Star Magic and ABS-CBN TV production head Lauren Dyogi has revealed the challenges and sacrifices behind the historic Coachella performance of P-pop girl group BINI in California, USA.
In a TikTok video series, Dyogi shared that the group’s breakthrough appearance has already generated international interest and potential collaborations.
“I will not deny, nakakuha na kami ng certain inquiries and interests, so we’re meeting some people here for future collaboration and partnerships, for performances,” he said.
He added: “Hindi pa namin masabi kung ano man ‘yon, but at the right time, mararamdaman din natin ‘yung epekto ng Coachella performance nila and the mileage that we get.”
Despite the global exposure, Dyogi admitted that the journey to Coachella was far from glamorous.
“Planning pa lang for Coachella, ang dami na naming struggle financially… Kailangan naming magtipid. Whatever we were getting from Coachella was not enough to cover our expenses.”
To cut costs, the team traveled with a smaller group, stayed in rental homes, and handled daily tasks themselves, including cooking and cleaning.
Dyogi commended BINI for their humility and teamwork throughout the experience.
“The girls, I have so much respect for them dahil wala silang arte, wala silang reklamo. They are willing to rough it up.”
“They carry their own stuff, cook for themselves, wash dishes, clean up.”
Dyogi also recalled the tension he felt while watching BINI’s debut performance.
“Yung pakiramdam ko noon, hati ang attention ko. I was worried and anticipating ano pwede mangyari sa live performance. Nagwoworry ako na hindi magawa yung plinano namin.”
He said he only felt relief after key moments in the performance went smoothly.
“Noong nahila na yung mga damit, noong costume change, ‘yon yung unang sigh of relief for me. Ang next na binabantayan ko yung audio technical problem or baka magkaroon ng aksidente sa stage. Everything can happen during the live performance.”
Despite the pressure, he praised the group’s delivery.
“The girls had a good performance and the audience watched a good performance from BINI. The girls, I think what worked for them was they enjoyed it.”
The night before their performance, Dyogi said the group had an emotional moment reflecting on the significance of the event.
“They have to be able to internalize that and to realize that they are not there just for themselves, they are there for bigger reasons, they’re representing the company, they’re representing the Blooms, the Philippines, their families, and especially their dreams.”
Following their performance, BINI gained recognition from international media and audiences, something Dyogi admitted he did not expect.
“I’m very proud of the girls and I didn’t expect the media mileage that we got. ‘Di ko mawari kung paano nangyari iyon.”
Looking forward, Dyogi believes that Coachella is just the beginning of bigger opportunities for BINI.
“I’m a forward thinker, after Coachella kahit di ko pa nananamnam, iniisip ko na ano mangyayari and ano pa lang madudulot nito sa kanila.”
“Nakakatuwa and parang nararamdaman ko na this will lead the girls to something big, something meaningful, and more performances globally.”
He also hinted at an upcoming announcement.
“I think this week we will announce already na we will have another blessing.”
Reflecting on past struggles, including the pandemic and ABS-CBN’s shutdown, Dyogi sees a pattern where hardships are followed by major breakthroughs.
“In 2020, we were supposed to launch [BINI] but we couldn’t do it because ang daming nangyari.”
“Parang nauulit ‘yung nangyari before, but I suppose this can also be a good sign na something big will happen in the future.”
He concluded by emphasizing that the Coachella experience is a milestone not just for BINI, but for the entire Filipino music industry.
“‘Pag maraming dagok ang dinaranas, parang we also receive a lot of blessings… And I suppose this (Coachella experience) is one of the biggest blessings not only for BINI, but also for ABS-CBN.”
