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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Entertainment
Natasha May in Bangkok

The rise of south-east Asia’s girl bands: ‘The talent and popularity were always here’

Bini performs in matching metallic pink outfits and silver boots on stage at Coachella
Filipina girl band BINI perform at Coachella, 2026. Photograph: Natt Lim/In Time Media

“We all know that music is a universal language,” says Maloi Ricalde from Filipina girl band BINI, which mixes tropical pop with traditional songs, English with Tagalog, and silver knee highs with pastel colours.

“Incorporating Filipino language, Filipino culture, Filipino sound, into our music, it really gives identity and meaning to our music,” Ricalde tells the Guardian.

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