When it comes to fierce transformations from backstage to centerstage, Gwen Apuli is your girl. BINI’s leadvocalist, she seems to be the quietest—or themost nonchalant, as Blooms say—yet she’s stillone of the most magnetic performers in thegroup. A self-confessed introvert, the 21-year-old Bicolana just knows what works for her.

Before becoming a part of the Nation’s GirlGroup, Gwen has already had her fair share ofexperience in show business as a former PinoyBig Brother housemate and a model. Nowthat she’s a certified pop idol, she’s also fastbecoming a part of a list of OPM artists she onlyused to listen to.

“Si Ms. Sarah G, naaalala ko, sobrang idolko nu’ng bata ako,” she shares. “Si Ms. YengConstantino hanggang naging Moira delaTorre. Lumaki ako sa OPM talaga.”

And despite BINI’s continuous rise to thetop, Gwen remains as down-to-earth as shewas before their singles hit peak popularity.“Actually, hindi ko naman po napapansin.Ginagawa ko lang ’yung dapat kong gawin,”she says. Every day, she just gets up andprepares to tackle the day head-on. They’re sobusy, she barely has time to mind the haters.

On GWEN: Flocked Monogram Denim Jacket, V for Vuitton Earrings, all Louis Vuitton Photography by BJ Pascual

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“Ako kasi medyo batak na rin ako kasigaling akong PBB. Batak din bashers saPBB, so medyo nakapag-adjust na rin ako,” she says.

Thankfully, she has the rest of BINI to cling toin good times and in bad. “Nu’ng bata-bata pa ako, sabi ko, hindiako ma-a-attach,” she confesses. “Kasi neverpa ako nagkaroon ng relationship na ganitokatagal, eh. Sabi ko, ‘Ay, wala ’to. Hindi ’tomagiging solid. Pero ngayon, hindi ko ma-imagine na mawala na lang nang ganu’n inthe future, totally makakalimutan ko ’yunggirls.”

Of course, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. With BINI’s big plans for the nextyear and beyond, they still have a lot to achieveas a group.

Gwen shares, “Sana by 2025, makapag-concert ulitkami sa ibang bansa and marami ulitkaming mapuntahan. Kasi sa ngayon,’yung ibang lugar sa Pilipinas hindi pa rinnamin napuntahan. Ako nga, hindi pa akonakakapunta sa lugar ko. ’Yung province kona Bicol hindi ko pa napuntahan ulit. Gustoko makapunta kami and makapag-showkami du’n.”

Surely, in time, Gwen and the rest of BINIwill find their way home—but, for now, home isdefinitely where the rest of the girls are.

Ngayon, hindi ko ma-imagine na mawalana lang nang ganu’n o in the future,totally makakalimutan ko ’yung girls

BINI Gwen Apuli Photography by BJ Pascual

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Photographer: BJ Pascual

Metro Head: Christina N. Lopez

Sittings Editors: Geolette Esguerra and Grace Libero-Cruz

Beauty Direction: Kate Paras-Santiago

Styling: Randz Manucom and Carla Buyo

Creative Director: Eugene David

Art Director: Raff Colmenar

Editorial Assistant: Tim Marasigan

Makeup Artists: Theresa Padin, Carell Garcia, Julius Cabanisas, Angelina Tan

Hairstylists: MJ Rone and July Vito

Video Producer: Jose Mari Santiago

Fashion Films by Andrey Dulalia of Tidal Studios (Tidal Studios Team: ER Cruz, Erika Ducusin, Raymond Cabalhin, Chan Sayson, Mhil Dela Paz, Joseph Generalo, Leeward Cabacungan)

Interview Videos by Spotlight Creatives (Dolly Hernandez, Aaron Ongkingko, Justine Alain Capiral, Paul Siloterio, and Emmanuel Oquendo)

Set Design: Aren Dale Santos of AdSet

Interviews by Alex Cruz, Elaine Carag, Nina Laoang, and Moira Macainag

Shoot Assistant: Elise Garaldé

Photographer Assistants: Richard Detita, Ruel Estrellis, Abel Santos, Jilmer Carlos, Sam Orete, Iggy Estacio

Fashion Assistants: Syra Garcia, April Lozada, Teresita Gabat

Makeup Artist Assistants: Edison Matubang, Jen Arciaga, Juliet Villarubia

Press-on Nails: Catrina Buyo, Isabella Ico, and Georgina Palad of ManéLa Press-on Nails

Nail Technicians: Cath Balingasa, Jennifer Pascual, and Russel Gaboco of Triple Luck Brow & Nail Salon

Shot on location at Marquis Events Place

Special thanks to Laurenti M. Dyogi, Joanna Santos, MQ Mallari, Alan Real, Ron Faina, Maan Manauis, James Arellano, and Kram dela Cruz of Star Magic/BINI Management; Jeanger Navarro, Francesca Santiago, and Lira Calimlim of Louis Vuitton Philippines; Ogie Rodriguez; and Pazu

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