By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

#AdvoExclusive: Much to any filmmaker’s cherry on top is a production filled with like-minded creatives who share the same love for art. Born to win in the cultural field shaped by artistic pursuits, Far Eastern University (FEU) alum and Department of Communication faculty Jet Leyco expressed his aim to inspire people to pursue their passion by directing P-Pop girl group BINI’s upcoming documentary series ‘BINI Chapter 1: Born To Win’ to be released on September 26 at midnight.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Leyco outlined how the three-part series encompasses the different ‘chapters’ in BINI’s journey, from their tough beginnings to their phenomenal rise to stardom.

“It serves as a primer for casual viewers and offers a deeper insight or a refreshing review for their dedicated fandom, the ‘Blooms.’ We followed them through intense rehearsals, captured the backstage drama, and witnessed their ultimate triumph,” he introduced.

In capturing the eight-member act’s blooming career, Leyco urges viewers to strive for ‘greatness in their own lives’ as well.

“Telling their story and inspiring others is an incredible opportunity for any filmmaker. These young women are truly inspiring, their energy fueled by the struggles they’ve overcome. Their journey deserves to be told—and watched,” he shared. 

Leyco’s Karera

Similar to his subject, the BINI docuseries director has his own passion-filled karera full of twists and turns.

Leyco initially studied Computer Science at FEU back in 2004. However, compelled by his strong artistic heart and other circumstances, he decided to shift to Mass Communication.

From graduating as a Cum Laude in 2009, he has been a special lecturer at the University’s Department of Communication since 2014.

“Since 2014, I have been a special lecturer at Far Eastern University, teaching Photography, Cinematography & Directing, and Film Production, though my engagement has been on and off,” Leyco stated.

Regardless of his sporadic involvement, the Tamaraw lecturer regards the department and its teachings with high value for equipping him for his chosen profession.

“It not only builds our confidence but also refines our approach to storytelling across different mediums. The program effectively integrates practical experience with academic knowledge, offering a well-rounded education. This combination fosters critical thinking and sharpens our decision-making skills, equipping us to navigate the complexities of the field with both expertise and creativity,” he added.

Beyond the green-and-gold, Leyco cited how his career spans across various kinds of cultural works.

“Since 2010, I have primarily directed television documentaries. In addition, I have directed and produced music videos and short films. I take on television commercials once or twice a year, as they demand significant time management,” he shared.

Over the years, Leyco has also directed five feature films, which have been exhibited at various international film festivals.

Among others, his thesis debut film ‘Ex Press’ won the Special Jury Prize at the 13th Jeonju International Film Festival, while his second feature film ‘Bukas Na Lang Sapagkat Gabi Na’ won the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2013’s Best Picture.

Additionally, Leyco also juggles teaching and mentoring at the Asia Pacific Film Institute and select film festivals.

Here with BINI

In the midst of his bustling career, Leyco stumbled upon the opportunity to direct for BINI through the suggestion of senior writer and Chief of Reporters at ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Jeff Canoy, who also co-directed the docuseries.

“My longtime collaborator in television documentaries, Jeff Canoy, approached me in May 2024 while we were in the middle of shooting another project about the West Philippine Sea. He asked if I’d be interested in doing a documentary on the P-Pop group BINI,” he shared.

Leyco was unfamiliar with the P-Pop girl group at the time but upon immersing in their music and content, he agreed to collaborate on the project.

“That night felt like an initiation of sorts. I went home, immersed myself in their vlogs and interviews, and by the end of it, I knew I had to take on the project,” he said.

Despite his vast and rich experience documenting various personalities and subjects, the multi-awarded filmmaker found following BINI’s journey exceptionally unique.

“I've been following BINI's journey for about four months now, and it’s as if I've known them for a long time. I’ve come to understand their nuances, their aspirations, and their struggles,” he stated.

The director also felt proud to witness and document their growing success both within and outside the Philippines first-hand, such as their KCON performance in Los Angeles.

Moreover, he lauded the P-Pop phenomenon’s work ethics, which made it easier to gather documentary-worthy scenes.

“What you see is what you get with them. They’re incredibly natural and easy to work with. You can just roll the camera, and magic happens. I think it’s because the camera has been a part of their lives since they were teenagers. Of course, there are a few things we’re not allowed to document, but overall, it’s been a very open process, and we’ve captured tons of fascinating footage,” Leyco expressed.

Apart from the girl group’s tight schedule which limited other areas of filming, one of the most notable challenges was safeguarding their privacy while filming. 

“There have been instances of fans stalking their addresses, so to respect their privacy, we follow them only when they’re outside. Sometimes, I can sense their exhaustion—late-night rehearsals, endless performances, and production work that stretches into midnight,” the FEU alum said.

Green and ‘Golden Arrows’

Along with the ones depicted in the documentary, various stories span behind the lens concerning the film’s production team as well.

“For my creative team, I’ve brought together both emerging talents and seasoned professionals to create a unique visual language,” Leyco shared. 

His former students in the Asia Pacific Film Institute, Rocky Aurelio and Lih Ocampo, worked as cameraman and sound engineer, respectively. Marbin Portucela, on the other hand, took on the role of colorist.

Most notably, aside from Leyco himself, strokes of green-and-gold talent stood out among the majority of his production crew.

Richmond Cadsawan and Rommel Ruiz, the documentary’s cinematographers, were Leyco’s former interns back when they were still studying at FEU.

Similarly, Cyril Daquilanea, a fresh Tamaraw graduate and former intern, also served as his all-around production assistant, digital imaging technician, and camera operator.

In the post-production, Leyco highlighted his fellow FEU alumnus and professor Brian Gonzales’ role as lead editor.

“Shooting requires constant consideration of how the final edit will come together. We’re fortunate to have Brian Gonzales, an FEU graduate and professor, handling the edit for the first chapter,” he expressed.

Leyco added that most of the challenges were encountered during post-production as the editorial team grappled to shape the girls’ extensive story.

“We’ve accumulated a massive amount of footage, including four years' worth of archival material from when BINI was just starting and training. Crafting a fresh narrative out of all that is exhausting. Plus, with eight members, we need to explore their individuality while also capturing their journey as a group over the course of three chapters,” he said.

Nonetheless, Leyco expressed his enthusiasm about being able to collaborate with people who share his vision and approach to narrative and documentary filmmaking.

Furthermore, the docuseries director stressed the significant impact that FEU students and faculty have established on the country’s filmmaking landscape.

“Our work has been showcased on various platforms and through diverse mediums, demonstrating the depth and breadth of our creative contributions,” he stated.

With such works as testaments to the green-and-gold’s talent and innovation, the FEU alum also hopes to inspire young and aspiring Tamaraws to pursue careers related to culture.

“Seeing our work gain recognition can motivate and encourage the next generation to pursue their own creative dreams with passion and dedication,” he said.

‘BINI Chapter 1: Born To Win’ is the first installation of the three-part documentary series on the Filipino girl group’s career.

It will be followed by 'Chapter 2: Here With You' and a still unnamed concluding chapter. Release dates for these episodes have yet to be announced as of writing.

The documentary series was produced by and will be available for free on the online streaming platform iWantTFC. 

(Photo courtesy of Jet Leyco Facebook account)