It was not an easy route not just for the girls, but also the entire team.
In a series of videos uploaded on his social media account, ABS-CBN’s head of TV Production and Star Magic Laurenti Dyogi disclosed some behind-the-scene information on how the entire team prepared for the historic performance of the Nation’s Girl Group, BINI.
Specifically, the octet’s headline-grabbing debut appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they staged performances on April 11 and 18 (Manila time).
In his TikTok clips, Dyogi shared that when they first got word about the invitation, they did not immediately disclose it with Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena.
He told that they were most concerned about the non-disclosure agreement as to why they decided to not reveal it right away.
Perhaps, the biggest matter that they sought to address was the financial side, especially with ABS-CBN still struggling financially.
“Planning pa lang ng Coachella, ang dami na naming struggle financially,” the Kapamilya boss recalled. “Kailangan naming magtipid kasi wala ng pera ang ABS-CBN and whatever we were getting from Coachella was not enough for all our expenses considering we need to cover our cost for airfare and all expenses by Coachella.“
“Budget-wise, we need to cut down on the team. Sobra kaming lean dito. Halos kami kami lang gumagalaw dito. Coach Mickey is also driving the vehicle. Kami kami nagtutulong tulong sa pagkain, sa grocery, sa paglilinis ng bahay,” he also revealed.
To make it possible, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) was able to assist them regarding the airfare, while ABS-CBN global affiliate The Filipino Channel (TFC) shouldered the lodging for the team composed of 30 people.
In the same video series, he also looked back on the struggles dating back from the pre-debut days of BINI, who had to contend with the ABS-CBN network shutdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This seems to be happening again… There is a global crisis that started in the year with a war in the Middle East, and then there’s another issue with ABS-CBN. Parang nauulit ‘yung nangyari before, but I suppose this can also be a good sign na something big will happen in the future,” he said.
Dyogi added, “Pag maraming dagok ang dinaranas, parang we also receive a lot of blessings,” noting that it is both considered a blessing for the girls and the company.
As regards to the performance, the Kapamilya executive noted that there were no blueprints for them as first-timers.
“The girls, I think what worked for them is they were just enjoying it,” he told. “Because the previous night, nagkaiyakan kami, we discussed ‘yung significance ng performance na it. They have to be able to internalize that they are there not just for themselves, they are there for a bigger reason.”
“They are representing the Philippines, they are representing the company, they are representing the Blooms, they are representing their families. And, of course, they are representing their dreams.”
Meanwhile, Dyogi also said that the Coachella stint was able to give the girls media mileage in the states.
“I will not deny, nakakuha na kami ng certain inquiries and interests, so we’re meeting some people here for future collaboration and partnerships, for performances,” he said.
“Hindi pa namin masabi kung ano man ‘yon, but at the right time, mararamdaman din natin ‘yung epekto ng Coachella performance nila and the mileage that we get.”
On April 29, the group is expected to participate at the Billboard Women In Music ceremony, where they will conferred the Global Force award.
They also became the first P-pop act to perform at the Grammy Museum’s Global Spin Live this week.