The Department of Tourism (DOT) just gave flowers where they’re due: BINI and Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE got an official shoutout after their Coachella moment put Filipino talent front and center on one of the world’s biggest festival stages. In a statement posted on the DOT’s official Facebook page, the agency praised the two for “raising the Philippine flag” at Coachella—an event that’s basically a global billboard for who’s next in music.
DOT highlighted BINI’s milestone as the first Filipino act to perform at Coachella, noting the group’s 45-minute set with 10 songs—and the crowd energy that came with it, including fans arriving early and waving Philippine flags. The department also pointed to Sophia’s appearance as another proof point that Filipino talent isn’t just “participating” in global pop anymore—it’s being seen, tracked, and talked about.
The recognition didn’t stop at government applause. The Coachella performances have started pulling attention from international outlets, with DOT’s statement framing it as pride not just for the artists, but for Filipinos everywhere—because what’s being exported isn’t only music, it’s identity: style, language, and the look of being unapologetically Filipino on a foreign stage.
Locally, the political kudos are rolling in too: lawmakers have filed resolutions commending BINI for the Coachella feat, while the group’s post-festival schedule stays packed—next up is a Grammy Museum event on April 21, where they’re expected to perform and talk about their latest EP, “Signals.”
Images from BINI_ph; Coachella; DOT FB