Maloi Ricalde of BINI described their Coachella debut as a significant step in bringing Filipino music to a global audience.
On her now-expired Instagram Story, Maloi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to those who showed support for the group, which made history as the first Filipino act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
“wasn't able to reply back to ALL who messaged me but pls do know that my heart is so FULL - ng pagmamahal at ng suporta,” Maloi wrote.
She went on: “I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU. to God, to my family, friends, blooms, at sa buong Pilipinas.”
Performing on one of the world’s biggest music festival stages, Maloi took pride in representing Filipino voices, culture, and talent on an international platform.
“OUR VOICES HAVE A SPOT ON INTERNATIONAL STAGES. IT'S NOW OUR TIME FILIPINOS, ESP THE OPM INDUSTRY TO CONQUER THE WORLD,” she said along with a praise “i love OPM.”
BINI delivered a historic performance at Coachella last April 11 (Philippine time). In an interview with Billboard, fellow member Aiah Arceta emphasized the importance of representing the Philippines on such a massive stage.
“We are so happy. We’re grateful for the historical moment. It’s not always that we get to be on the Coachella stage, you know? I mean, it’s like we are carrying the torch where all the Filipinos, by blood, by heart, all the young kids who look up to us are so happy seeing us on stage. We are also happy. Our younger selves, our little kids inside [us] are so happy because you know, we get to bring that light to everybody,” she said.
She also wrote in an Instagram story: “Representation is such a powerful thing because it gives light, hope, a sense of belonging, and connection to those who have long fought for their flags and culture to be raised high. This is for the underdogs, for Filipinos who haven't always been taken seriously, for the young dreamers, and for the Filipino heart that is pure and kind (red heart emoji).”
READ: BINI Aiah shares a touching message from a fan following historic Coachella debut
Following their performance, several OPM artists and industry figures expressed their support and celebrated the milestone for Filipino music.
“BINIchella stage is another huge win for P-pop on the global stage! Congrats @BINI_ph, you truly made the Coachella stage Blush tonight,” Kings of P-pop SB19 said in a post. “Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino, sana'y magpatuloy ang panalo ng P-pop sa buong mundo,”
“In the middle of everything we’re going through, #BINI is the boost of hope and energy every Filipino needs right now. A true reminder of the Filipino spirit - hopeful, resilient and always blooming. 🙏🏻❤️🇵🇭 Mabuhay kayo, BINI! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 ,” singer Erik Santos posted.
Philippines’ Concert King Martin Nievera also posted: “Thank you @BINI_ph for making us all so proud to be Filipino! You represent your country beautifully🇵🇭 and shined along side the best of the best. Now you can say, 'BINI there; done that!'”
READ: SB19, BGYO, Kim Chiu, and more stars applaud BINI’s global milestone on Coachella stage
BINI is set to return for Coachella’s second weekend on April 18 at 7:15 a.m. (Philippine time), with fans able to watch the performance live via the festival’s official YouTube channel.