The “Nation’s Girl Group” BINI renewed their contract with ABS-CBN on Tuesday. The octet — Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena — were all emotional as they were welcomed by ABS-CBN bosses led by president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, chairman Mark Lopez, and ABS-CBN TV Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi. BINI’s manager, MQ Mallari, was also present at the network signing and press conference.
“You rightfully deserve to be called our ‘Nation’s Girl Group’ and the pride of Filipinos,” said Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN’s COO. “We’re very confident that because of your continuous hard work and passion for excellence, BINI will reach greater heights. We look forward to an exciting journey with all of you.”
She continued, “Through the ABS-CBN experience, it is so true that when God closes a door, He opens another. He opened a door for all of us to the world. So BINI, make the most of this opportunity. Show the world the excellence of Filipino talent.”
In turn, the girls expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their fans, advertisers, management team, and family for supporting their journey.
Maloi could not hold back the tears as she thanked their fandom, the Blooms. “Sobrang nakakatuwa na never naming in-expect na may makakapansin na hindi namin in-expect na mapapansin nila. They really show genuine care sa amin,” she said.
Sheena, the youngest, gave a special shoutout to God. “Thank you, Lord,” she said, and everyone responded with “Amen.”
While they are adored by many worldwide, BINI is no stranger to bashing. Aiah had a message for their detractors.
“Totoo, hindi po siya madali,” she began. “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 our all — at least that’s something we can turn to something great.”
She continued, “It also allows us to look at all the brighter things in life and the many things we can be grateful for.”
Addressing the bashers directly, she added, “Sa bashers, ang sakit nyong magsalita… Because of it, mas lalo akong nagkakapurpose kung bakit. It’s always nice to be loving kasi ang daming hate, ang daming negativities. So parang you get to see all of it, and it makes you have the first purpose to keep doing good because people… we need that love….
“And being walo, being complete as a team… it shows how strong we are together kasi ang daming dami naming pinagdaanan na hindi namin sinasabi…
“We are strong. We are strong because nag-renew pa kami… We are strong because ma-strengthen pa namin ang bond sa isa’t isa, ang skills…”
She finished with a hopeful message for the future. “So we all also wanna thank you, our future selves. Kasi it’s gonna be more fun in the future, it’s gonna be exciting. There will be a lot of ups and downs, but at least we are all complete and it’s either… Walo or wala,” she concluded, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.