BINI on Billboard Global Force Award: 'We accept this as proud Filipinas'

BINI accepted their first Billboard international award with pride as Filipino artists. 

Member Colet Vergara opened the group's speech by sharing to the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles how much the Global Force Award means to them.

"Standing here tonight is something we, BINI, could only dream about. We are deeply honored to be given we are deeply honored to be given a chance to represent Filipino music and artists back home," she said. 

"This is not just a milestone for us but also a responsibility we carry with so much pride," she added.

BINI leader Jhoanna Robles then encouraged young women to dream big just as they did. "Just like these artists, we hope that we also inspire young girls watching this and they realize that their dreams are also valid no matter where they come from." 

Robles then thanked ABS-CBN and Billboard Philippines for helping them in gaining international recognition before receiving the award with pride. 

"We accept this award, not just as BINI, but more importantly, as proud Filipinas," Robles exclaimed.

"Again, we are BINI. Maraming salamat at mabuhayang musikang Pilipino," she concluded. 

Also a receipient of the Global Force Award is The Beaches, a Canadian all-girl rock band.

Other Billboard honoreed include Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as Women of the Year, Thalia as Icon, Tate Mcrae as Hitmaker, Kehlani for Impact, Laufey for Innovator, among others. 

The nation's girl group received the award shortly after their historic performance at Coachella as the first Filipino act to do so.

Consisting of members Mikha, Aiah, Maloi, Jhoanna, Colet, Sheen Gwen, and Stacey, the group debuted in 2021 with Born to Win. They grew more popular in 2023 and 2024 as their songs Pantropiko, Salamin, Salamin, Karera, and more went viral online.