(From left) BINI members Mikha, Colet, Maloi and Jhoanna during the advanced screening of their docuseries “Born to Win: Chapter 1.” Image: Metrophoto via Instagram/@starmagicphils
It was an unforgettable night for BINI members Colet, Jhoanna, Maloi and Mikha as they became emotional during the advanced screening of their “Born to Win: Chapter 1” docuseries.
Much to the delight of their fans (known as Blooms), Jhoanna Robles, Colet Vergara, Maloi Ricalde and Mikha Lim hit the red carpet at the docuseries’ advanced screening at the Gateway Cineplex in Quezon City on Monday, Sept. 23.
In the screening were 888 Blooms (chosen from the group’s website), BINI’s manager MQ Mallari, Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN’s executives, and the team behind the docuseries, including co-creator and ABS-CBN’s chief of reporters Jeff Canoy. Also invited to the event were BINI’s families and loved ones.
“It feels surreal and overwhelming na magkakaroon kami ng sariling documentary (that we’ll have our own documentary). But for us, it’s a validation of what we worked hard for,” Jhoanna said during the advanced screening. Maloi, for her part, said she’s grateful for the girl group’s story to be shown to the audience.
While being followed during their behind-the-scenes moments felt initially “awkward” for Mikha, she became used to it and went on with her day. Colet, nodding, said the group eventually got used to the cameras.
“Kalaunan na lang din, wala na kaming pake na may nagsho-shoot sa’min (As time went on, we became used to the team shooting us), we’re just being ourselves,” Colet added.
WATCH: Before kicking off the advanced screening, BINI Jhoanna, Maloi, Colet, and Mikha thanked their fans (or Blooms), special guests, and families who attended the event. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/UQjNThcPIM
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2024
Through the background of BINI’s “BINIverse: The First Solo Concert,” the first chapter of the docuseries covered the girl group’s auditions, trainee days in ABS-CBN’s idol camp Star Hunt Academy, debut, and their rise to stardom.
Also part of the docu was BINI’s moments off-camera, including how the pandemic and rejection of ABS-CBN’s franchise affected their mental state, the death of Sheena’s mom pre-debut, Aiah’s struggle with anxiety, Gwen’s health during the entirety of their three-day concert, and how their bond grew through the years, among other topics.
As soon as the credits rolled – with “8” playing in the background – a teary-eyed Jhoanna, Maloi and Mikha went up to comfort Colet who became overwhelmed with emotion.
Mikha and Maloi kept a watchful eye on Colet, while Jhoanna maintained the stance of a leader as she took charge of interacting with those around them. They took a moment to compose themselves before greeting their fans and leaving the venue.
WATCH: As the advanced screening of “BINI Chapter 1: Born to Win” came to a close, BINI Jhoanna, Maloi, and Mikha quickly stood up to comfort Colet who was emotional while credits were rolling. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/9rSL00JrqA
— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) September 23, 2024
The second part of the docuseries, “Chapter 2: Here for You,” is set for release on an undisclosed date.
Directed by filmmaker Jett Leyco, the docuseries is meant to tell the story of BINI’s earlier days trying to reach superstar status, through long-form storytelling. It was released on iWantTFC on Sept. 26.
BINI debuted in June 2021, and is composed of Jhoanna, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Aiah, Mikha and Sheena. The P-pop girl group is best known for their hit songs “Pantropiko,” “Salamin, Salamin,” “Lagi,” “I Feel Good” and “Cherry on Top,” among others.