Jhoanna, Aiah, Gwen, Mikha, Colet, Maloi, Sheena and Stacey. BINI photo by ABS-CBN News

MANILA  -- The nation’s girl group BINI is in full rehearsal mode with only four days left before their highly anticipated three-day concert series, “Grand BINIverse,” set to take place at the Araneta Coliseum on November 16-18. 

The group admitted feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, as this concert marks their first major performance at the iconic Big Dome.

“Hindi po namin na-realize na 4 days na lang pala 'Grand BINIverse' na. Tapos 3 days pa 'yung concert namin! Naninibago kami from NFT (New Frontier Theater) to 'Grand BINIverse" so talagang engrande,” shared BINI member Stacey, reflecting on the milestone.

Her co-member Sheena echoed the sentiment. “Kabado, yes, super! Kasi dream po talaga namin 'yung Araneta. Tuwing training, ‘What’s up, Araneta?’ mga ganun, pero ngayon, totoo na siya!”

Beyond their intense song-and-dance rehearsals, BINI has also been prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being with coaching sessions aimed at helping them stay balanced and focused. 

“Sa sobra kasing nangyayari sa BINI, biglaan, na-o-overwhelm kami. Maganda din po na nache-check kami isa-isa kung paano kami nakaka-cope up sa ganitong klaseng environment, lifestyle. So, helpful talaga na na-check kami,” Colette explained. 

The coaching has even extended to their families, preparing them for the journey ahead as the group embarks on this milestone event.

BINI has also expressed gratitude for the star-studded lineup of guest performers who will join them on stage, including Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, “Amakabogera” singer Maymay Entrata, and an ensemble of Filipino drag queens such as Vinas Deluxe, Precious Paula Nicole, and Maxie Anderson. 

The dance crew TPM, who won Super 24 in 2024, will also make an appearance. 

BINI will also have special performances from Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez on November 16 and 17, and Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda on November 17 and 18.

Entrata shared her pride in BINI’s journey. “Every time talaga na mababalik ako dun sa part na sinabi na magiging parte ako ng concert ng BINI, talagang alam niyo po naiiyak ako, nagiging emotional ako kasi alam ko po talaga yung journey nila. Nakita ko po kung gaano 'yung training nila nung kay Direk Lauren (Dyogi), kay Mama Bear! Kamusta po yung BINI. Tapos for years po ng training nila may one time nasa backstage po ako tapos sabi nila, ‘Ate May, parang ano po kaya mangyayari sa amin?’ Sabi ko, ‘Hindi, tuloy-tuloy lang, naniniwala ako sa inyo talaga!’ Tapos nandito na sila, grabe! Grabe lang, sobrang proud po ako sa aking baby girls BINI mula noon hanggang ngayon lagi ako nakasuporta sa inyo.”

Valenciano also expressed his excitement and admiration for the group, saying: “Una, nagpapasalamat ako sa BINI. I guess I speak on behalf of all the guests — sila Vice, Maymay, Regine, and all the others who are part — kasi hinding-hindi ko malilimutan 'yung first time na nakita ko 'yung BINI sa 'ASAP' stage. At that time, hindi pa sila kilala pero nakita ko na 'yung potential nila. Tapos tumitingin ako sa tabi ko, meron bang ibang nanonood sa kanila kasi parang gusto ko sabihin, ‘Di ba, meron 'to, di ba?’ and I was right! So excited ako sa mga fans. Alam ko sold-out na sold-out naman talaga mga shows na ‘to, pero higit sa lahat, mababait ang mga batang ‘to. I say ‘bata’ coz I’m old enough to be their grandfather pa nga, but blessed ako na naging bahagi ako sa isa masasabi kong historical concerts.”

Valenciano also shared the advice he gave the group: “Maliban sa pag-guest, I’m so thankful na 'yung mga advice na binigay ko ay hindi lang pumapasok sa tenga nila kung 'di dito napupunta sa puso nila. Makikita ng fans, makikita ng lahat kung ano talaga ang BINI when they come see' BINIverse.' Girls, you are magnificent, not just as artists pero nakikita ko kayo backstage, you’re good people as well. Sana kahit kailan tandaan ninyo ang regalo na ‘to ay ibinigay lang sa inyo. Lubos-lubusin ninyo sa tamang paraan. Alam ko tatagal kayo sa industriyang ito.”