The Philippine government is moving to formally recruit P-pop group BINI as tourism ambassadors, with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay confirming the department has already reached out to the eight-member act following their landmark appearance at Coachella.
Angara-Mathay said the offer had already been relayed to the group, although BINI has yet to respond. The secretary attributed the delay to the group’s packed schedule. “We’re going to talk to them. ‘Di pa sila sumasagot because they are traveling,” she said.
BINI made history last month as the first all-Filipino girl group to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. The octet delivered a 45-minute set and capped it off with crowd favourite “Pantropiko,” while members introduced themselves in different Filipino dialects reflecting their respective hometowns.
Angara-Mathay, who was among the Cabinet officials accompanying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on a state visit to Japan when she spoke to reporters, said the department placed importance on artists who carry the flag internationally. “We always put value to our talents for waving our flag on the international stage,” she said.
Both chambers of Congress have formally recognised the group’s achievement. The Senate passed Resolution 370 congratulating BINI for their recent milestones, with Senator Bam Aquino, who sponsored the measure, saying their Coachella performance “created waves” in the entertainment industry and stirred Filipino pride. The House of Representatives had earlier approved House Resolution No. 93 recognising BINI as the “Nation’s Girl Group.”
Aquino said BINI and other Filipino artists represented the country’s best foot forward on the global stage. “Why not? Let’s do it. Gawin natin. BINI and so many other artists, sila ‘yung ilabas natin. Ipakita natin sa buong mundo, they are the best foot forward for the rest of the world,” he said.
