BINI on Criticisms, Their Musical Journey, and Turning Pain Into Power

In the world of Philippine pop music, few groups have captured the hearts of fans as quickly and as intensely as BINI, the eight-member girl group hailed as the “Nation’s Girl Group.” From their humble beginnings in a training bootcamp to sold-out concerts and viral hits, BINI’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. Yet, with fame comes inevitable criticism, and the girls have learned that success is not just about talent—it’s also about resilience.

In recent interviews, the members have spoken openly about the challenges they’ve faced and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Their mantra is simple but powerful: “We turn pain into power.”

The Pressure of Being a P-Pop Girl Group

When BINI debuted in 2021 under ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy, they were stepping into a competitive arena. The P-Pop industry was still carving its identity, with groups like SB19 paving the way internationally. Expectations for BINI were sky-high. They weren’t just tasked with entertaining; they were carrying the dream of elevating Filipino talent onto the global stage.

The girls—Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena—faced scrutiny from day one. Everything from their looks to their choreography, from their vocals to their personalities, was placed under a magnifying glass. Some detractors dismissed them as “manufactured idols” or compared them unfavorably to established K-pop groups.

But instead of being crushed by criticism, BINI chose to use it as fuel. “We’ve been through a lot,” one member said. “But each time someone doubted us, it only pushed us to work harder. That pain became our power.”

Songs as a Reflection of Struggle and Growth

BINI’s discography tells the story of their journey. Their early tracks carried a youthful and playful energy, but as the group matured, their songs began to reflect deeper emotions and more personal experiences.

Take “Born to Win,” for instance—their debut single. It was more than just a catchy pop anthem; it was a declaration of intent. With lyrics about rising above challenges and embracing destiny, the song resonated with young fans who saw themselves in the group’s struggles.

Later releases like “Golden Arrow,” “Lagi,” and “Na Na Na” showed their versatility, while their more recent hits such as “Pantropiko” and “Cherry on Top” combined fun, danceable beats with messages of confidence and self-love.

Each track, according to the members, serves as a chapter in their collective story. “When we look back at our songs, we see our growth. The struggles, the criticisms, the sleepless nights—they’re all in there. Music is where we turn our pain into something beautiful.”

Criticism as a Teacher

One of the most striking things about BINI is their attitude toward criticism. Rather than ignoring it, they analyze it carefully. Constructive feedback is taken seriously, while baseless hate is used as motivation to prove doubters wrong.

“We can’t please everyone,” Aiah once said, “but we can always improve. If people say we’re lacking in something, we’ll work twice as hard.”

This mindset has helped the group polish their performances. Fans who attended their early showcases and then saw them again in 2024 or 2025 often remark on their dramatic improvement. Their vocals are stronger, their synchronization tighter, their stage presence more magnetic.

The criticisms that once threatened to break them have become stepping stones toward excellence.

The Bond That Keeps Them Strong

Being in an eight-member group is not without challenges. Conflicts are natural, and misunderstandings can arise. But BINI has consistently emphasized the importance of communication and sisterhood.

Their training days forged a bond that has only grown stronger over time. They lived together, practiced for endless hours, and endured the pressure of debuting during a pandemic. These shared experiences created a foundation of trust.

“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Colet explained. “When one of us is down, the others lift her up. That’s how we survive the tough times.”

This sense of unity is palpable during their performances. Fans often point out how the girls support one another on stage—subtly adjusting formations, covering for missed notes, or exchanging reassuring glances.

Rising Above the Noise

As BINI’s popularity has skyrocketed, so too has the volume of criticism. Social media, while a powerful tool for connecting with fans, is also a breeding ground for negativity. The group admits it hasn’t been easy dealing with harsh comments online.

But here, again, they rely on their mantra. “Instead of focusing on the negative, we focus on the love,” Maloi said. “For every hurtful comment, there are hundreds of fans cheering us on. That’s what we hold on to.”

Indeed, BINI’s fandom, known as “Blooms,” has been instrumental in shielding them from the worst of the online hate. The Blooms are fiercely protective, flooding social media with positivity whenever the group is attacked. This symbiotic relationship has turned BINI’s journey into a shared triumph.

A Global Dream

Beyond surviving criticism, BINI has their eyes set on global recognition. They have already taken steps in that direction, performing at international festivals and reaching new audiences through digital platforms. Their music videos rack up millions of views, and their streaming numbers continue to grow.

Turning pain into power, for BINI, also means turning challenges into opportunities. “We want to show the world that Filipinos can make world-class music,” Jhoanna said. “Our culture, our language, our passion—they deserve to be seen on the global stage.”

Turning Pain Into Power: More Than Just Words

The phrase “We turn pain into power” has become BINI’s unofficial philosophy, but it’s more than just a slogan. It represents a survival mechanism, a creative process, and a source of strength.

Every criticism becomes an energy source. Every challenge becomes a lesson. Every moment of doubt becomes a spark for reinvention.

Fans, especially young women, connect deeply with this message. Many see BINI not just as entertainers but as role models who embody resilience in the face of adversity.

The Road Ahead

BINI’s journey is still unfolding. With each comeback, each live performance, and each interview, they continue to write their story. If the past few years are any indication, their future will be filled with both triumphs and trials—but they are ready for both.

As they step into the next chapter of their careers, BINI remains grounded by the lessons of their past. They know that criticism will always be part of fame. They know that challenges will always test their unity. But they also know that pain, when transformed, becomes the most powerful fuel of all.

“Criticism doesn’t break us,” Stacey summed up. “It makes us stronger. It makes us BINI.”

Conclusion

In an industry that can be brutal, BINI has emerged not only as artists but as survivors. Their songs mirror their struggles and victories, their bond sustains them, and their resilience inspires countless fans. By turning pain into power, they are carving out a legacy that goes beyond music.

For now, the nation’s girl group continues to bloom, proving that sometimes, the harshest storms produce the most beautiful flowers.