From salakot to 'Eyy': 5 highlights from BINI's historic Coachella debut

BINI didn’t just perform at Coachella; they delivered a proudly Pinoy moment to the world.

From cultural nods to crowd interaction, the P-pop girl group made sure their Mojave stage debut on Saturday morning (Philippine time) was unforgettable.

Here are five highlights from the Nation’s Girl Group’s set:

A powerful Filipino opening

The girls immediately made a statement as they stepped out in stunning golden outfits paired with salakot, a traditional Filipino hat. The look wasn’t just eye-catching, it also sent a clear message: they were representing the Philippines on a global stage.

Fans in the crowd could also be seen fanning themselves with pamaypay, a distinctly Filipino hand fan, adding to the cultural moment unfolding at the festival.

Midway through, BINI seamlessly transitioned with a quick costume change, pulling off their golden layers to reveal tropical, ocean-blue outfits underneath.

A 10-song set packed with hits

BINI kept the energy high with a 10-track lineup that showcased their range and signature sound.

The group performed “Shagidi,” “Zero Pressure,” “Out of My Head,” “Karera,” “Salamin, Salamin,” “Blink Twice,” and “Cherry on Top.”

“Shagidi” incorporates playful elements inspired by the traditional Filipino relay game Shagidi Shagidi Shapopo, adding a nostalgic local touch to the track.

BINI also performed “Blush,” “Bikini,” and closed with “Pantropiko.”

Their iconic ‘Mabuhay’ introduction

The group proudly introduced themselves to the international audience with their now-signature line: “Mabuhay! We are BINI!”—led by Jhoanna, who hyped the crowd with a “2, 3,...” countdown before the chant.

Maloi also greeted the crowd with a lively “Mag-ingay!” which brought loud cheers from the audience, marking another rare moment of hearing Tagalog spoken on the Coachella stage.

Show-stopping dance breaks

Known for their sharp choreography, BINI delivered standout dance breaks during “Salamin, Salamin” and “Pantropiko.”

The “Salamin, Salamin” break notably featured kulintang-inspired beats, adding a distinctly Filipino sonic texture to the performance.

Coachella learns the ‘Eyy’ gesture

BINI didn’t just perform—they connected. Mikha taught the audience a popular Filipino expression, “Eyy,” explaining it can be used for any emotion. Soon enough, the crowd was doing the hand gesture along with her, turning it into one of the most interactive moments of the set.

BINI will also perform on the second weekend of Coachella on April 17 (April 18 in the Philippines).

After Coachella, BINI will perform at the Grammy Museum for Grammy Studios' "Global Spine Live!" series on April 21 (April 22 in the Philippines). —JCB, GMA News