That’s why I also challenge [designers]. Your exclusivity is not just about limiting it to a few people. Your exclusivity is in being able to create a design exclusively for a person,” he said.

This approach requires a clear understanding of what makes Filipino design unique. “The Philippines will have its authentic market because it will always prepare and present a very specific identity and quality of the Philippines. We’re not here to compete… But again, my question is: What makes ours Filipino? That’s the challenge—to always know,” Arch. Pineda explained.

He added that authenticity in Filipino design can command its value. “Why would I buy a table from the Philippines that’s exactly like a table from Vietnam, but Vietnam’s is cheaper? But if you, as a Filipino table, bring something to the world that makes it better Filipino, then you cannot compare the price.”

Modern Filipino identity

For Arch. Pineda, modern Filipino design is an evolving identity. “For the longest time, there was a colonial mindset that left us confused as architects. Some colleagues of mine, 20 years ago, when I asked them, ‘Can you define Philippine architecture?’ they said it was a long discussion because we were colonized,” he recalled.

But Arch. Pineda has moved beyond that mindset. “I believe I’m doing Philippine architecture of our time. The bahay kubo was Philippine architecture of its time, as was the bahay na bato. We are in a constant evolution, but my challenge to every creative—not just architects—is this: Are you contributing to the chain of history?” 

His design philosophy is deeply rooted in identity and purpose. “Why should a Filipino be forced to live in a Mediterranean house? Why do the French live in a French house? And yet, suddenly, when you come to the Philippines, you’re telling me I’m Filipino and I cannot live in a Filipino house?”

For Arch. Pineda, the challenge is clear: “If you don’t dare to find your own identity, if you don’t have that itch, you will always be a follower. You’ll remain in the status quo. But I challenge the status quo all the time.”

Next generation

Pineda is optimistic about the younger generation of Filipino creatives. “I’m happy to see the younger generation becoming more confident about who they are. They look for what’s Filipino,” he said.

While some criticize younger designers for being overly confident or entitled, Pineda sees this as an asset. “That’s not necessarily bad. Use that confidence to say, ‘We are Filipino.’ Graduate from the inferiority. That’s what makes the Philippines really exciting now, especially in creative fields.”

Hilda Koronel returns to acting via 'Sisa,' reveals favorite Filipino stars

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 22, 2024 00:30 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Although Hilda lives abroad for almost 20 years, she expressed that she never misses acting. Her last film was The Mistress in 2012. 

Hilda Koronel (Screengrab from YouTube)

After12 years, award-winning actress Hilda Koronel returns to the Philippines to shoot a historical film entitled "Sisa."

During a guest appearance on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Hilda said she was excited to do the movie.

"I'm going to do a historical thriller. It's called Sisa. They believe it's all about Jose Rizal's 'Sisa,' but it's not. It's an original story. Interesting," said Hilda. 

Asked how she would attack the role of Sisa, the award-winning actress said: "They see her as a mad woman from the beginning. She was damaged. Parang loka-loka siya. So dahil loka-loka, pinangalan siyang Sisa. That's it. But truly, she was not a crazy woman. She was a spy for the revolutionaries."

"I did Lupang Hinirang, a period piece from the old days, but this one is different. I loved the story, and the presentation during the Zoom meeting was so interesting. It was so professionally done, and I thoroughly loved the synopsis first. Then I said give me a great script. And they did.

"Maraming ita-tackle rito na stories, and it's a very interesting story. Relevant pa rin and you have a bit of history. Mga twist and turn namin very interesting," Hilda said. 

Boy said Eugene Domingo and Jenics Garcia will be part of the cast. Hilda also explained how she prepares for a role.

"In a way, when I read the script, napapanaginipan ko na yung mga eksena. It's like a movie in my brain. And I see how I will attack and discuss that scene with them.

"They listen naman, and we collaborate. So I internalize, and I get into my role as anybody. Pagpapasok na ako ng kotse, 'Sisa' na ako.

"Tahimik na ako ng konti. Of course I greet everybody. Baka sabihin nila mataray ako. But I have to concentrate in one corner: I have to do my lines and I want to make sure na kung ano ang gusto ng direktor and gusto ko pareho. 

"Magsi-sink kaming dalawa. May sarili siyang interpretation I respect that. May sarili rin ako so pinag-uusapan namin dalawa," Hilda added.

Although Hilda lives abroad for almost 20 years, she expressed that she never misses acting. Her last film was The Mistress in 2012.

"I guess I've been at it for so long since I was 12 years old. My husband said it was time for me to stop already.

"Ang na-miss ko yung country, the people. I missed my children and my grandchildren. I missed my maids. They are family to us," Hilda said.

Hilda was asked to send a message to her younger self.

"I think I was very afraid at that time. I would say, 'Lakasan mo ang loob mo.' Kinalakadkan na ako ng nanay ko since I was young. But I was too shy. I didn't even know what that meant yung maging artista ka." 

Hilda acknowledges that she still feels nervous when filming a movie on set.

"May kaba pa rin sa paggawa ng pelikula in the beginning. Pero nawawala yan as you go along. Sa umpisa lang yan eh."

Advice for the young stars

Hilda shared some advice with the current actors.

"Just work hard and love your craft. I always say it takes a village to finish a movie. So treat everybody with respect and be on time. 

"Lahat yan. I respect them from top to bottom. Importante sa akin yun, she said.

Hilda also recalled moments when she scolded fellow actors. "Marami."

She revealed she never had a showbiz crush. However, she almost got into serious relationships with her leading men. "I won't tell."

Hilda expressed that she feels flattered whenever critics refer to her as the gold standard in acting.

"I hope I can live up to that hype. I don't want to offend other actors who work with me. But that's how they see it. So what can I do? It's flattering, but I don't see myself like that."

Hilda, 67, also named some of the Filipino stars she admires. "Marami. Nora (Aunor) is good. Vilma (Santos) is good. I've worked with them. Ate Guy a lot with Viva Films. I love Dindo Fernando. I love Eddie Garcia. I love Christopher de Leon. I love Bembol Rocco. Marami."

On current stars, Hilda said: "Wala ako masyadong alam because I was out of the country. I took out my TFC because I used to cry a lot kapag nanonood kami ng mga Christmas. Naiiyak kaming mag-asawa. Nalulungkot ako."

Hilda said she will celebrate the holidays with her children and grandchildren in Manila.