By Fiel Gia Ramada
BINI leader Jhoanna opened up about the controversies surrounding the group in an interview with Ogie Diaz, addressing everything from cosmetic rumors to the viral snack-tasting videos that subjected her group to a lot of online bashings.
Facial enhancements rumor
On speculation that some members underwent cosmetic procedures, Jhoanna laughed off the claim saying, “Kung magpaparetoke kami sana tinodo na namin ‘yung talagang magandang-maganda.”
She said that the members focused on improving their looks naturally by learning make-up, losing weight and choosing hair colors that complement their features, rather than relying on cosmetic surgery. She further added, “Wala naman kaming problem po if may magpapa-enhance.”
Pregnancy allegation
Another persistent rumor claimed that a member was pregnant. Jhoanna remarked that the speculation was based solely on baseless observations like eating mangoes and wearing loose clothes.
She explained that such baseless rumors didn’t affect her personally, “Kasi parang kung anu-ano na lang po talagang masabi ng tao sa amin kahit hindi totoo at saka bakit ako maapektuhan kung alam kong hindi naman totoo.”
What did affect her was when family members were dragged into the issue, “Ang iniyak ko po dahil sa issue na ‘yun, ‘yung mga nadadamay ‘yung family po, kung paano kami pinalaki. ‘Yun yung nagti-trigger po sa akin.”
She admitted that being in BINI came with personal sacrifices, including the guilt of not being by her grandfather’s side during his final moments as she was training for the group.
But when she entered the industry, she admitted that she was prepared for the criticisms.
The viral snack video controversy
One of the group’s most talked-about moments came from a collaboration with People vs Food on YouTube, where BINI members tried Filipino snacks. The video received criticism online, with some viewers accusing them of being overly picky, speaking English, and even being “disgusted” by Filipino street foods.
During the peak of the controversy, the members were on a three-week break and the backlash came as a surprise.
“So ako akala ko normal ano siya, ‘yung mga bash na hindi naman malaki ‘yung engagement po. Hanggang sa nakita ko na siya sa feed ko sa Tiktok. Grabe yung mga likes ‘tas yung mga comments, talagang ang dami. Grabe ‘yung galit na pala ng tao sa amin.”
She addressed how the video had been edited to show only negative reactions, “From 25-minute na video na-trim siya to 2-minutes po… ang nakita lang nila ‘yung talagang negative side.”
According to her, the criticism ignored the full context of their reactions, which were based on the preparation of the food abroad and not the traditional Filipino versions.
She acknowledged that the group can be particular at times,”‘Yung maarte po, totoo naman po. Maarte naman po kami.” Speaking English on their side, she said, was a sign of respect as they were guests in another country.
She further reflected, “Siguro hindi lang kami naging careful kung paano kami nag-react since nasa ibang lugar kami. Gets ko na yung galit nila kasi sana kahit papano finilter namin. Gets ko ‘yung pagiging authentic namin pero dahil nga nasa ibang lugar po kami sana kinontrol namin kahit konti.”
Dealing with hate comments
Jhoanna believes the repeated issues, including some fabricated ones, have contributed to the wave of hate, “Feeling ko doon na ginawa na lang kaming punching bag ba.”
She noted that video splicing often worsens misunderstandings and even explanations are sometimes ignored, “Kahit naman mag-explain ka ng side mo, hindi nila pinapasok sa utak nila explanation po.”
On movie review backlash
Jhoanna was also criticized for her review of the movie “Sunshine,” as people argued about her interpretation of the movie which she clarified to be her personal understanding of the film.
“I could’ve worded it better. Kung paano ko siya sinabi kasi nabigyan po ng maling interpretation po so feeling ko dapat mas naayos lang po,” she explained.
The issue didn’t end there as there were people who put her family under the scrutiny once again. But she consistently reminded them to just brush it off and to not engage with such comments.
Reflections on fame and growth
Jhoanna shared the duality of being part of BINI.”Masaya na mahirap. Masaya kasi siyempre sa age po namin diba nagagawa namin passion namin. Pero mahirap kasi ang taas din po ng standard po sa amin.”
She also acknowledged the power of her words as a public figure, “Narealize ko na my words carry weight po. Na kahit anong sabihin ko, mabibigyan ng interpretation po.”
To the public, she said, “Kami po ay normal na mga tao and sana try niyo po kaming kilalanin pa. Mas malalim pa po kami kaysa sa mga issue po na ‘yan.”
