When two forces of pop royalty from intersecting cultures unite, they create an alchemy of sound and artistry; one that transcends language barriers and resonates universally. Such is the case of the first-ever Latine-Filipino collaboration, where BINI, the biggest girl group in the Philippines, and Belinda, the renowned Princess of Latine pop, put a new twist on “Blink Twice” off the former’s new BINIVERSE EP (Feb. 27). For the reimagination of the single, their voices intertwine in English and Spanish, radiating confidence as they invite a lover into their orbit.
BINI — composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena — came together through the televised competition Star Hunt Academy (SHA) in 2019. Their first song was 2021’s “Born To Win,” a lionhearted track that captures the determination that guides their journey. The song even has a Spanish version, where they double down without holding back: “Nada nos va a parar / El sueño va a durar,” they declare. “Esa llama en ti no se apagará / ¿Qué es, baby?, ¿no nos ves triunfar?”
From that point onwards, the octet has become a pillar of Filipino pop and has been regarded as the “Nation’s Girl Group,” catapulting their country’s music to new ranks. Their catalog is peppered with diversity that speaks to the youth — from propelling messages that ignite a sense of pride to playful compositions that put their charisma front and center. And it shows. Last March, they hit one billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first P-pop act to achieve that success.
“Blink Twice (Dos Veces) Remix” is BINI’s first step into the Latin American market, as they aim to reach their Latine fans and bring a new wave of listeners into the fold. With this release, they are set to grow their presence even more while pushing boundaries. “We just hope that we get to go to Latin America [one day] and really show them who we are,” Mikha tells Remezcla over a Zoom call. “We want to show them our craft, how passionate we are about what we do, and we just want to connect people through our music.”
Remezcla caught up with BINI to discuss their new collaboration with Belinda, the differences between P-pop and Latine music, and how their determination has led them to be icons of empowerment for women. Member Gwen was absent from the interview due to illness, but she was able to share her answers over email.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
BINI has been bringing Filipino music to the world, and now you have a cross-cultural collaboration with Mexican pop star Belinda. How did this project take shape?
Sheena: This collaboration was a surprise for us! The management just talked to us and told us that we would be having a big collaboration with a big Latin artist, and that it would be Belinda. We were so excited about it. And when we first heard her version of our song, we really, really liked it. We felt her sound and our sound really clicked.
Gwen: Belinda has a very unique and distinct voice, and her verse really added not just little, but extra spice to “Blink Twice.” We heard some of her songs already and, just like BINI, we can say that she also loves exploring different music genres and even collaborated with a lot of other singers, so that’s why we’re also very honored that we are able to collaborate with her.
Were you familiar with Belinda’s music before you received this news?
Jhoanna: Not really, but when we found out that we’re gonna have a collab with her, we started listening to her songs. We really liked “300 Noches.” We listened all together. I love how emotional and heartfelt that song is. The melody is so captivating, it has an LSS (“Last Song Syndrome”) factor, and you can really feel the depth of the lyrics, even if you don’t understand every word. It’s one of those songs that just stays with you, and I love how music has that universal power to connect people.
Did you have the chance to connect with Belinda during the development of the project?
Aiah: We haven’t met her, but if given the chance, it would be such a great thing if we got to experience the whole recording process with her! I feel like that is a beautiful thing to have that shared experience. But since we didn’t get to do that, now that song’s out, hopefully, as well in the future, we get to perform together with her.
“Blink Twice (Dos Veces Remix)” combines Spanish and English with Filipino and Latine elements, creating a rich cultural amalgamation. How do you see this song expanding the horizons of the music industry in general?
Jhoanna: I think this collaboration just proves that music has no borders. Actually, OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and Latin music have a lot in common. Both are very vibrant and deeply rooted in culture. So we hope that this remix opens more doors for OPM in the Latin industry and vice versa.
This collaboration is a historic first between a Filipino artist and a Latine artist. How does it feel to be at the forefront of this fusion, and what impact do you hope it will have in bringing these musical worlds closer together?
Jhoanna: It’s such an amazing feeling to be part of this historic collaboration. Knowing we’re helping bridge Filipino and Latin music makes us so proud and excited. We hope this opens doors for more collaborations between artists from different cultures, showing that music is a powerful way to connect people, no matter where they’re from. More than just breaking borders, we want this to inspire more artists to explore new sounds and create something truly global.
[“Blink Twice”] proves that music has no borders. Actually, OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and Latin music have a lot in common. Both are very vibrant and deeply rooted in culture. So we hope that this remix opens more doors for OPM in the Latin industry and vice versa.
And drawing from your experiences in the Filipino music industry and your insight into the Latine music industry, what do you see as the primary contrasts and similarities between the two?
Mikha: Like what Jhoanna just said, the similarities are that they both are vibrant, and I think with Latin songs, they’re also suckers for love songs. The meaning, and you can really feel the emotions, and they’re very expressive with their voices. I think that’s what I noticed so much with Miss Belinda, because her voice was so expressive, even though you can’t see her singing it, as long as you’re hearing it, you’re enjoying the song. As for the contrasts, maybe the maturity, of course, the language, because our songs are still a little bit baby compared to Belinda’s songs, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I think it’s always nice to find common ground between the two.
Aiah: The Latin and Filipino music industries share similarities in terms of cultural fusion and emotional storytelling while having the pursuit of global recognition at the same time. The difference might be because of the diversity in language, genre dominance, and industry size. Although both industries highlight the richness of culture and the unifying power of music.
Being named the “Nation’s Girl Group” is no small feat — it comes with both pride and great responsibility. How do you embrace your position within the Filipino music industry?
Mikha: The first time we were called the “Nation’s Girl Group,” most of us were about to tear up before going on stage at a music festival. And it does hold a lot of responsibility and expectations because when you are called the “Nation’s Girl Group,” you’re representing the country, and we’re so incredibly honored to be called that. We learned to embrace it when the time came, and when we felt as if we really contributed a lot to the Filipino music industry because it’s difficult to live up to expectations. But I think what we do is we use that as a motivation, and we pressure ourselves — in a good way — to make sure that we always do our best.
Since this track marks your group’s first step in connecting with Latine audiences and with your upcoming world tour, BINIVERSE… If you were to perform in Latin America, what would that experience mean to you?
Mikha: That would be a dream come true! It’s always been our goal to perform in different stages in other countries and learn from their culture too and how people are. I think it would be really fun, and we’re very excited to travel [for this world tour], and hopefully, we do stop by there and see everyone.
Stacey: It would be really fun for us to tour in Latin America! We’d love to share our music with Latin Blooms, and of course, to share the stage and perform “Blink Twice” with Belinda – hopefully, one day.
As a woman artist in the Filipino music industry, are there particular messages or experiences you aim to convey that reflect your identity?
Sheena: Our aim has always been to empower women and convey a message that we should be brave and confident in everything we do and never let anyone’s doubt or hate bring us down. With us, BINI, we are never afraid to speak up every time we know something’s wrong, and have always shown confidence in ourselves because we want to be an inspiration for women to learn how to love and appreciate our own beauty and talents.
For those reading this interview and discovering BINI for the first time, what song would you say most fully embodies the essence of the group’s artistry and message that you would like to recommend?
Maloi: I think “Pantropiko” because it’s one of our biggest songs, and it just screams BINI and screams Filipino. It’s a perfect introduction for non-Blooms and non-Filipino Blooms.
Mikha: There’s a saying: “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” Which, for us, is exactly what “Pantropiko” makes you feel. Aside from the fact that it’s in Tagalog, it’s like storytelling. Some people may interpret this song’s about someone they met on a beach whom they can never forget, but listening to the song more, my interpretation is that you’re slowly being pulled in by the beauty of the Philippines — the view of the island, the beachside, hearing the waves crashing, the hospitality of Filipinos, and their warm smiles. When you’re in the Philippines, everything feels like summer, in a way where you can relax and enjoy.
