Nation's girl group

In a commencement exercise speech I delivered over the weekend, I referenced what the media calls today the "Nation's girl group" --Bini, a group of eight women who have made waves on various platforms. Their songs continue to be streamed and danced to by many. They have garnered a localized fandom of their own. Experts suggest they are our version of pop sensations from different nationalities. If South Koreans have K-pop, we have our P-pop.

I was disheartened that not everyone in the room could relate to the reference of their song entitled "Karera". It was about life in general, emphasizing that it's not a race; we can all achieve our goals by pacing ourselves. This incident made me wonder how far this hype can go, often linked to social influence and media access. In another context, many are captivated by Bini. Their shows sell out not only in Manila but also in regions like Cebu. They stand out among other artists, offering a new flavor to our palate.

In fact, one of their free shows had to be halted for the safety of performers and the audience. The crowd had become rowdy and uncontrollable. Unfortunately, many missed seeing the group complete their performance. They regretted the disruption and hoped for better behavior from fans in the future. Some fans couldn't contain their excitement, leading to uncontrollable situations.

There are many reasons to admire Bini, especially because they are our own. Their songs are catchy and easy to sing along to. The themes resonate well with our youth, reflecting their experiences today. Their fashion choices also make statements, reviving trends from the early 2000’s with poise and fun, inspiring colorful looks. Watching them perform feels like entering a new world. For fans, it's always a delightful experience.

My concern is whether this remains a mere hype. Once the fandom becomes saturated with their presence and content, some might lose interest. Internal group conflicts could also alter dynamics and public perception. Some netizens are also trying to smear the name of its members by linking them to allegations. These are gossip with no evidence, a common attack on cyberspace. Their management is quick to make statements on these issues, to debunk false narratives.

However, for now, I hope they make the most of their current popularity. Their influence over a large audience should be used wisely. If they have messages to convey, they should do so thoughtfully. They have the potential to change mindsets and inspire others to excel. This rare power should be used to help the young generation believe in themselves even more. They can shape a generation; they must be aware of that.

I never imagined we could one day rival other music groups. I had almost lost hope in OPM as its themes deteriorated over the years. This girl group might just be what we needed to enter a game-changing era in our own music. By all means, they deserve our support.