BINI, A Pulitzer Finalist, An Urban Farmer, And More Filipinas Made It To Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30

BINI is, without a doubt, born to win (IYKYK). But this time, they're not the only Pinays in the spotlight. Alongside visual storyteller Renren Galeno, investor and tech builder Ysabel Chua, startup strategist Raya Buensuceso, and urban farming advocate Anna Beatriz Suavengco, the all-female P-pop group has made it to Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30—a major recognition for young changemakers across Asia who are shaping the future of their fields.

This year's list spans industries from entertainment to tech to sustainability, and these Filipinas are making waves across the board. These trailblazers—Renren, Ysabel, Raya, Anna, and BINI—are repping different paths, but their message is loud and clear: the future is Filipina, and it's already happening.

This year, BINI joins the ranks under the Entertainment & Sports category. In their writeup, Forbes highlighted BINI’s impressive world tour kickoff in February, which drew a sold-out crowd at the 50,000-seat Philippine Arena. 

"Short for 'binibini'—or young woman in Tagalog—BINI is the brainchild of Philippine media company ABS-CBN, which, inspired by the global popularity of South Korean girl groups, selected members,” Forbes said.

Since their debut, BINI has consistently broken barriers for Filipino artists in the international scene. Their track record of achievements includes winning "Best Asia Act" at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and receiving the "Voices of Asia" award at the Billboard K Power 100 event in Seoul, South Korea. 

"BINI’s most-viewed video on YouTube, “Pantropiko,” had amassed 105 million views at the end of April. “Salamin, Salamin” has attracted over 84 million views since its release last year," Forbes wrote.

Even before the Forbes 30 list, Renren Galeno has been a strong force in her craft. She is a Pulitzer-finalist visual piece published by The Washington Post for her piece, Searching for Maura. Her debut graphic novel, Sa Wala, bagged a National Book Award, and she's also lent her artistic voice to global climate advocacy projects like Ten Years to Save the World.

Raya Buensuceso is all about growing big ideas. As managing director of Kaya Founders, she's helped shape the future of over 50 startups across Southeast Asia, backing innovation with strategy, grit, and heart.