Colet (singer)

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Florenosos and the surname or paternal family name is Vergara.

Colet
Colet in June 2025
Born
Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara

(2001-09-14) September 14, 2001
Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines
Alma materJapan Philippine Institute of Technology[1]
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • rapper
Years active2020–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
LabelsStar Music
Member ofBini

Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara (born September 14, 2001), professionally known as Colet, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, dancer, and rapper under Star Magic. She is one of the main vocalists, lead dancers, and lead rappers of the Filipino girl group Bini.[2]

Early life and education

Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara was born on September 14, 2001,[3][4] in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines to Arnulfo and Maria Regina Vergara.[5] She came from a family of eight siblings.[6] Her father was also a singer and drummer.[7] Colet participated in her school's singing groups and in singing competitions. She also joined her school's dance group and competed in inter-school dance competitions.[6] In eighth grade, she wrote the lyrics to what subsequently became the Bini track "8" in 2021, which was initially conceived as a graduation song.[8] She studied at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, where she chose the Special Program for the Arts (SPA) curriculum. She majored in vocals and was trained in singing under the SPA.[4]

She completed senior high school at the Japan Philippine Institute of Technology in Bulacan as a scholar, where she graduated along with fellow Bini member Maloi in 2024.[9] As of 2025, Colet is studying communications at Thames International School.[a][11]

Career

For Colet's career with Bini, see Bini (group) § History.

2018–2020: Early career and TV show auditions

In high school, Colet was accepted as a contestant for the Tawag ng Tanghalan singing competition segment of the ABS-CBN variety show It's Showtime but was unable to compete due to conflicts with her schooling. Following a failed audition for Pinoy Big Brother: Otso in Bohol,[8] Colet auditioned for Star Hunt Academy in Bohol in 2018[12] and was selected as a trainee in early 2019.[13]

2021–present: Bini debut, solo ventures

During the early stages of her training with Bini, Colet faced challenges in interacting with other members due to a language barrier, as Cebuano (Bisaya) is her first language. She has mentioned that she often declines solo interview requests because she finds it difficult to speak Tagalog.[14][15]

On October 10, 2020, Colet was one of the last eight members of the Star Hunt Academy Girl Trainees to graduate from the academy and was officially announced as a member of an idol group.[16] In November 2020, Colet officially became a member of the Filipino girl group Bini,[17] which officially debuted on June 11, 2021.[18]

In June 2024, Colet's vocals were featured on the song "Kalma Kahit Magulo" (transl. Calm Despite Turmoil), alongside fellow Bini member Jhoanna, as well as Juan Karlos Labajo. The track is part of the official soundtrack for the Philippine mystery drama series High Street.[19] In July, Colet was interviewed by Melai Cantiveros on the talk show Kuan on One,[b] where Colet also performed her unreleased original composition in Cebuano.[14] In September, she appeared on an episode of It's Showtime's Kalokalike contest for celebrity lookalikes and met her impersonator.[20]

On February 2, 2025, Colet performed the Visayan pop song "Puhon" (transl. Someday) with singer-songwriter TJ Monterde at his Sarili Nating Mundo (transl. Our Own World) concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.[21] She sang high notes as the screen displayed the song's original Cebuano lyrics, paired with Tagalog subtitles, behind her and Monterde.[22]

She appeared in a dramatization of fellow Bini member Sheena's life story in the anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya (transl. Would You Remember), which premiered on May 1.[23] In June, the Filipino-Australian singer Ylona Garcia praised a cover of her song "Win the Fight" that Colet performed along with Stacey when the latter two were still Bini trainees. Colet and Stacey contributed additional lyrics to their cover. On social media, Garcia expressed an interest to record a version with the two.[24]

She is credited as a co-writer on the Bini songs "Golden Arrow",[25] "Kinikilig" (transl. Smitten),[26] and "Karera" (transl. Race).[27] She is also the sole writer of her original composition "8".[14]

Other ventures

Colet franchised a Korean food business called Egg Cloud in Bohol. Its menu was inspired by her personal love for the country's cuisine.[28]

Media image

Many fans refer to Colet as "Anger", the always angry character from the Inside Out films, due to her "tough" demeanor.[7][29] However, Colet herself has pushed back against the nickname, repeatedly telling the public that she is not constantly angry.[30] She has attributed her personality, which Elaine Carag-Calderon of Metro called "fierce", to her Visayan upbringing. She added, "I realized when I started to work in showbiz that it's not healthy to say yes to everything. It's not healthy in general, for your heart and your mind."[29] On Kuan on One, she further explained that as a Visayan, her manner of speaking has been misunderstood as "angry".[31] An essay published in The Philippine Daily Inquirer's Young Blood column[c] identified the persistence of the Anger nickname as an example of negative ethnic stereotyping towards Visayan people.[30]

Writing for the American magazine Positively Filipino, Julienne Loreto credited Colet for increasing the general public's interest in the Cebuano language.[22] Similarly, a research paper published in 2024 recognized her as a celebrity who provided representation for Visayans and Cebuano speakers in the media.[32]

Artistry

Various publications have recognized Colet's musicianship and diverse talents. In an article published on September 26, 2022, Hans Ethan Carbonilla of the Philippine magazine Parcinq lauded her singing skills. He wrote, "Maybe if we had that kind of vocal ability, we wouldn't shut up. But then again, some people like Colet were naturally born to be a star."[33]

Rappler's Gelo Gonzales noted that her solo performance was the night's only fully acoustic song during a Bini live show in Alpas, an event venue in La Union, which took place on May 30, 2024. He wrote that Colet's decision to sing a fully acoustic number allowed her voice to speak for itself.[34] Dubai-based newspaper Gulf News quoted a fan, Lei Redulla Lopez, who described Colet as "multi-talented". Lopez, who attended Bini's concert in November, praised the singer for her vocal, dance, and rap skills, adding that she knew how to play instruments such as the guitar and drums.[35] Colet also taught herself how to play the piano by watching YouTube tutorials.[28]

A Positively Filipino article quoted Caroline Parry, a British voice teacher, who praised Colet's breath control and diaphragm support when singing. She described her as a "very, very good singer" and said that while all of the Bini members are good singers, Colet's voice is the "crown jewel" of the group. Parry described her as the group's best vocalist in terms of technique. Jessica Robb, another voice teacher from the USA, also lauded Colet's ability to resonate in her pharynx, which produces "highly refined, robust" high notes.[36]

Personal life

Colet has suffered from mental breakdowns and panic attacks.[37]

Discography

For Colet's discography with Bini, see Bini discography.
List of singles, showing year released and associated albums
Title Year Album
"Kalma Kahit Magulo" (with Jhoanna Robles and Juan Karlos Labajo) 2024 High Street Original Soundtrack

Songwriting credits

Credits are adapted from Apple Music,[25][26][27] unless otherwise stated.[14]

List of singles, showing year released and associated albums
Title Year Artist Album Composer Lyricist
"Golden Arrow" 2021 Bini Born to Win
"8"
"Kinikilig"
"Karera" 2023 Talaarawan

Filmography

For Colet's filmography with Bini, see Bini videography.
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2024 Kuan on One Herself Guest [14]
It's Showtime Kalokalike: Phase 4 Herself Guest [20]
2025 Maalaala Mo Kaya Herself Special participation [23]

Awards and nominations

For Bini's awards and nominations, see List of awards and nominations received by Bini.

On July 1, 2024, the local government of Tagbilaran awarded Colet with a plaque of recognition for her dedication to music. They credited her musical career for inspiring pride and admiration among the residents of the city. Her parents received the plaque on her behalf, as she was in Manila at the time due to work schedules.[5]

Notes

  1. ^ This refers to a school in Quezon City, Philippines, not the Thames International College found in Nepal.[10]
  2. ^ Translation note: the title is a play on the Cebuano word kuan and the English phrase "one on one"
  3. ^ an opinion column featuring essays by young Filipino writers below the age of 30

References

  1. ^ Felipe, MJ (June 7, 2024). "BGYO, BINI members graduate from senior high school". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  2. ^ BINI PH (December 28, 2020). The BINI Chronicles Part 1 (in Tagalog and English). Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ Bautista, Rafael (January 27, 2025). "We Have A Feeling These Young Stars Born On The Year Of The Snake Have Luck On Their Side This 2025". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on April 1, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Colet: the Multifaceted Gem of Bini". The Bohol Chronicle. Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation. January 19, 2025. p. 9. Archived from the original on March 20, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025 – via Facebook.
  5. ^ a b dela Roca, Patricia (July 3, 2024). "Bohol's pride: BINI Colet gets recognition from Tagbilaran City". Latest Chika. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  6. ^ a b ABS-CBN Star Hunt (October 22, 2019). I AM COLET | STAR HUNT ACADEMY TRAINEE. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ a b Ngojo, Jessa (June 13, 2024). "Meet the BINI Bisdak beauties". Cebu Daily News. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  8. ^ a b dela Cruz, Liezel (July 27, 2024). "Colet reveals the key to BINI's solid bond and unstoppable chemistry". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  9. ^ Geli, Bianca (June 8, 2024). "BINI's Colet and Maloi graduate from senior high school". GMA Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  10. ^ "Thames - About". Thames International. Archived from the original on April 19, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. ^ Thames International [@thamesintlasia]; (April 17, 2025). "A good education is a gift that not everybody attains in their lifetime. For us in the showbiz industry, it can be difficult because we need to make extra effort to attend school even with a calendar that's full of work schedules" – via Instagram.
  12. ^ Direk Lauren Dyogi (October 22, 2020). Kilalanin ang Starhunt Academy Girls! | Get to Know the Starhunt Academy Girls. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ Bardinas, Mary Ann (August 9, 2020). "Star Hunt Academy set to make more P-pop idols shine worldwide". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c d e Romariz, Kurt (July 26, 2024). "BINI Colet serenades Bisaya fans: 'Laban lang pirmi'". Cebu Daily News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  15. ^ Custodio, Bianca (October 28, 2024). "BINI's Colet Vergara Takes Challenges Head On". Vogue Philippines. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  16. ^ Adriano, Pamela (October 11, 2020). "Star Hunt Academy girl trainees graduate, set to blaze P-pop trail". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  17. ^ "Star Hunt Academy launches all-girl Pinoy Pop group Bini". Daily Tribune. November 9, 2020. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  18. ^ "Get ready, Bloom: BINI is finally set for debut". ABS-CBN News. May 11, 2021. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  19. ^ "'High Street" releases OST". ABS-CBN News. June 10, 2024. Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "BINI Colet, sinorpresa ang kaniyang KalokaLike sa It's Showtime!" [BINI Colet surprised her KalokaLike on It's Showtime!]. ABS-CBN Entertainment (in Tagalog). September 28, 2024.
  21. ^ Deala, Joanna (February 3, 2025). "Different types of love felt on Day 2 of Tj Monterde's 'Sarili Nating Mundo' concert". Republic Asia. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025.
  22. ^ a b Loreto, Julienne (March 19, 2025). "Visayan Pop Music's Rise and Stall". Positively Filipino. Archived from the original on April 30, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  23. ^ a b Evangelista, Jessica Ann (April 30, 2025). "BINI Sheena makes acting debut in 'MMK' episode featuring her life story". The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 2, 2025.
  24. ^ Martinez, Gavin. "Ylona Garcia shares BINI Colet and Stacey's 'Win the Fight' version". The Philippine Daily Inquirer (US Bureau). Archived from the original on June 25, 2025.
  25. ^ a b "Golden Arrow – song by BINI". Apple Music. Archived from the original on June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Kinikilig – song by BINI". Apple Music. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Karera – song by BINI". Apple Music. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Bardinas, Mary Ann (December 21, 2024). "TOPLIST: BINI reveals some fun facts about themselves in "Magandang Buhay"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 6, 2025.
  29. ^ a b Carag-Calderon, Elaine (November 14, 2024). "BINI Colet on Being Hyper-Focused on Performing at Her Best". Metro. Archived from the original on June 30, 2025.
  30. ^ a b Loreto, Julienne (March 15, 2025). "'Bisaya'". The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 17, 2025.
  31. ^ dela Cruz, Liezel (July 24, 2024). "BINI Colet names two actresses she dreams of acting with in an action-drama project". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on June 30, 2025.
  32. ^ Elfa, Mikaella Rianne; Guevarra, Juliana Krishna; Solano, Abbygail (June 2024). "AmBEAT sa Imo!: Wika at Kultura sa mga Awiting Visayas (VisPop)" [Whatever!: Language and Culture in Visayan Songs (VisPop)]. Katipunan (in Tagalog). 12 (1). Archīum Ateneo: 229–250. Archived from the original on June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  33. ^ Carbonilla, Hans Ethan (September 26, 2022). "Feeling Fantastic with BINI's Newest Groove, I Feel Good". Parcinq.
  34. ^ Gonzales, Gelo (June 4, 2024). "BINI members shine in first live solo performances at La Union show". Rappler. Archived from the original on July 6, 2025.
  35. ^ Almario, Manuel (May 10, 2025). "Pinoy Pop sensation BINI live in Dubai: Final tickets available for May 18 show". Gulf News. Archived from the original on July 6, 2025.
  36. ^ Loreto, Julienne (July 9, 2025). "Journey to the Biniverse". Positively Filipino. Archived from the original on July 10, 2025.
  37. ^ Vergara, Colet (June 12, 2025). "The strong gets tired too". Letters from Colet (Medium). Archived from the original on June 12, 2025.
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