MANILA -- Jhoanna Robles or simply Jho is the leader of the nation’s girl group BINI. Is it hard to be the leader of the country’s most popular girl group? 

“Honestly, hindi po,” she said. “Lahat po kami may qualities ng pagiging leader. Although may mga times po na ako po talaga 'yung titimbang. Siyempre, half ng group ganito ang gusto, kalahati eto, doon ako nahihirapan.” 

“Minsan naman, ako lang 'yung naiiba 'yung opinion, tapos sila ganito.”

So What does she do when this happens? “Mine-message ko talaga 'yung thoughts ko, kahit alam nilang majority wins 'yung rule namin as a group, para lang alam nila.”

As the group’s captain, Jho stressed the importance of communication. “Very important talaga 'yung communication po, kasi gets ko din yung hirap for them to accept guidance sa younger sa kanila.” 

Back in July, Jho had a health scare. She was rushed to the hospital on the day of her scheduled departure for Los Angeles to attend the KCon 2024. Because of the incident, she wasn’t able to join her sisters in the highly-publicized event. But she realized one thing when it comes to health.  

“'Pag hindi mo talaga kaya, 'wag mong ipilit. Kasi mag-su-suffer lang 'yung group,” she said.

Since the group reached stratospheric popularity, their schedule has been packed.  

“May mga times na nag-au-auto pilot na lang kami. Binibigay 'yung schedule sa amin tapos doon na lang kami naka-focus. Ano schedule bukas? Tapos hindi namin namamalayan, ‘oh my gosh, nagawa natin 'yung buong linggong schedule na ganun?’”

Fangirling over Kathryn Bernardo  

Before BINI, Jho used to do acting stints. She even had a short acting stint in the popular afternoon drama "Kadenang Ginto" with Kyle Echarri, Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz. 

While she candidly cringed while recalling her "acting" days, Jho said: “Na-miss ko lang 'yung taping days noon. Though, saglit lang po ako nun. Before pa po iyon ng Star Hunt auditions. Akala po kasi ng iba na part 'yun ng audition ko, kung paano ako nakasama sa grupo.”

While she is enjoying her career at the moment as a member of BINI, Jho said, “Gusto kong gawin 'yung first love ko, 'yung acting po. Iba 'yung ano ng puso ko sa acting po. Pero alam kong marami pa po akong kailangang matutunan doon.” 

But given the chance to act in the future, Jho revelas her dream collaboration, “With Kathryn Bernardo po.”

“Malaking part kung sino ako ngayon si Ate Kath. Parang pagkabata ko, sa kanya umikot mundo ko. Ultimo commercials niya, saulo ko,” she said.

But when it comes to singing, Jho dreams of collaborating with pop rock singer Yeng Constantino. 

“Yung range ng boses niya, doon ako very relaxed. Ang angas po kasi!” she said.

Jho and the rest of BINI members have been rehearsing for the much-awaited "Grand BINIverse" at the Araneta Coliseum on Nov 16, 17 and 18. After that, they are set to spend their well-deserved Christmas break and Jhoana is looking forward to spending time in her hometown in Laguna. 

“Christmas po 'yung last uwi ko. Nung Pasko po siyempre, hindi pa ganito ('yung status ng BINI). So parang ako nacuc-urious ako, paano kaya kung umuwi ako?” she said.

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