Transcript for:
Kuan On One! - Interview with BINI Aiah

Let's give a round of applause for the Bisaya! [CHEERING, APPLAUSE] Oh my! Oh my! Good day, Kuanizens! Welcome to another episode filled with candid chats heartfelt conversations with your Kuantie! There is no nonsense here. This is... Kuan On One! [CHEERING] [THEME MUSIC PLAYING] At this point, we can't not invite them to our show. They took the whole country by storm. Even TFC subscribers are obsessed. Their songs are so popular nowadays. My gosh! They've been trending for almost a year and there's no stopping their popularity. So, we can't miss the chance to talk to this girl group, especially since there are two Bisaya in BINI. And today, we have none other than BINI Aiah! [CHEERING, APPLAUSE] BINI Aiah, please greet our Kuanizens. Hello, Kuanizens! Ah! Oh my God! [MELAI CHUCKLING] I'm so excited, and... Oh no! I'm getting confused. My mind is like, "Do I use Bisaya, English, or Tagalog?" [MELAI] I know that feeling! Most Bisaya artists who come to Manila have this mindset that people only speak Tagalog here. So we must speak in Tagalog. That's why Aiah was surprised. She was like, "Can I really speak Bisaya here?" Actually, this is the first Bisaya podcast I was invited to. So, earlier, when I was checking the... Gosh, it feels weird. [MELAI CHUCKLES] Now I'm having a hard time switching to Bisaya. This is the longest interview in Bisaya I've done so far. I was amazed that even the instructions I received were in Bisaya. Now, they'll have to read subtitles in Tagalog. [BOTH LAUGH] As they say, "The tables have turned." [CHUCKLES] But we really made this show for Bisaya celebrities and influencers to sort of have their own space in this mostly Tagalog world. So, come and join us! Why am I speaking in English? This is a Bisaya show! Anyway, how is BINI Aiah? I heard your schedule is super hectic! Uhm... I get by. [CHUCKLES] Yeah, we're very busy, but in a good way. We've been receiving so many blessings recently. Right now, our mindset is to strike the iron while it's hot. Because we won't always be this busy. For sure, we'll eventually have time to really rest. But since we're receiving many blessings and opportunities, we're just grabbing it while we can. Wow. It's really amazing that there are BINI members representing the Bisaya. You see, BINI Aiah is from Cebu. From where in Cebu exactly? Mactan. Mactan Island. Where the airport is located. - Airport and white sand.

• There are many resorts too. I love Mactan! It's my favorite place! If your thing is resort hopping, that place is for you. Yes, yes. Where exactly in Mactan are you from? Do you live near the sea? Wait, they might follow me home. [BOTH CHUCKLE] They might find out where I live. Well, Mactan is not that big. It's a cute island housing many resorts. We live near those resorts. How fun! So, if I want to swim, the beach is just 20 minutes away. - [MELAI] Amazing.
• It's a short-- Oh. It's just a short ride to the beach. Here, the nearest beach is four to six hours away. Yeah, the beaches are hours away from here. You'd feel sick from the ride before you even arrive. But what's amazing about our fellow Bisaya from Cebu is they're great English speakers. And they have a certain accent when speaking. Most Bisaya are known to have a very thick accent. But Cebuanos speak more softly and delicately. Like they're very sweet. [SOFTLY] Oh, not really. [BOTH CHUCKLE] - I don't think so.
• See? That's what I'm saying. Sometimes, we feel intimidated when we talk to Cebuanos. - Huh?!
• They're so good in English! But how are you holding up in life? Are you okay despite the busy schedule? Yes. Actually, I live alone. The rest of my family are in Cebu. - But I'm good.
• That's great. As they say, "You asked for it." [BOTH LAUGH] If you regret your choices, that's on you. But I'm sure you regret nothing after all your success. So, in BINI, you are the lead rapper and... What's that called again? - Visual.
• Visual. What does "visual" mean? I actually first encountered the term when I joined the group. I thought it meant you're good-looking. You see, in K-Pop, it's normal for group members to take on different positions. I knew there were main, um... main vocalists, main dancers, and main rappers. When you're the visual, you're the face of the group. So, it surprised me when I was chosen to be the visual. I mean, I don't think I... I don't usually mention it during interviews, - because I...
• You feel shy? - You're so humble.
• No, I mean... Um, what's that saying again? "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." So, I think any of us can be the visual. No. You're just humble. And now that I've seen you in person, I can say you look like Mama Mary. Oh my! We're really proud that BINI's visual is a Bisaya. And you deserve it so much. We know you're only being humble, but for us, you deserve it. We're so proud of you. You're proof that the Bisaya are also beautiful people. Anyway, every episode, we prepare topics to talk about. [TO THE TUNE OF "PANTROPIKO"] Like a topic-al island [LAUGHS] Let me get my list. It's right here. Oh, you're prepared. - I listed them down here...
• Wow. [LAUGHS] ...so we won't go off topic. I feel like I'm presenting a dissertation in class. [CHUCKLES] Didn't we all use yellow pads - in college?
• Dissertation, huh? Your career journey has been is incredible so far, Aiah. Before you became a member of BINI, I heard you experienced many rejections. But in the end, those rejections turned out - to be redirections.
• [AIAH] Mm-hmm. Those moments when you experienced rejection in life turned out to be signs that God had other plans for you. He was just redirecting you. So, my first question for you is... Now that BINI has reached this level of success... You shook the whole world. Even TFC subscribers are hooked. You're so in-demand that even I get asked by brands, "How much is BINI's talent fee?" I wonder why they're asking me. I'm not your manager. That's how in-demand you are right now. But my question is, what is the very first rejection you experienced? Oh, wow. Tell us about the very first one. Let's walk through each rejection that led you to where you are now. Talk about how God redirected you. The earliest I can remember is when I was very young. You see, I was a shy kid. Extremely shy. I may be chatty now, but I wasn't before. How many siblings do you have? - I have an older brother.
• Oh, you're the youngest. Yeah, um... There was a time when I was so introverted. So, I think the very first rejection I experienced was when I wanted to make friends but I felt like they didn't want me in their group. - Oh. Maybe--
• I felt like I didn't belong. Maybe you're just so shy and they didn't notice you. Maybe. Or maybe I just didn't match their vibe. So, I ended up spending most of my time alone. Maybe that's why I became kind of a lone wolf. Independent. I'm used to going solo. So that was your very first rejection. But if you think about it, maybe they didn't reject you. - Hm?
• I mean... what if it was just in your head? Maybe I just assumed, right? Yeah, because we tend to assume people don't like us. But maybe sometimes we just need to put ourselves out there. You could've asked "Can I join you?" [AIAH LAUGHS] That's how children play, right? Yeah, I had a lot of moments when I wanted to do that, but I got scared of being rejected. I'd find myself thinking "What if they reject me?" I tend to overthink like that. We tend to do that, huh? It's totally normal. But sometimes, we just have to get ourselves out of our heads. So, those were the very first rejections you experienced when you were a child. Can you say you've gotten used to rejection now? Yeah. And because of those, I realized that it's okay. I got rejected by this group, because it wasn't for me. - [MELAI] Yes.
• It wasn't the circle I needed because I got redirected to a better one. - So it's fine.
• That's true. You didn't have to force yourself to fit in. So, when you got older-- No, not older. I mean, you got more mature and turned into a young lady. Eventually, you started going to auditions even when you were really shy. Yes, that's right. As I've mentioned before, I was a really shy kid, so I looked for ways to boost my confidence. And it started when I joined modeling. - Modeling.
• Yes, modeling. It started when I was in high school. I was known in high school as someone who's very weak and introverted. I used to walk with my head down. I seemed very lifeless. That's how introverted I was. If you were a cartoon character, you'd be Sadness. Yes, I think so, too. You were just like Sadness. For example, during sports day, while others were playing volleyball, I was only playing board games. I didn't join them. I just wanted to stay indoors. Yes, and... even though you were shy, you still went to the audition. Yes, I said to myself, "Wait a minute. I have to make an effort to change something about myself." So, when I started modeling, my family was shocked. They said, "You're going to be a model? That's so cool!" They agreed, but... - They were shocked?
• Yes. They supported me. It all started from modeling. I tried modeling and pageantry until I gained confidence to participate in events. - That's it.
• But did you face any rejection when you tried modeling and pageantry? Yes, especially in modeling. They hold auditions multiple times. I mean, casting calls. Casting calls for projects, commercials, or shoots. Of course, there were so many auditionees. And they were very beautiful. Some even had foreign ancestry. You also have an edge - because you're beautiful, too.
• The criteria vary. That's what I realized. At first, I was really worried because they had beautiful faces with tall nose bridges... As tall as five floors? I was like, "What do I do?" They also had good height and figure. But that made me realize something. They were so beautiful, but they still didn't get accepted. [CHUCKLING] That means beauty can't always guarantee you'll get accepted. Sometimes, things turn out differently. Just because you weren't accepted doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Maybe you just didn't fit the criteria. - Wow.
• Sometimes, they are... looking for something... - Something specific?
• Yes, specific. It's a good thing, while you were still young, you learned to accept it and be open-minded. But what came to your mind? Why did you keep auditioning even though you were shy? I'm not sure. Maybe I just... I just... Maybe I just mustered up my courage. I didn't care anymore. I just went ahead and tried it. Or maybe it was your calling? Maybe. I guess you're right. But I also really enjoyed the process. - Oh.
• That's why I kept joining. You never really know. - Yes.
• Yeah. Then came PBB. PBB always holds the first audition in Cebu. - Did you audition in Cebu?
• Yes, in Cebu. - PBB audition in Cebu.
• Even if it wasn't your plan, you'd think of auditioning after seeing the TV ad of the PBB audition in your area. So, you auditioned there? Yes, I did. Actually, I auditioned many times. PBB always holds auditions, right? But I used to be shy. So, when I finally gained confidence, - I told my family.
• Okay. At least, you already had experience joining pageants. I told my family, "I'm going to join PBB." They screamed, "Wow! Alright, we'll go with you!" They really went with me. Mama and Papa were there. Even my uncles and aunties went, too. - Because you're the youngest.
• They supported me. Yes. They were there all day. Even though the Cebu auditions lasted until 11PM. They called out of work just to go with me. They must be so proud of you. Having a supportive family really makes a difference. But what exactly did you audition for? Did you audition for PBB? Or for Star Hunt? PBB. - Housemate?
• That's what I was aiming for. You see, I loved watching PBB back then. You know... I also watched you and Kim on PBB. I was probably about five or six years old back then. My back suddenly hurt. - No kidding. I was young then.
• Yes, it's true. My mother would even scold me for staying up until 11PM just to watch PBB. - It ends around 11PM.
• I was only a few years old. That's when it all started. - I watched Coach Mickey, too.
• Oh, really? Yes. - You even watched that.
• Yes. Because you watched PBB back then, - you decided to audition, too.
• Yes, that's right. Did you get accepted when you auditioned for PBB? - No, but...
• Were you shortlisted? I only got to... You see, there were many levels. Level one, two, three... Then there was also a callback. I reached the third level. Yes. But I didn't get a callback. No callback. So, another rejection for you. - Whose PBB batch was it?
• Gwen's batch. - Oh! BINI Gwen and BINI...
• PBB Otso (eighth main season). - Sheena.
• Sheena. - Mm-hmm.
• Only you didn't get in? Yes. How did you feel about that? Actually, you know... Out of all the auditions I went to, PBB was... - the most painful one.
• Really? My family fully supported me. And it was the first time I wanted something so bad. - I really wanted it.
• Yes. Because I really wanted it, I had a dream about it. I had a dream about what happened in the audition. I also had a dream about the Star Hunt logo. It was so weird. How did that happen? You only auditioned for PBB. - Yes.
• Why'd you dream of Star Hunt? - The Star Hunt grand auditions?
• Yes. But it was over. I kind of accepted it, too. I thought maybe it wasn't really for me. - That I wasn't meant for PBB.
• You were starting to move on. Yes. That was months after. That's why it was so weird that I suddenly dreamed of the Star Hunt logo. Since then, I had this feeling that something would happen. Before I graduated from 12th grade, I told myself, "I'm going to Manila soon." - That's exactly what I said.
• You had a gut feeling, huh? We know for ourselves - what we really want.
• I just had a gut feeling. Actually, we might not know, but our hearts and minds will. It's like the Lord was saying, "This is where you should go." So, how did you enter Star Hunt? I was rejected by... - PBB?
• PBB. But one day, Star Hunt held a private audition for Darna. At that time, I was still under my former modeling management. They told me about the private casting for Darna. They wanted me to join. - Was it in Cebu?
• Yes, in Cebu. I was only 17 or 18 back then. I think I had just turned 18. I hesitated joining it because the other auditionees were 20 years old and above. - Yes.
• They were more mature. Meanwhile, I still looked like a kid. I looked very young. You were already beautiful, but you were still young then. Yes. My voice might even crack if they make me shout "Darna." I couldn't handle it. Some beauty queens joined the private casting. And they were all... On another level. - A completely different level.
• You got discouraged? Yes, I got discouraged. But my manager talked to me. He said, "No. We won't aim for Darna anymore. I asked you to come here so the Star Hunt staff could see you. I said, "Oh, okay. Alright." You were redirected somewhere else. Yes. It was nerve-racking because they gave me a script in Tagalog. But my first language is Bisaya. - Then English?
• Then English, then Tagalog. I was given a script, but I couldn't do it. It was like a tongue twister. - I didn't know what to do.
• You were stuttering? Yes. But I just went ahead with it. Did the Star Hunt staff see you there? Yes, I know they noticed me because after a couple of months, when I was already enrolled in college, - paid for the uniform and all,
• Yes. they suddenly called. "Hi. Is this Aiah? Are you willing to go to Manila to be in a girl group?" So, you didn't have to audition anymore? - They called you right away.
• Yes, they did. - They called directly.
• Wow! They called me because they noticed me. I even asked them, "How did you know..." "How did you know I needed someone like you?" [CHUCKLING] So, how did they know? It was because of the Darna audition. They noticed me there. My efforts weren't in vain because they noticed me. What did you do in the audition? Did you show yourself off? Maybe they noticed me because I was the only ugly duckling there. I bet you did your best, too. So, yeah... Did you say yes immediately? I remember it was late at night and I was alone at home. Our house was finally filled with noise. I jumped for joy. [SHRIEKS] "Manila, here I come!" I immediately said, "Yes. Alright, alright." I agreed right away even though I didn't know what would happen. So, that's it. The rest is history. But it can't just be about history because we'll keep asking about it endlessly. - But it wasn't easy.
• Yes. It’s not easy being the very last person they call. Yes. Last, yes. Were you scared of being picked last? - Or did you feel pressured?
• Pressure. I felt more pressure because other members started training three months ago. Some even went through bootcamp before training. So, you weren't with them in the training? No, but... Some people say, "Why didn't you go through our bootcamp hardships?" For me, if I had the chance, I'd rather join so we'd share the same journey. And if she called late, is that her fault? Put the blame on the caller. [LAUGHS] - Who called you?
• Who was it? I got called in late and came in late, so I need to catch up. As the director told me, "Aiah, you need to catch up, okay?" Good thing I just have months to catch up on, not years. So, I just got to keep pushing. - So...
• I felt so much pressure. Aside from the pressure, you know, those others already formed groups and got close. - Yes.
• And you... - Your worry is being left out.
• Yes. Yes, that's true, as in. So what... - What did you do?
• Me... I was really intimidated because they already had a group. I felt a bit left out because they had all these inside jokes. - Yes.
• I just laughed along... - Even if you don't get it?
• ...even if I couldn't relate. [LAUGHING] "Why is she laughing? She doesn't get it." Yes. I was really thankful when I found out Colet is also Bisaya. - Ahh.
• Yes! - Thank god!
• I can ask her things like, "What does this mean?" or "How do you say this in Tagalog?" Even now, Colet is the one I turn to when I'm unsure if a word is Tagalog or Bisaya or if I'm confused. At least you understand each other. Visayans might seem tough, but we're not really that tough. It's just how we speak. Strong and ready to fight back. Yes, know how to fight. So, that's how it is. - But it's really not easy, huh?
• Not at all. It took 3 to 4 years of training before people recognized you. Hmm. It took years before we got launched. Even after that, it was still a struggle. - Still nothing?
• There's still a process. You were guests on "Magandang Buhay", right? I keep thinking about you and feel bad because your training is no joke. I hope you get your big break soon. A year feels so long, especially being locked in. You train all the time, but where will you perform what you’ve been practicing? Yeah, especially... even during the pandemic, we never stopped training. Those times were so uncertain. We kept asking ourselves, "Why are we still dancing?" "What's the point?" "What's going to happen?" Our families were worried and wondering why we kept dancing despite the pandemic. What now? [LAUGHING] We don't even know if we'll still be alive then, but you all keep dancing anyway. Then, even when ABS-CBN shut down, we just kept on dancing. Exactly. I was worried about you all then. I was like, "What's happening? These kids don't deserve this." I even thought you should've been sent home. But you know, you shouldn't underestimate young people's dreams because they can really achieve a lot. Look at what they've achieved. It's impressive. Now that you're in this situation, how do you feel? Do you feel famous? Do people really recognize you? Well, at first, we were in denial. It seemed too good to be true. We didn't want to assume. But we realized it during our mall shows. - Really?
• We started to get scared. People were pulling us towards them. It was different. They seemed like zombies already. Yes! Even in the van, they were screaming "BINI!" So do you believe now? Yes, because it's getting scary. It's more serious now. I was like, "Ah, okay, got it." - But...
• We were really amazed. - You were amazed?
• Yes. How do you tell each other that you're no longer-- Yes! We're just like, "Woah! Girls, remember how we used to joke about when we'd finally make it?" "We might go down before we go big." You keep dancing and dancing, but you're unsure where it leads. We were amazed to hear our Pantropiko and other songs playing everywhere. Even in church. - They're everywhere.
• Oh, come on! Your songs are really nice. It's wholesome. - Yes.
• And as BINI... you guys are wholesome too as a group. You're the ones young people should idolize. Role models indeed. We're the lodicakes. [LAUGHS] Oh, right? Did you ever think, "Wow, Lord is amazing, huh? If I had stopped before, I wouldn't have achieved this." Have you thought about that? Yes. I really believe everything happens for a reason. Many times we've felt lost, asking ourselves, "What's this all for?" something like that. But in the end, it's like, just let it go. I always say, "Let go and let God." I tell myself, "Lord, I know there's always a reason, whether it's rejection or redirection." And here it is, this is the reason. Why we had to go through all that during the pandemic and why I couldn't see my family for months. Of course, you're loved being the youngest, so it's great your mom managed. How's your mom doing now? Now? Oh my! I don't know anymore! I know your neighbors can't stop talking about you. I just don't know anymore, Miss Melai, because every time I go home, she's got this long list of people she wants me to send video greetings to. Even with the other members of BINI? - Yes.
• And even you? Yes. The last time I came home, right when I got there, all tired from the flight and it was still early, someone was running up yelling, "Miss Aiah! Can I get a picture?" Turns out, my mom had spread the word about when I'd be arriving. She had made an announcement. You had some fan clubs waiting for you. Yes. But, I missed seeing how cute they are, with their clothes even labeled "Aiah" and "BINI". Even their hats have names. You're the visual of BINI. Who wouldn't be proud of that? - Hey!
• You know... If I were your parents, I'd say my finished product turned out really well. Well, yes. They made her the visual. [LAUGHS] I inherited this from my mom. But did you and your mom discuss how it's a good thing she didn't force you to just go home? Because sometimes parents really feel bad for their kids. She didn't tell you to just go home and not endure that? Actually, for other parents, they would've made their child come home. But my parents are different. They made me stronger by motivating me to stay. "It's hard at first, but you can do it." - That's what they said.
• [MELAI] Wow. That was their mindset. The three of them - Mama, Papa, and my big brother. You have such a great support system. They remain strong despite the distance. So, during times when you feel weak, do you still turn to them for advice? Yes, always. [MELAI] What kind of advice do you ask from your mom? All kinds of advice. School. Work. Love life. Just kidding! I'm single. [MELAI EXCLAIMS] Don't lie to me! I have the Lord's love, and self-love. [LAUGHS] Okay, so during hard times, you still call your mom? Yes, my entire family is just one call away. There was a time, Melai, I reached my lowest point when I was here in Manila last year. One time, I called her and just burst into tears. I said, "I can't do this anymore, I need you." - I told her...
• "Come here." [AIAH] "Ma, I'll book you a ticket." "Get your stuff ready." She said, "Sure. Okay. I'll get ready." - [MELAI] To come to you?
• Four hours later, she arrived. She stayed with me in Manila... - ...for about a month.
• What were you going through? What was I going through that I needed my mom? I was working and going to school at the same time. And it was almost the end of the year. We usually get busy at the end of the-- Oops! But, yeah... - [MELAI] Mm-hmm.
• Last minute, that's when a lot of things happen, right? Last minute tasks at work. - Last minute projects.
• [AIAH] Yes. And I was all alone that time, and nothing was making sense. I really needed help. So I'm glad Mama immediately came to the rescue. It's good that you reached out to your mother. Some people turn to friends or other people, but sometimes they only make things worse. [MELAI] Right? Good thing you approached your mom. But aside from the redirections from God that you have embraced, can we talk about your love life? Oh, boy! [MELAI EXCLAIMS] Can we? Oh, boy! Oh, boy! Just share whatever you're comfortable sharing. - Like in the past...
• [AIAH] Okay. What did you learn from the redirections you had before? Like how did rejections bring you to the people in your life now? Well, actually, I mentioned it on our podcast. [AIAH] We have a podcast. So, there came a time when... There came a time when, I had to choose between love and my career. I wanted to have both, but... You couldn't have both. [AIAH] It wasn't the right time back then. - It wasn't meant to be.
• [MELAI] Yes, yes. But since I could only have one, I had to let someone go. And I felt guilty because I ended up hurting him. - [MELAI] You let him go?
• I just want to spread love. Just love, love, love. But no, I realized that maybe there's a reason for all this. In which, it turned out to be a good thing. After that experience, I realized that... I should be focusing on myself, my family, my career, and my studies. I guess it just wasn't our time to be together. At least he got to focus on his own thing. Now he's happy... - [MELAI] Ah...
• ...with someone else! [MELAI LAUGHS] But I'm happy for you! [BOTH LAUGH] That's good. What matters is, at the end of the day, you realized that you weren't meant to be. - Mm-hmm.
• [MELAI] You know why? If you pursued that, you wouldn't be here today. You would have taken a different path. - [AIAH] Maybe.
• You wouldn't be here. You would be wondering what could have been, right? But, if you chose that life instead, there's nothing wrong with that. But this was the Lord's plan for you. Yes. BINI is life! ["NA NA NA" BY BINI PLAYING] [MELAI] Exactly. BINI is life indeed. BINI wouldn't be BINI with just 7 members, because there are 8 of you. Our management said, "There's time for everything." - [MELAI] Yes.
• We just have to wait. And look where you are now. You are BINI Aiah, the visual of BINI. [MELAI] Right, ladies and gentlemen? But, since we're talking about rejection being redirection, what's your advice for young people, especially to those who are listening right now? When they face challenges where they feel like, "I can't take this anymore!" When things get hard. - [AIAH] Yes.
• What's your advice to them? Given that you are the Queen of "Rejection is Redirection." Well, it's normal that after a heartbreak, or any rejection, it's natural to feel sad because you're in pain. But, the best thing you can do is find a healthy outlet to express yourself. Find opportunities to grow, instead of focusing on the bitterness of rejection. What I do is, I tell myself, "You'll be okay. It's not the end of the world." I use the opportunity to have more time for myself, to pursue other hobbies, meet new people, and travel. I still find reasons to be happy. It's really not the end of the world. That's right. It's not the end of the world. Just wait, you will meet someone in the new direction you're going. You may even become a director. [LAUGHS] [MELAI] Just kidding. So, speaking of travel, - can we talk about that?
• [AIAH] Yes. I've read that you like to travel solo. [AIAH] Yes. - [MELAI] Where have you been?
• Yes. Well, uh... I've gone solo travelling here in the Philippines. First was La Union. I traveled via bus, by myself. Did you cover your face to not be recognized? - Yes.
• [MELAI] You wore a mask? - Yes, then--
• To our viewers, watch out, BINI Aiah could be in your bus. Keep your eyes peeled. [AIAH LAUGHS] Yes. Then this year, I also tried, before holy week or during holy week, I travelled solo to three or four countries within a week. - [MELAI] Mm-hmm.
• All by myself. - Really?
• Yes. But my parents were really worried about me. Yes, and you're the youngest. So, what happened? Yeah, but I had so much fun because I was on my own, I had so much freedom. [MELAI] Weren't you afraid of getting lost? Not at all. Maybe because I learned to be independent in Manila. I got used to being alone. I learned to be a lone wolf. But it's still different to travel alone when you are going to a new country. - You need to ask around.
• Yes. I have also tested my ability to be wise and not easily fooled. You know, I'm not easily scammed. Like that. Are you good at spotting if someone is a scammer or not? Yes. I can tell if someone is a swindler. [LAUGHS] Why does it look like you're pointing at me? Are you trying to tell me something, Aiah? It makes me think if I am the swindler. Hey! But you climb too, right? - Yes.
• I also climb. - Oh?
• I'm a social climber. - [AIAH LAUGHS]
• Just kidding. I climb in Rizal. Just for a one-day hike, or sometimes we do overnight climbs in Baguio. - Wow. Nice!
• You should come with us. But you don't climb solo, right? It's too dangerous, especially rock climbing. Oh, um. I tried wall climbing and bouldering. I tried rock climbing. But it's not... too difficult. But you had someone with you, right? Yes, I did. Someone helped me. But it's not really... some rock climbs are really intense, the really high ones. I don't like rock climbing either, I'd rather stick to mountain climbing. It's really intense. But I have a group, I'm with some friends, I go with Madam Darla... Oh... If you want to join us, come along. - Sure.
• No problem. Let's climb together. It's so nice to see the mountain. Greeny. It's the best. It feels so good. The "greenery"? [LAUGHS] You know, climbing is great because it strengthens your stamina for dancing. Yes. Actually, that's my reason for jogging. I need to stay active because it helps me a lot. - It really helps a lot.
• Yes. For stamina. That's what I want too. - You stay active.
• I want to be like that too. But why does it feel like I'm a boxer? But where's your next destination? - For traveling?
• Yes. Where do you want to go next? Well, I want to try Asia first. Because that's what my budget allows. And Asia because it's close, especially since we're busy and we only find out our schedule weeks before. It's really hard to go to other countries that require a visa. Asia is really the place I can go to because it's visa-free. - That's true.
• So, that's it. We wish you good luck. I hope you... I hope we can climb together. I'll invite you sometime. - Sure, okay.
• If you have time. So we can spend time together, you know. I also want to invite my other friends like Kim Chiu... Yes, I'd love that. We'll climb with our Bisaya friends. - Really? [LAUGHS]
• Yeah. It would be great to do an overnight. - Yes.
• Maybe we can go to... Mt. Ulap. I haven't tried that yet. When you wake up, all you can see are clouds. I like that, camping. I have a group, and we’ll just bring our bags, and the members will bring the tents. - They’ll build a tent city.
• [AIAH] Wow! They’ll also do the cooking. We’ll just eat. - I'm in. I like that.
• Me too! - I'll invite you.
• All right. Your friends have to like... - mountain climbing too.
• Don’t force them... Don’t force them because after just one kilometer, they'll resent you. [AIAH GIGGLES] They’ll regret it. They’ll really get mad. But of course, BINI Aiah, now-- I really hope you're enjoying this. because we've reached the... - "Big Problem."
• [AIAH] Oh no. [UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING] For me, this is really a big problem because these are questions. Questions connected to you. It's your fault. Why did you join the pageant? Now we’re dragged into your English. This is in English. But of course, we have a bowl here. A toilet bowl? No. [LAUGHS] So, the two of us will draw questions that we need to answer. [AIAH] Okay, okay. So, you go first. - Will I give it to you?
• Yes. Then we’ll answer it. For those who don’t understand Bisdak, what does "kuan" mean for you? For me... The "kuan" of your "kuan" is "kuan." - [MELAI] Wow.
• Thank you. That's very true. Because it’s "kuan." - You cannot explain the "kuan."
• Yeah. - And it’s unexplainable.
• Yes. Because "kuan" is in the back of the dictionary. [AIAH LAUGHS] - It's exempted.
• Yes, it's exempted. "Kuan" is everything. Because you can use it in everything. True, that's right. When you can’t think of an answer, - "kuan."
• [AIAH LAUGHS] - Yes.
• Right? - So, next, next. I’ll draw now.
• Alright. - You read it.
• Oh, okay. Oh! What is the essence of being a Bisdak? - I’ll answer first.
• Oh, okay. The essence of being a Bisdak is common sense. [LAUGHS] - That's not even an answer.
• [LAUGHS] Common sense, because... we know how to speak Bisaya, English, and Tagalog. What's the matter? - Oh!
• [APPLAUSE] Okay, now it’s your turn to answer the next one. Okay, okay. This is hard. This time, I’ll read and you’ll answer. Okay, okay. This is where your kuan... Miss kuan... Miss Mactan will come in. [GIGGLES] What if... This question is so hard! Oh no! What if all of a sudden... - Oh!
• You had a million dollars? What is the first thing you would buy and why will you buy it? What I think of immediately if I had that much money is to start a business. I don’t know. I would do business so the money circulates. So it's not just me who benefits from the money. I want to have a business where I can involve my family. After that, I’ll share the money with them. Then I’ll enjoy myself afterward. - Wow. And more travels to come.
• Yes! [APPLAUSE] That's very true. In fairness to BINI Aiah, even though she’s still a teen, twenteens... but her mindset is really advanced. - Twenteens?
• Teens... Maybe 11 or 12 years old? - Tweenies?
• [LAUGHS] Twen-teens? But she already knows where the money should go. Oh. I switched to Tagalog again. She knows where the money should go. - Yes.
• You're very good at that. Next, it's my turn. - Should I speak in Bisaya?
• Oh, it's my turn. Okay. Oh no. What do you think is the Philippines' greatest contribution to the world? It's a Binibining Philippines question. It's like..."Bini-bini" Wow. - For a "bini-bini."
• Can you please... - Can you repeat it?
• What do you think... What do you think is the Philippines' greatest contribution to the world? The Philippines' contribution to the world is manpower. [AIAH] Whoa. Manpower, why? I don't know why. [LAUGHS] Doesn't even matter how hard you try? [LAUGHTER, APPLAUSE] Because we have many TFC subscribers. - [AIAH] Oh.
• We... we... - The doctors, we spread it.
• Yes. - The nurses, we spread it.
• Spread it. And the OFWs, we spread it. - Wow! Agree! Agree!
• [APPLAUSE] Thank you very much. Even if they don't really understand, they're like, "just go along with it." - That's true.
• Now, I will ask the questions. You. Do you want to answer? I agree. Manpower is indeed the greatest contribution we have because we are different here in the Philippines. We are family-oriented, brave, resilient, and strong. Yes. Even if we are separated from our families, we will work and support them. [AIAH] True. Right? So, that's our contribution. Who will take care of the foreigners' children? - Isn't it crazy?
• [AIAH LAUGHS] They can't work if there are no Filipinos. Right? Should I translate these questions to Bisaya? I'm not angry. Okay, next-- this question is for you... - What's more difficult to play?
• [AIAH] Oh dear. Hiding feelings... - Hey!
• or hiding debts? Oh! It's harder to hide from the person you owe money to. [LAUGHS] Because you could go to jail. Hiding feelings, only you know that. It's only you because only you can feel it. But hiding from someone you owe money to, - just pay them so you won't...
• [MELAI LAUGHS] - so you won't get caught.
• Yes. So you won't get reported to the Barangay. That's right. Thank you very much, BINI Aiah, for keeping up with our silliness here at Kuan On One. But of course, here at Kuan On One, we have what we call the Ultimate Yawyaw. [UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING] The Ultimate Yawyaw... strengthens what we have learned from each other. Including your realizations in life which made you feel like, "Oh, that's right." Looking back at what you've been through, those experiences you fought for... and now, you're at the point where you're enjoying the blessings. The Ultimate Yawyaw I learned from you, BINI Aiah, is... courage. Aw. I truly saw courage in you because even though you faced many rejections, you didn't give up. You didn't even take a break. - You kept auditioning.
• Yes. You weren't... You weren't discouraged. You were really courageous. What you did was you kept moving forward. Your attitude and wisdom of having courage will take you far. Do you know why? Because you know what you want. You're not shaken by the discouragements around you, or by the frustrations. You just want to keep going. You just keep going. I really admire the courage you show in your journey of becoming BINI. And I hope that with your courage, our Kuanizens will also learn and use it in their lives until the end. And you, keep that courage because that's what we want for you. - Thank you. I was touched.
• [APPLAUSE] You, what is your realization? <br> what I have learned is to just really trust the process. Even if sometimes you question why you have to go through those things, why you have to do those things. Especially in life, there are many options, easy ways out, and easy directions, but... actually, you learn more from the challenges you go through. So, I'm grateful that I went through those challenges, and if there are more challenges to come, bring it on. I can face it. Just have courage, although it's, you know... it's hard. Just breathe. You can always breathe. Just keep fighting. Everything has a purpose. I love it. - "Trust the process".
• [APPLAUSE] Wow! There you go. Kuanizens, you are learning a lot from BINI Aiah today. "Trust the process" and Courage. Those are indeed some of the keys to success. Just keep fighting. Rejection is redirection. Yeah! What's your favorite Bisaya word? Many Bisdaks are curious about that. Actually, I have many favorites. But this is my new favorite: "Isog." (Brave) - Isog.
• [MELAI] Oh. - Exactly! You can't handle it.
• Brave. What does "isog" mean to you? How important is it to you? "Isog" doesn't mean you'll be aggressive like a dog. - Are you a dog?
• No. "Isog" means having enough fire to... to... what do you call that? - To fight.
• Yes. Like a fighter. Because you're strong. Is that right? - Strong.
• Yes, strong! You can continue despite whatever life throws at you, even if it's hard, as long as you're brave enough to go through all of it. You must also have courage. That's all. Prayer is also important. Prayer is number one. You're brave. Whatever challenge you face, - you won't give up.
• [AIAH] Yes. God won't let you down if you are brave. He'll look after you. - God is your backup.
• [MELAI] Correct! Anyway, this is what we call... I mean, you guys are trending now, - even when we go to Korea.
• Wow! They're also Blooms. The two of them. They're always dancing in front of me. They want me to watch them dance. Even though I'm busy, they still ask me to watch them. This is proof that they really like BINI. Look, they danced to Salamin, Salamin. It's Mela and Stela. Roll VTR! ["SALAMIN, SALAMIN" BY BINI PLAYING] Wow. I thought her waist would break while dancing. [CHUCKLES] Because she wanted to imitate you. Especially that part. I'm glad she didn't get shy dancing in Korea. She was the one who insisted on dancing there. Oh. It's really in the middle of... That's in Gangnam. [COOS] She used to dance a lot to K-pop songs. Now they dance to P-pop, our very own! You see, we went to a bar there. Oh, I saw that. - It was like a restaurant.
• They danced to that song. Look at her. [COOS] Wow, she's good. She's missing a tooth, look. [CHUCKLES] But she's still dancing. She was like, "Mama, I want to dance." [COOS] [CHUCKLES] - Oh!
• Wow! [CHUCKLES] She pouted. She's copying you guys. [CHUCKLES] [COOING] Yes! [CHUCKLES] She's feeling it! Yes. She's so cute! [COOS, CHUCKLES] [CLAPPING] That's how big your impact is on my daughters, BINI Aiah. Hold on! I think... I think something is missing! Where's the video of you dancing? [AIAH LAUGHING] Didn't you go to Korea too? I feel shy. It looked like I was dancing Tinikling when I tried to do it. But okay. Fine. Teach me how to do it. Let's dance on the side. ["SALAMIN, SALAMIN" BY BINI PLAYING] Left... Again! Heart! [GIGGLES] BINI Aiah is really teaching me. [STAFF CHEERING] - Thank you so much, BINI Aiah!
• Thank you. Thank you very much, BINI Aiah! Let's give her a big hand. [CLAPPING] [MELAI] Wow. I'm really proud to say that a BINI member herself taught me the dance. I won, guys. I'll just laugh at you. But of course, thank you so much, BINI Aiah, for accepting our invitation. I know you're very busy but you still gave us your time. Anything for you. Aww. Come back here, okay? - Oh, I would love to.
• [MELAI] Yes. We prepared something for you. Just a small... - How cute!
• A small gift. - Hope you like it.
• Thank you. You can use it to scare cockroaches away. [CHUCKLES] - It's so cute. Thank you.
• Again, thank you so much! We only give those to our guests. Oh, right. Exclusively for guests. For the others, we only gave them sleeveless tops. [BOTH CHUCKLE] Anyway, thank you very much, BINI Aiah. Would you like to thank anyone for the huge success of your concert? Yes. Thank you so much, Blooms, and all the Bisaya Blooms. Some of them flew from the province and some came from other countries just to support and watch us. Thank you so much! I hope you will continue to support us whenever we have a show. And yes, I hope you can still be there at our future events. Please support the Bisaya. There are many Bisaya in the industry. Thank you very much, BINI Aiah. We're so happy that you came here on Kuan On One. Thank you so much! And thank you very much, Kuanizens, for joining us here. You guys are amazing! Thank you for watching guys. Especially now that we're trending because we have BINI with us. Until next time, this is... Kuan On One! Woo-hoo! [SQUEALS] [THEME MUSIC PLAYING]