Following last year’s performances at KCON and ASAP Natin ‘To, Filipina girl group BINI returned to Los Angeles as a stop on the BINIverse World Tour. At their first headlining show in LA, the group performed with passion and heart, hoping to create a safe haven for fans to enjoy their music despite the current turmoil on the city’s streets.
Before BINI came onstage, the show was preceded by special opening act Jamie Ave, formerly known as Jamieboy. The Filipino R&B singer performed several tracks such as “Ooh Wee!” “You Got It,” and “Relapse.” After taking a moment to share his gratitude to BINI and their fans for welcoming him on a stage he’s only ever dreamed of standing on before, he also performed his newest single, “Slowly,” live for the first time, and a cover of SZA’s “Snooze” before wrapping up his set. Even during his brief set, his presence filled the stage with ease as he sang each line and danced from one side to the other.
After Jamie Ave, fans had the opportunity to use the restroom or grab some refreshments before the main act of the night would appear. At 8:30pm on the dot, the lights dimmed, and a black and white BINIverse logo appeared on the screen. Fans, known as BLOOMS, looked on in slight confusion; the group is known for their vivid and bright brand colors, and the black and white was out of character. However, the reason soon become clear. The logo began to fill up with color, signaling the countdown to the show’s start.
Once the logo was filled with color, the image on the screens exploded into an array of colors and blossoming flowers — BINI had arrived. A short introductory medley of some of the group’s top hits greeted fans and led to BINI performing “Salamin, Salamin,” “No Fear,” and “I Feel Good.” Dressed in signature bright and colorful outfits, BINI introduced themselves to the crowd, though it was overwhelmingly clear that no introduction was needed. “Salamat, po, we are BINI,” they exclaimed as the audience erupted in cheers. Addressing the small elephant in the room, the group then referenced the citywide curfew and slight tension in the air. “We know things are uncertain right now, but we have to believe every dark cloud has a silver lining,” they began. “At least for the next few hours, we hope we can bring you some comfort.”
Throughout the evening, the members thanked their fans, not just for showing up for the show, but also for supporting them as BINI. “Thank you to BLOOMS for believing in us, and for believing in our music,” Mikha began. “We can’t believe, just last year, we were guests at KCON LA and ASAP Natin ‘To, and now, we’re here for own show!” Chiming in, Jhoanna also noted how special the concert was to her since she missed KCON LA because she fainted at the airport when leaving the Philippines. In honor of the momentous occasion, the girl group also prepared two surprises for their LA BLOOMS. While they had performed their track “Secrets” at every stop of their tour, they brought out special guest feature eaJ for the first time to perform the song together, just for LA fans. Additionally, BINI prepared an energetic and lively performance of their latest single, “Shagidi,” which is based on a Filipino game similar to Follow the Leader. Though the song is fun and playful, it also carries a deeper meaning as it’s one way the members are sharing their culture and heritage with the world.Â
Showing off the group’s versatility, the eight members also took a break from the bright and energetic songs for slow vocal-centric tracks such as “Na Na Nandito Lang” and “Here With You.” For “Na Na Nandito Lang” in particular, the members had listeners focus on their voices as a single spotlight shone on each member during their parts, giving each person their chance to shine. They completed the song standing altogether at the center of the stage and finishing with a melodious harmony. This marked the end of the main show, and they were greeted with thunderous applause and loud chanting.
The final video of the night started off in black and white and slowly filled with color as each member appeared. A final burst of color transformed the members into butterflies, as if they reached their final transformation. With that, BINI returned to the stage once again full of bright energy. The group ran into the aisles of the theater during “Na Na Na” to get up-close with fans seated further in the back, before making their way back to the stage for the grand finale.
Though the group performed with passion and fervor all throughout the show, the last song of the evening saw an extra burst of energy from both the audience and the group. Starting with a dance break, the powerful instrumental remix gave no hints as to what track was coming, building up the suspense. As the dance break came to an end and the group held their poses, Stacey’s first line sent the crowd into a frenzy. Everyone jumped up from their seats, waving their lightsticks quickly, welcoming “Pantropiko” as the closing song. Once it hit the first chorus, the group’s voices were nearly drowned out as everyone shouted the lyrics along with them. Fans sang, danced, and cheered; it was a moment of pure joy to hear BINI revisit the song that propelled them to mainstream success.
Even after the song ended, the energy was still palpable in the air, as the group gave their final bows and parting words. “Thank you for loving us and for loving yourselves,” Sheena started. “We know there’s a lot of nonsense outside right now, so we are grateful you found the courage to be here with us tonight.”
