The Manila Times
(UPDATE) BINI, the first all-Filipino group to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, delivered a high-energy 45-minute set on the Mojave stage featuring Tagalog songs, cultural fashion and choreography rooted in Filipino identity on Saturday morning (Manila time). The eight-member group opened in gold “Warrior” outfits designed by Marian Zara, with custom details by Job Dacon, paired with salakot headpieces. Dacon said they used about 20 to 25 sheets of real gold leaf and about two pounds of recycled plastic per person. The look later transitioned into teal “Siren” ensembles inspired by tropical aesthetics, designed by Rafa Villas with accessories by Arnel Papa. They launched into “Shagidi,” performed in succession with “Zero Pressure” and “Out of My Head,” before pausing to introduce themselves to the crowd. “We are BINI, all the way from the Philippines!” the group said. “We are so happy to be here and we hope you are ready to party with us in the desert as we take you into our world,” leader Jhoanna added. “We are so grateful to represent the Philippines on a global stage and to share with you guys our music that is why thank you so much, Coachella,” Aiah said. “And to everyone watching in the livestream, we hope you can feel the energy from wherever you are tuning in from. But of course, shout out to our Blooms here and to our Blooms watching on the livestream! Mahal namin kayo!” Sheena said. The group then moved through a tightly packed set, performing 10 songs in succession, including “Karera,” “Salamin Salamin,” “Blink Twice,” “Cherry on Top,” “Blush,” “Bikini” and “Pantropiko.” Festival goers also joined in as the group taught the “Eyy” hand gesture, a fan-favorite move popularized by member Sheena. Shortly after their performance, the group shared selfies on the global fandom platform Weverse writing, “BINI Coachella Week 1, done! Thank you for the overwhelming love and support! We hope we made you proud. 2, 3, salamat po!” Shortly after, still fresh from their performance, they sat down for a post-set interview with Billboard, where they reflected on the milestone moment. Stacey said, “It feels amazing. Coachella has always been a dream for the group, and to be able to perform at the Mojave Stage — it’s overwhelmingly exciting. We feel over the moon.” The milestone also carried historic weight, as the group became the first Filipino girl group to perform at the festival. “Well, of course, we are so. We’re grateful for that historical moment. It’s not always that we get to be on the Coachella stage. All the Filipinos — Filipino by blood, by heart — and all the young kids who look up to us are so happy seeing us on stage. And we’re also happy for our younger selves, the little kids inside us, because we get to bring that light to everybody,” Aiah said. Members said several moments during the set stood out, particularly the crowd’s response to their performances. “I was surprised when the audience started singing and vibing with us during ‘Out of My Head.’ It was very unexpected. And during ‘Karera,’ they were waving their hands and even the Philippine flag,” Gwen said. Leader Jhoanna added, “Seeing the Philippine flag being raised while we were performing — it made us even more proud to be Filipino. Everywhere we go, there’s a Filipino who will support us, always and in all ways.” Fans online and celebrities praised the group’s Coachella debut and the visibility of Filipino music on a global stage. “BINIchella stage is another huge win for P-pop on the global stage! Congrats BINI_ph, you truly made the Coachella stage Blush tonight Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino, sana’y magpatuloy ang panalo ng P-pop sa buong mundo!” fellow P-Pop group SB19 said on their social media post. “Mighty proud of @BINI_ph! What a strong moment for Filipinos,” said Christian Bautista on X. “SALAMIN SALAMIN, FILIPINO SONGS, FILIPINO LYRICS ON COACHELLA???????? NAKAKAIYAKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!” said filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone. “SO SO SO PROUD! congrats @BINI_ph #BINICHELLA,” Gian Bernardino of Cup of Joe also wrote on X. Coachella is one of the most well-known global music festivals and has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists over the years. This year’s lineup includes Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, while other acts such as BigBang, The Strokes, The xx, Addison Rae, PinkPantheress, Laufey and Anyma are also part of the festival lineup. Meanwhile, another Filipino artist also appeared at the festival. Sophia Laforteza, a member of global girl group KATSEYE, performed on the Sahara stage. BINI will return to the Coachella stage for its second weekend on April 17 (April 18 in Manila). Beyond Coachella, the group is scheduled to appear at the GRAMMY Museum Global Spin Live on April 21, continuing their international promotional run. The group is also set to be honored as a Global Force awardee at Billboard Women in Music at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on April 29, alongside artists including Kehlani, Tate McRae and Zara Larsson.
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