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When a new girl group enters the P-pop scene — especially one led by a co-writer of BINI’s viral hit Pantropiko — comparisons are bound to happen.

VVINK, the fresh five-member girl group under FlipMusic Productions—composed of Angelika, Jean, Ayaka, Odri, Marie—made their official debut with the dreamy single Tulala, but even before they dropped their first group track, fans and industry insiders were already drawing lines between them and today’s leading P-pop girl group, BINI.

During the launch of Tulala, FlipMusic’s CEO Jeli Mateo and head producer Jumbo “Bojam” de Belen were asked directly if there’s pressure in being likened to BINI.

“Kami naman po, we admire BINI,” said Jeli.

“It’s flattering!” Bojam added quickly.

Jeli elaborated, “It’s flattering po kasi bagong grupo po kami. Some of the girls also worked with them. And Bojam personally also—yan po ang baby project din ni Bojam, yung Talaarawan ng BINI. So, in a way po, indirectly, we admire them, we work with them. You know, we aspire to be [like] them as well.”

(It’s flattering because we’re a new group. Some of the girls even worked with them. And Talaarawan by BINI was one of Bojam’s ‘baby’ projects. So in a way, we admire them, we work with them. We aspire to be like them too.)

She added, “Sana po hindi sila ma-compare, bigyan sila ng fair chance, because Pilipino naman po tayong lahat. Nagbigay na po sila ng opening, with SB19, sa world stage. I think, yung mga new generation naman po. I think, 5 years, 6 years na po sila; kami po, first month!”

(We hope they’re not compared. Give them a fair chance because we’re all Filipinos. SB19 and BINI have already opened the doors on the world stage. They’ve been around for 5 or 6 years; we’re just on our first month!)

Meet VVINK: From solo act to group debut

VVINK may be new, but the group’s foundation is anything but ordinary. Formed by FlipMusic, the five-member ensemble includes Angelika Sam — the same emerging songwriter who co-wrote Pantropiko, and now steps into the spotlight as VVINK’s leader.

Their debut single Tulala captures the dazed, almost surreal feeling of falling for someone — that emotional rush when you’re caught off guard, yet somehow grounded. It’s upbeat, dreamy, and unapologetically youthful, setting the tone for a bold release plan that includes six more songs through 2026: Tatlong Hiling, Baduy, Kailan Aamin, Ikaw Lang Ang Kulang, and Tulog Pa Si Ganda.

But before the group dropped their first single together, each member was introduced as a solo act through WINK: The Pre-Debut Album, a unique strategy rarely seen in the P-pop space.

“Meron po silang pre-debut album, actually. The way we introduced them is quite different,” said Jeli. “Since in line po ‘yon sa two V’s… we wanted to showcase each of them as solos… kumbaga po to honor their past. So meron po silang tagdadalawang single songs.”

(They actually have a pre-debut album. The way we introduced them is quite different. In line with the two Vs, we wanted to showcase each of them as solo acts—to honor their past. So they each had two solo singles.)

Bojam explained further, “First of all, nag-start kami with solo songs. We’ve been supporting solo acts even before. Like Nica del Rosario, who composed Rosas and Tala. So, the girls started as solo acts first before we introduced them as a group.”

(We started with solo songs. We’ve been supporting solo acts even before. Like Nica del Rosario, who composed Rosas and Tala. So the girls started as solo acts first before we introduced them as a group.)

What WINK stands for

The name VVINK, stylized with two Vs, is loaded with meaning. It stands for “second chances” and “double victory.” When mirrored, the Vs form a W — representing the wins that come from resilience, self-growth, and the courage to start again. The name reflects duality — a nod to each member’s individual past, as well as the group’s bold step into the future.

FlipMusic frames VVINK as a reinvention story — a collective made up of artists who have faced setbacks, but found new strength through music and community. They’re not confined to a single concept either. They can be soft and strong, playful and powerful — always grounded in sincerity.

The members of VVINK are:

• Angelika (Leader): A songwriter whose heartfelt lyrics inspire connection
• Jean (Main Vocalist): A storyteller with melodies that move and captivate
• Ayaka (Main Rapper): The vibrant Fil-Japanese maknae who radiates positivity
• Odri (Main Dancer): A commanding stage presence with a soulful voice grounded in hope
• Mariel (All-rounder): A charismatic performer whose confidence lights up every stage

VVINK isn’t here to compete — they’re here to connect. Tulala marks the start of their own path in P-pop, shaped by real stories and shared dreams.