BINI’s ‘Cherry on Top’ puts the P in P-pop. Here’s why

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

“‘Cause you know who runs the world?” BINI!

The “nation’s girl group” has done it again, this time with a full English song aiming for international success. Despite “Cherry on Top” being geared towards a global audience, it remains authentically Filipino. Here’s why.

The official music video, which amassed one million views in less than four hours and two million views in just 10 hours, is filled with cultural references that resonate deeply with every Filipino.

‘Bless po’

At the beginning of the music video, every action exudes Filipino culture. One of the most significant gestures depicted is “pagmamano,” a traditional way for Filipinos to show respect to elders by gently taking their hand and bringing it to one’s forehead.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

This small but meaningful act, along with other cultural references throughout the video, reinforces BINI’s dedication to celebrating and showcasing Filipino traditions all around the world.

Banana cue on top

What’s a more perfect afternoon merienda than banana cue? This sweet banana snack, a portmanteau of banana and barbecue, is a beloved treat among Filipinos.

In the “Cherry on Top” music video, BINI’s Maloi and Gwen can be seen subtly enjoying some. It’s a delightful detail that might be easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

‘Pabili po ng softdrinks’

It’s a distinctly Filipino tradition to enjoy soft drinks in plastic bags, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. BINI’s Colet and Sheena highlight this in the music video. For sure, canteens in elementary and high schools and even the sari-sari stores in neighborhoods bring back memories of buying these refreshing drinks.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

Parcels or balikbayan boxes?

Another beloved tradition among Filipinos is the excitement of receiving balikbayan boxes filled with goodies from abroad. These thoughtfully packed boxes from overseas relatives always contain something special for everyone in the family, reflecting the Filipino spirit of generosity and strong family bonds.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

But what better surprise for Blooms than seeing BINI’s leader, Jhoanna, being the present inside the box, right? Her presence alone is surely a present.

Halo-halo with cherry on top, why not?

In the “Islang Pantropiko,” much like in the Philippines, the beloved halo-halo is the perfect way to cool off. This cold dessert is a colorful mix of shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans and topped with creamy leche flan or ube ice cream. For BINI’s Mikha, a halo-halo isn’t complete without a cherry on top.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

Definitely, “sticky, sticky sweet, frosty as I can be.”

Filipino mornings

In the morning in the Philippines, you’ll either hear the rhythmic swish of walis tingting on the streets or see someone enjoying their pandesal dipped in coffee. It’s a simple yet comforting scene that captures the essence of Filipino mornings shown in the video.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

‘Maritesan’ on street

Name a more beautiful group of marites on the streets than Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena. They must be talking about their journey three years in the making, reaching No. 1 in the music category on YouTube worldwide in less than two hours after the release of “Cherry on Top,” No. 1 on the iTunes Philippines chart and No. 1 on the iTunes Philippines music video chart.

Screencap from BINI Official/YouTube

BINI is definitely going for more as they continue to be the biggest girl group on Spotify in terms of monthly listenership, with 7.4 million streams. Stream the music video of “Cherry on Top” here: