# Talaarawan

Talaarawan (lit. 'Diary') is the debut extended play of Filipino girl group Bini. It was released by Star Music on March 8, 2024. It consists of six tracks, of which three were released as singles, "Karera", "Pantropiko", and "Salamin, Salamin".
The singles, particularly "Karera" and "Pantropiko", gained significant popularity, with "Karera" widely recognized at school graduation ceremonies and "Pantropiko" topping domestic charts, being regarded as a summer anthem in the Philippines. This success contributed to the group's rise in popularity, becoming the first Filipino pop group with the most monthly listeners on Spotify.

## Background and release

On February 14, 2024, Bini announced that their debut extended play (EP), Talaarawan, would be released on March 8, 2024. During a Valentine's Day event, Bini's leader Jhoanna revealed in an interview that the release date was intentionally selected to serve as a gift for their fans and to symbolize celebration and appreciation for their supporters.
Bini member Mikha emphasized Bini's advocacy for women’s empowerment, expressing their desire to inspire women and boost confidence in all individuals. During their media conference for the EP, she noted that the release date coinciding with International Women’s Day aligns with their goal to empower and inspire. Jhoanna described the EP, Talaarawan, which means "diary" in Filipino, as a comforting record for their fans. She explained that the EP captures their group's journey and expressed hope that it would provide comfort and a sense of connection to their fans, similar to a diary where they could open up and find relief through their music.
Talaarawan, along with its lead single "Salamin, Salamin" (lit. 'Mirror, Mirror') was officially released on March 8, 2024. Two of the track's singles, namely "Karera" (lit. 'Race') and "Pantropiko" (lit. 'Tropical') had previously been released in late 2023 as promotional tracks for the EP. On October 31, 2024, Backspacer Records announced that the EP, along with Bini's albums Born to Win and Feel Good, will be released as vinyl records in December 2024 as part of their collaboration with Star Music.

## Composition

Talaarawan is an EP consisting of six tracks. The opening track, "Karera", was originally written by Nica Del Rosario and was composed by her along with Jumbo De Belen and Jose Miguel Cortes. Inspired by Del Rosario's own experiences, the song emphasizes the importance of self-care and avoiding societal pressures. Bini members Colet, Mikha, and Stacey co-wrote the rap part of the song.
The lead single, "Salamin, Salamin", was composed by John Michael Conchada, Paula Rose Alcasid, and Paulo Miguel Rañeses and produced by Bojam and Mat Olavides. It has been described as a song that captures the excitement and nervousness of having a crush. The third track, "Pantropiko," was written by Angelika Ortiz, Jumbo De Belen, Mat Olavides, and Paula Patricia Chavez. It was regarded as a "summer bubblegum pop anthem" with musical influences from African, Latin, and Caribbean genres. "Ang Huling Cha Cha" (The Last Cha-cha), also by Del Rosario, explores the complexities of situationships and unreciprocated feelings. "Na Na Nandito Lang" (Just Here), is a song that offers reassurance of support amidst challenges. It was written by Kim Grabrielle Songsong, Jumbo De Belen, and Paula Patricia Chavez. The EP concludes with "Diyan Ka Lang" (Stay There) a tribute to those who provide unwavering support, written by Jumbo De Belen and Paula Patricia Chavez and composed by Bojam.

## Accolades

Awards and nominations for Talaarawan :
| Ceremony | Year | Category | Result | Ref. |
| P-pop Music Awards | 2024 | Album of the Year | Won | |
Critics' rankings of Talaarawan :
| Publication | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
| Billboard Philippines | The 50 Best Albums and EPs of 2024 | Placed | |

## Certifications

Certifications for Talaarawan :
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
| Philippines (PARI) | Platinum | 15,000$^*$ |
| $^*$ Sales figures based on certification alone. |||

## Release history

Release history and formats for Talaarawan :
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
| Various | March 8, 2024 | Digital downloadstreaming | Star Music |
| Philippines | July 3, 2024 | CD | Star Music |
| Philippines | December 7, 2024 | Vinyl | Star Music |