Speak of BINI, and it’s near impossible not to think of Pantropiko—that bubblegum pop, island-breeze, summery rhapsody that, if we’re being down-to-earth-honest, could double as a perfect Department of Tourism campaign jingle (if it hasn’t been pitched already).
And for good reason.
The song catapulted the 8-member girl group onto every year-end chart, dizzying anyone who tries to keep up. The fact that BINI shattered a record previously held by Taylor Swift is a shining testament to their dominance. Sure, it took them years to finally claim the throne, but once they did, they became unstoppable—almost like a fevered dream.
But while Pantropiko is a certified hit, its constant replay value may one day dull its shimmer. This opens the door for casual listeners to dive deeper into the group’s deep cuts.
If truth be told, these lesser-known tracks should probably stay hidden; their low-key charm is exactly what Blooms have been gatekeeping for so long.
Here are 3 of the most underrated gems from the Nation’s Girl Group repertoire:
I Feel Good
This song is what euphoria feels like in sound. An earnest, honest, and fantastical declaration of raw emotion that makes you feel good inside.
Best Lyrics:
I feel good every time that I’m with you / Ayaw kumalas ang aking pagtingin / Sa’yo, oo! / Ayaw ng mahiwalay / Kahit na panghabambuhay / Na mag-iintay
Na Na Na
With hearts on sleeves and yearning set free, Na Na Na captures that all-too-familiar feeling of loving someone too much—only to forget the hard-learned lessons that come with falling and crashing down.
Best Lyrics:
Pero teka lang parang napagdaanan ko na ito / Napamahal agad-agad at nabigo pero ‘di makahinto/
Kinikilig
A slow, sauntering, almost smoky start—then, full-on effervescence. The Oxford Dictionary defines kilig as causing or expressing a rush of excitement, exhilaration; thrilling, enthralling, captivating. Essentially,what the song is all about from the get-go.
Best Lyrics:
Tulala sa kawalan nang bigla mo akong tinapik / Nagulat nang bigla ka na lang sa ‘kin dumikit (oh-oh) / Sabi mo, “I want your humor, pero I think I like you more” / ‘Di ko made-deny na/
BINI may have the reflective dichotomies of Salamin, Salamin, the “life is not a race” rhetoric of Karera, and the bittersweet hesitation of Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi—songs that are deservedly popular.
But it’s their underrated tracks that will ultimately propel them to longevity, and endear them to Blooms and non-Blooms alike.
