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Gwen (singer)

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(Redirected from Gwen Apuli)

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Llaguno and the surname or paternal family name is Apuli.
Gwen
Gwen at Fur Festival 2025
Born
Gweneth Llaguno Apuli

(2003-06-19) June 19, 2003 (age 21)
Daraga, Albay, Philippines
Alma materJapan Philippine Institute of Technology
Occupations
  • Performer
  • singer
  • dancer
  • rapper
Years active2020–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
LabelsStar Music (2020–present)
Member ofBini

Gweneth Llaguno Apuli (born June 19, 2003), professionally known as Gwen, is a Filipino singer and dancer under Star Music. She is one of the lead vocals and rappers of the Filipino girl group Bini.[1][2] She was a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Otso with Sheena Catacutan.

Early life and education

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Gwen Apuli was born on June 19, 2003 in Daraga, Albay, Philippines as the youngest of five siblings and the only female among them. Her father died when she was four years old.[3][4]

Gwen started to sing when she was three years old. She was also enrolled in voice workshops to improve her skills in singing.[5] She also performed in various events and competed in pageants, where in 2019, she won first runner-up in a beauty pageant in Legazpi, Albay.[4]

She graduated high school in 2025 from the Japan-Philippines Institute of Technology.[6]

Career

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2018–2020: Pinoy Big Brother: Otso and early debut of Bini

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In 2018, she auditioned in Star Hunt Auditions held in Legazpi.[7] She first auditioned to be cast in the teen edition of ABS-CBN's reality program Pinoy Big Brother: Otso, where she became an official housemate alongside Sheena.[4] After being evicted from Pinoy Big Brother,[8] Gwen was scouted to become a trainee in Star Hunt Academy (SHA) in 2019.[9]

In November 2020, Gwen officially became a member of ABS-CBN Entertainment's girl group Bini,[10] which officially debuted on June 11, 2021.[11]

2021–present: Solo ventures and career expansion

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In August 2024, during Grand Biniverse concert stop in Edmonton, Canada, Gwen publicly called for privacy after fans knocked on their hotel room doors requesting for picture with her. She asked for personal space and time away from public interactions. Fellow member Aiah responded on Gwen's post, emphasizing the importance of respecting their personal time.[12] Filipino singer Lea Salonga also expressed support for Gwen stating "Say it with me [...] Respect Boundaries!".[13]

In January 2025, Gwen was featured in Billboard Philippines, where she discussed her childhood dreams and how she has remained grounded throughout the year with the writer of the magazine's Gabriel Saulog.[5]

Media image

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Various publications have recognized Gwen for her distinctive fashion sense. In March 2023, Gwen appeared on the cover of Philippine magazine Parcinq, where her outfit described as "Black symbolizes death, darkness, and the mysteries of the universe".[14]

In April 2024, she was listed in Mega Magazine's Best Dressed List at ABS-CBN Grand Ball 2025.[15] The same month, When In Manila described her look as "high fashion to the red carpet".[16] In October 2024, Vogue Philippines featured Gwen in a "60's mod-inspired" photoshoot. Vogue writer Bianca Custodio noting that "the girls take a break from their usual image, donning bobbed wigs of varying shapes and cuts."[17]

Discography

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Main article: Bini discography

As lead artist

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List of singles, showing year released and associated albums
Title Year Album
"Here With You" (with Maloi Ricalde) 2024 What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? Original Soundtrack

Filmography

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Main article: Bini videography

Television

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Year Title Role Ref.
2018–2019 Pinoy Big Brother: Otso Herself [4][8]

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Tan, Kim Shelly (March 19, 2024). "11 BINI Facts About The P-Pop Group That Sang "Pantropiko"". TheSmartLocal Philippines - Travel, Lifestyle, Culture & Language Guide. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  3. ^ Broca, Kassandra Venice (June 23, 2024). "'Mabuhay! We are your BINIbinis!'". The Freeman. Archived from the original on June 25, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d "Bini: The Binibinis of P-Pop in Full Bloom". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Saulog, Gabriel (January 29, 2025). "BINI's Gwen On The Journey To Manifesting Her Childhood Dreams". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  6. ^ Borbon, Christian Borbon (May 8, 2025). "Filipino P-pop group BINI's Gwen and Jhoanna celebrate Senior High School graduation". Gulf News. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  7. ^ ABS-CBN Star Hunt (October 21, 2019). I AM GWEN | STAR HUNT ACADEMY TRAINEE. Archived from the original on July 30, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ a b "Gwen, Jem, Alfred evicted in "PBB Otso"". ABS-CBN Newsroom. May 6, 2019. Archived from the original on July 30, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  9. ^ 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 25, 2024.
  10. ^ "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 28, 2024.
  11. ^ "BINI makes official debut in two-part event on KTX.PH". ABS-CBN Newsroom. May 20, 2021. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  12. ^ Javier, Kristian Eric (August 15, 2024). "BINI Gwen calls for privacy after fans knocked on their hotel door for pictures". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  13. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (August 16, 2024). "Lea Salonga supports Bini Gwen's sentiments about safe space". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  14. ^ "#PARCINQFashion: A Raven's Vision featuring Gwen Apuli". Pacinq. March 18, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  15. ^ Castelo III, Sean (March 4, 2025). "10 Best Dressed Women at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025". MEGA. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  16. ^ Gizelle (March 4, 2025). "What Bini Wore: A Closer Look at the Stunning Ensembles of Bini at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 - When In Manila". When In Manila. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  17. ^ Custodio, Bianca (October 28, 2024). "Bini's Gwen Apuli is Reaping Her Rewards". Vogue Philippines. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
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Media related to Bini (group) at Wikimedia Commons

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