BINI’s own sisterhood became their foundation as they lent their voices to “A Parallel World,” the song featured in DreamWorks Animation’s first Filipino film, Forgotten Island.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, the Nation’s Girl Group said that the song immediately resonated with them even before they arrived in the United States for the recording.
After hearing it for the first time over Zoom, the members were excited to bring it to life, particularly because of its message about friendship and staying together through different circumstances.
“[The song] is about friendship, that whatever happens you hold on to each other,” shares leader Jhoanna. “It was relatable to us from the start because I feel like our core as a group is our sisterhood.”
READ: AJ Rafael sings 'A Parallel World' with BINI at Comic-Con in San Diego
For Jhoanna, the song’s theme was especially personal after spending years growing alongside the other BINI members, from their training days to their journey as one of the Philippines’ most prominent P-pop groups.
“When it comes to the topic of friendship, wala akong ibang iniisip but BINI," Jhoana maintained. "BINI is my constant. And the bond that we have right now is something that I cannot compare with anything.”
The sentiment was echoed by Gwen, who found similarities between BINI’s story and that of Jo and Raissa, the best friends at the heart of Forgotten Island.
READ: 'Forgotten Island' leads Liza Soberano and H.E.R grace Vogue Philippines special edition cover
The film follows Jo (voiced by H.E.R), and Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano), as they navigate the uncertainty of life after high school. Their plans begin pulling them in different directions until an unexpected adventure transports them through a mysterious portal to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical and mythological creatures.
“I think [their friendship] is similar to BINI,” Gwen said. “We came from different provinces, so of course we grew up differently. We had different beliefs and different ways of seeing things. But we grew up together. After living together for years, you really have no choice but to adjust, learn, and get to know each other deeply. Like them, we just keep moving forward. We’re sisters now.”
Their recording sessions in Los Angeles with the film's musical scorer and Filipino composer Nathan Matthew David as well as record producer and co-composer Shawn Wasabi also gave the members an opportunity to create memories outside the studio.
Nathan recalled how BINI arrived with their entire team, instantly bringing a familiar atmosphere to the recording space he described as "like recording with family."
The members admitted that they initially felt nervous about working outside their usual creative environment. However, that hesitation quickly disappeared as they became more comfortable with the people around them.
One of their bonding moments came in the form of charm bracelets, which the members made between takes. When placed side by side, each bracelet reflected the personality of the member who made it, mirroring the friendship between Jo and Raissa in the film.
The friendship theme was the starting point for Nathan’s work on “A Parallel World.”
“We realized that we needed a song for their theme, and BINI was the perfect fit for that,” he explains. “Jo and Raissa’s theme is in the notes that they sing in the chorus, and the first notes you hear when the song begins. When we found out that BINI was going to be a part of it as well, we knew it had found its home.”
“Having them, it allowed us to also do Tagalog lyrics as well, which was incredible,” he continues. “I’ll always remember those two days we spent with them. I think that the song itself has a lot of dimension to it. It is fun and joyous, but as you hear the full song, there’s also a lot of heart and a lot of nostalgia and a touch of melancholy too in a good way.”
BINI also had the opportunity to see an early version of Forgotten Island at DreamWorks University, where they watched the film alongside members of its cast and production team.
For Stacey, seeing the project come together was an emotional reminder of the growing global recognition of Filipino talent.
“From the intro alone, I already felt like crying because, wow, from Coachella, Filipinos are slowly being recognized more and more. And now, DreamWorks has a Filipino-inspired movie.” Stacey reflects. “I can’t help but feel so proud to be Pinoy. We [Filipinos] all deserve to be recognized not just locally, but internationally too.”
That opportunity to represent Filipino talent on an international platform is something BINI continues to value as their own career expands beyond the Philippines.
“[I believe that] when you have a platform, you use it to help people and to inspire. And the fact that we’re able to inspire [Filipinos across the globe], it’s honestly so fulfilling," Mika expressed.
“For me, I think BINI represents so much authenticity. And I feel like that’s what people need.”
Since “A Parallel World” was released on BINI’s official YouTube channel on July 23, fans have continued to celebrate the song and its message of friendship, while also expressing pride over seeing Filipino artists represented in a DreamWorks Animation production.
“BINI on a DreamWorks soundtrack is huge! 🌸 Hearing Filipino lyrics in a global animated movie soundtrack gives me literal goosebumps. So proud of our 8 girls! ♾✨,” one fan commented.
“To see snippets of mostly Filipinos in this video, not just BINI, just gave me goosebumps. Filipino talent really belongs on the world stage!” another wrote.
“It deserves every bit of clout, every ounce of attention, and every tear it draws out. Honestly, it would be a absolute crime if this song doesn't blow up and get the global recognition it truly deserves. It acknowledges the parallel versions of ourselves we left behind just to get to where we are today,” one more added.
BINI is not the only Filipino act featured in the Forgotten Island soundtrack. KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza lends her voice to a remixed version of INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart,” while P-pop group SB19 performs their version of “Mga Kababayan.”
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Liza and H.E.R. also sang the film’s title track “BRB,” while Ruby Ibarra collaborates with Carl Angelo on “Salbahae Ako.” Broadway icon Lea Salonga is likewise featured on the soundtrack.
Forgotten Island opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23.