# Karera (Bini song)

"Karera" (lit. 'Race') is a song by the Filipino girl group Bini. It was released by Star Music on September 22, 2023, as the first pre-release single the group's first extended play (EP), Talaarawan (2024). Written by Gianina Camille "Nica" Del Rosario and Julius James "Jumbo" De Belen, and composed by Jose Miguel Cortes, "Karera" is a bubblegum pop track that addresses mental health, highlighting the importance of self-care and resilience against societal pressures.
"Karera" was widely acclaimed for its uplifting message and musical evolution, receiving praise for its fusion of bubblegum pop with J-Pop-inspired production, highlighting its infectious melody and hook. Billboard Philippines described it as one of the best P-pop releases of 2023, while Preen commended its self-care theme. The song's message of self-acceptance and personal growth resonated widely, leading to its use as a graduation song in various schools and universities across the Philippines. The track also won two awards, winning People's Voice Favorite Music Video of the Year out of its three nominations at the 2024 Awit Awards and Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year at the 2025 Wish Music Awards. Bini promoted "Karera" with live performance on the Chinese reality show Show It All in April and May 2024, and at the halftime show of the Star Magic All-Star Games in June 2024.

## Background and release

In September 2022, Bini released their second album, Feel Good. The album accumulated over five million streams on the online streaming platform Spotify, with the album's single "I Feel Good" winning the International New Artist Song award at the 2023 Breaktudo Awards. On September 12, 2023, "Karera" was introduced as part of Bini's comeback, accompanied by various promotional materials including individual video teasers, a music video trailer, and a dance choreo snippet.
Star Music released "Karera" on September 22, 2023, as the first pre-release single for their EP, along with the music video which premiered on the same day.

## Composition and lyrics

"Karera" is four minutes and twenty-eight seconds long. The track was written by Gianina Camille "Nica" Del Rosario and Julius James "Jumbo" De Belen of FlipMusic, with composition by Jose Miguel Cortes. Bini members Colet, Mikha, and Stacey contributed by writing the rap sections of the song.
Originally pitched to a solo female artist, "Karera" was later picked up by Bini. Del Rosario, a frequent collaborator with the group, co-produced the song with De Belen, adapting it to suit Bini's eight-member dynamic. Lyrically, "Karera" explores mental health, promoting self-care and encouraging listeners not to succumb to societal pressures. Del Rosario, who has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), drew from her personal experiences to shape the song's message.
The track reflects a change in Bini's musical approach, presenting a new sound and theme centered on encouraging listeners to navigate life at their own pace and prioritize self-care.

## Critical reception

"Karera" received acclaim from critics for its message. Writing for Billboard Philippines, Kara Angan praised the track as a significant evolution of Bini's signature bubblegum pop sound, incorporating twinkly J-Pop-inspired production. She noted the song's "killer melody and hook", declaring it "one of the best — if not the best — P-Pop songs released this year [2023]". Andrea Posadas, writing for Preen magazine, commended "Karera" as an upbeat self-care anthem that encourages listeners to take a breather from life's chaos. She highlighted the song's message that life is a journey with room for exploration and growth, rather than a race. Posadas also praised Bini's dedication to their craft, noting that members Colet, Mikha, and Stacey contributed to the songwriting, resulting in a meticulously executed and whimsical concept.
The song's themes of self-acceptance and personal growth led to "Karera" being used as a graduation anthem by several schools and universities in the Philippines. Videos of performances during ceremonies, gained attention on social media. Ruru Pura, a teacher from Tagaytay City Science National High School-ISHS, noted that the song was chosen for its meaningful message, emphasizing that "life is not a race" and individuals have their own timelines. At the University of Santo Tomas, "Karera" was featured during a Baccalaureate Mass and pyromusical show.

## Performances

Bini performed "Karera", along with their other songs "I Feel Good" and "Pantropiko" on the Chinese reality show Show It All, showcasing Filipino talent on an international platform. The performances were aired on April 25 and May 2, 2024. On June 3, Bini performed "Karera" at Star Magic All-Star Games as part of the halftime show.

## Accolades

Awards and nominations for "Karera"Awards and nominations received by Bini :
| Award | Year | Category | Result |
| Awit Awards | 2024 | Best Inspirational Recording | Nominated |
| Awit Awards | 2024 | Best Music Video | Nominated |
| Awit Awards | 2024 | People's Voice Favorite Music Video of the Year | Won |
| Wish Music Awards | 2025 | Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year | Won |

### Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement :
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
| Billboard Philippines | 2024 | 15 Songs to Celebrate Your Graduation to | Placed | |

## Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from Apple Music.
* Bini – vocals
* Gianina Camille Del Rosario – songwriter
* Jose Miguel Cortes – songwriter, producer
* Julius James De Belen – songwriter, producer
* Ma. Nicolette Vergara – songwriter
* Mikhaela Janna Lim – songwriter
* Stacey Aubrey Sevilleja – songwriter

## Charts
### Weekly charts

| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100) | 7 |
| Philippines (Top Philippine Songs) | 4 |

### Year-end charts

| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100) | 20 |
| Philippines (Top Philippine Songs) | 13 |