Philippine Concerts

Tag: Bam Aquino

  • #BamBini: BINI serenades Sen. Bam Aquino on his birthday

    #BamBini: BINI serenades Sen. Bam Aquino on his birthday

    Filipino P-Pop sensation BINI serenaded Senator Bam Aquino with a birthday song when they visited the Senate on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to receive recognition for their historic stint at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

    Sen. Bam, who turned a year older on Thursday, May 7, playfully danced as the “Nation’s Girl Group” sang a cheerful birthday greeting.

    Afterward, the group joined the plenary session, where they received a parchment copy of Sen. Bam’s Senate Resolution No. 370, which was officially adopted by the Senate in recognition of their achievement.

    In his resolution, Sen. Bam lauded BINI for bringing pride and honor to the country and for showcasing Filipino talent and artistry on the global stage during their April 10 and 17, 2026 performances at Coachella, one of the world’s most prestigious and highest-grossing music festivals.

    “Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, isang Filipino act ang nagtanghal sa isa sa pinakamalaking music festivals sa buong mundo. Masasabi natin na ang tagumpay na ito ay isang Salamin ng galing at talento ng Pilipino sa pandaigdigang entablado,” Sen. Bam said in his sponsorship speech.

    “Ang tagumpay ng BINI ay isang panalong dapat ipagdiwang sa gitna ng mga hamon at krisis na kinahaharap ng ating bansa. Sa kanilang pagtatanghal sa Coachella, ipinamalas nila ang ating Filipino Pride sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng mga tradisyonal na elemento sa kanilang mga kasuotan, musika, at koreograpiya,” he added.

    Sen. Bam emphasized that BINI’s accomplishment on the international stage will serve as an inspiration for many Filipino youth to strive for their dreams.

    “Ang kanilang tagumpay ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa napakaraming kabataang Pilipino na mangarap at maniwala na kaya rin nilang maabot ang world stage,” he pointed out.

    The Senator also said that BINI’s Coachella appearance is not only a victory for the music industry, but also for the entire Philippines.

    “Pinatutunayan nito ang lumalaking potensyal ng ating creative economy at ang kakayahan nitong magbigay ng dangal at oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan sa buong mundo,” he stressed, adding that his daughters, Rory and Coco, are certified fans of BINI, whose fandom is called “BLOOM.”

    “Pinagmamalaki ko na ang aking mga anak ay kabilang sa ‘Bloom’ community at pati shared Spotify account namin ay halos puro BINI ang kanta,” he added.

    BINI is composed of Maraiah Queen Arceta (Aiah), Ma. Nicolette Vergara (Colet), Mary Loi Yves Ricalde (Maloi), Gweneth Apuli (Gwen), Lindtsey Stacey Aubrey Sevilleja (Stacey), Mikhaela Janna Lim (Mikha), Jhoanna Christine Robles (Jhoanna), and Sheena Mae Catacutan (Sheena).

    Sen. Bam is a staunch supporter of Filipino talent. During the 2022 and 2025 election campaigns, he tapped local artists to celebrate their talents and skills, and once again highlighted the strength of Filipino music during the People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert.

  • Musicians, comedians, artists join Bam Aquino’s call for vigilance in bicam deliberations on P1.38T education budget

    Musicians, comedians, artists join Bam Aquino’s call for vigilance in bicam deliberations on P1.38T education budget

    Support for Sen. Bam Aquino’s call for vigilance during the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the P1.38-trillion education fund in the 2026 national budget has snowballed, drawing backing from various musicians, comedians, and artists.

    Among them were actor Edu Manzano, stand-up comedian Alex Calleja, rapper Pio Balbuena, hip-hop band Morobeats, , artist Andrea Guevarra, and Drag Race Philippines winner Brigiding.

    In a statement on his Facebook page, Edu said heightened vigilance is necessary to protect the budget from corruption and questionable projects.

    “LIVESTREAM ANG BICAM. Ilang tulog na lang bago Pasko, ang Christmas wish ko: huwag bawasan yung education budget ni Senator Bam! #EdukasyonHindiKorapsyon,” he posted.

    “Monitor natin ‘to. Kung may dapat tutukan sa pondo ng bayan, bantayan ang budget para sa edukasyon ni Senator Bam! Huwag hayaan mabawasan sa darating na bicam,” Alex commented, sharing a post from Senator Bam’s Facebook page highlighting his call for vigilance.

    “Tinupad ni Sen. Bam yung Diskarte at diploma! 1.3 TRILLION BUDGET SA EDUKASYON, 65 BILLION PARA SA MGA CLASSROOM. babantayan na lang natin yan para di magka istapahan, pampaaral ng tambay,” Pio said on Facebook.

    Andrea called on her family, friends, and followers to monitor the bicam’s livestream, saying it is an opportunity for them to ensure the education budget remains intact.

    “Ngayong December 11, papasok na sa final stage ang budget for education sa BICAM at first time itong ililivestream in our history. Sa public schools, kulang ang classrooms, kulang ang kagamitan, kulang ang suporta. Kasama rin dito ang budget para sa Libreng Kolehiyo.. Libreng tuition at miscellaneous fees ng 5.7M students, at dagdag allowance para sa 1.5M students,” she said.

    “Para sa millions of students who rely on the public education system, every peso truly matters. At ang BICAM ang last window para makita kung mababawasan o hindi ang budget na para sa kanila. Let’s show up. Watch. Bantayan natin ang budget sa edukasyon. Para sa kabataan. Para sa kinabukasan. Edukasyon, hindi korapsyon,” she added.

    Morobeats, for its part, underscored the need to protect the education budget to maintain the P65 billion fund for classroom construction.

    “May mahigit na 65 billion na budget para sa edukasyon! Huwag hayaan na mabawasan at bantayan natin yung para sa mga anak natin!” it said.

    “Malapit na mag 2026. National Budget!!! Please wag magic-in ang pondo ng bayan, protektahan ang budget para sa edukasyon, bantayan natin kasama ni @bamaquino,” Bridiging posted on her X account.

    The bicameral conference committee, or simply bicam, is a small group of senators and representatives tasked with reconciling differences between the Senate and House versions of a bill.

    While its intention is noble, the word bicam has become synonymous with hidden agendas and illegal or questionable insertions, especially when the anomalous flood control projects were exposed.

    The Senate will livestream the bicam for the proposed 2026 national budget, giving citizens, media, and civil society organizations a unique opportunity to monitor the proceedings and see firsthand how their hard-earned money is allocated and utilized.