Colet (singer)

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Wikipedia

Colet
Colet at the Ibalong Festival in September 2025
Born
Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara

(2001-09-14) September 14, 2001 (age 24)
Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines
Alma materJapan Philippine Institute of Technology[1]
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • rapper
Years active2020–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
LabelsStar
Member ofBini
Colet's live singing voice
Colet singing the final chorus, Aiah's melodic outro verse (filling in for Aiah's absence), and outro ad-libs live while performing choreography at a Jollibee event. The notes peak at D5 (sustained) and E5 (phrased).
Song: "Karera"
Recorded June 2024

Ma.[a] Nicolette Florenosos Vergara (born September 14, 2001), known professionally as Colet, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, dancer, and rapper under Star Magic. Before joining the Filipino girl group Bini, Colet was accepted on the singing contest Tawag ng Tanghalan (lit. 'Call of the Stage') but withdrew to focus on her education. Following two years of training in ABS-CBN's Star Hunt Academy program, Colet debuted as one of the main vocalists, lead dancers, and lead rappers of Bini on June 11, 2021.

Through the years, Colet has accumulated multiple songwriting and composition credits. She has also earned awards and critical acclaim for her vocal abilities and overall musical talent. On July 1, 2024, the government of Tagbilaran, Philippines honored her with a Plaque of Recognition for her dedication to music. Colet has also been recognized by various sources for representing Visayans in the mainstream Philippine media.

In November and December 2024, Colet was described as "one of the biggest stars in the nation" by Nylon Manila[2] and a "renowned OPM tastemaker" by Billboard Philippines.[3]

In 2025, she won P-pop Powerful Vocal Female on JuanCast, The Philippine Star's P-pop platform, and was nominated in the P-pop Favorite Vocalist of the Year and The Complete Package: EveryJuan's P-pop All Rounder categories at the 10th P-pop Music Awards.

Early life and education

Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara was born on September 14, 2001,[4][5] in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines to Arnulfo and Maria Regina Vergara.[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. 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 the 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.[5]

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.[1]

Career

2018–2021: Early career and TV show auditions

In high school, Colet was accepted as a contestant for the Tawag ng Tanghalan (transl. Call of the Stage) singing competition segment of the ABS-CBN variety show It's Showtime, where she planned to cover "'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" (transl. Don't Cry Anymore) by KZ Tandingan.[9] In 2018, she joined ABS-CBN's Star Hunt Academy (SHA) training program for aspiring Pinoy pop (P-pop) idols.[10]

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.[8][11] SHA director Lauren Dyogi also had concerns that she would not survive the "rigorous" training, as Colet would sometimes be brought to the clinic due to exhaustion.[10]

In November 2020, Colet officially became a member of the Filipino girl group Bini.[12] She debuted as one of their main vocalists, lead rappers, and lead dancers[11] in June 2021, with the single "Born to Win".[10]

2023–present: Solo ventures, career expansion

In 2023, Colet covered "When We Were Young" by Adele at Spotify's "Parinig Mo" (transl. Let Them Hear) event.[9]

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.[13] 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.[8] In September, she appeared on an episode of It's Showtime's Kalokalike contest for celebrity lookalikes and met her impersonator.[14] In December, she performed a solo acoustic set at the Café Conchita in Bohol.[9]

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.[15] She sang high notes as the screen displayed the song's original Cebuano lyrics, paired with Tagalog subtitles, behind her and Monterde.[16] She covered "Palagi" by Monterde with Nyoy Volante at Dyogi's birthday celebration in March.[9]

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.[17] 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.[18]

On September 11, Colet was announced as one of the mentors for Idol Kids Philippines' semifinals, which took place on September 13 and 14.[19]

At the Binified concert, Colet covered "4 Minutes" by Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake in a solo production number. Apart from singing and dancing, she also played the drums.[20]

Colet has been recognized as a lyricist, composer, and/or vocal arranger on various songs: "Born to Win",[9] "Golden Arrow",[21] "Kinikilig" (transl. Smitten),[22] "Karera" (transl. Race),[23] "8",[8] and "Cherry on Top,"[24] by Bini. She also wrote an original Cebuano-language rap in "Bata, Kaya Mo!" (transl. Kid, You Can Do It!), a collaboration with rap group Playertwo released under Coke Studio Philippines.[25] Tatler Asia has credited Colet for molding Bini's sound.[26]

Philanthropy

In October 2024, Colet participated in Aiah's Aiahdvocacy initiative. Along with fellow Bini member Maloi, they visited an nursing home as a part of the outreach program.[27]

In March 2025, Colet collaborated with her fan group for Project Colipay,[c] in which she hosted Jollibee parties for children with disabilities. She explained that, having grown up in poverty, she never had the chance to experience a Jollibee birthday party herself as a child.[9]

In April, she donated goods to children in Bohol through Project Puhon. In May, a fan group also launched a project called Colaiah (Colet and Aiah) Cares, which provided food, hygiene kits, and school supplies to disadvantaged children in Quezon City. Both Colet and Aiah showed their support for the charity initiative.[9]

On November 9, she and Aiah distributed relief goods to survivors of Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) in Cebu.[28]

Media image

In an article published on November 7, 2024, Nylon Manila's Nica Glorioso described Colet as "one of the biggest stars in the nation". She also commended Colet for amplifying lesser-known Filipino musical artists.[2] Writing for Billboard Philippines, Gabriel Saulog called Colet a "renowned OPM tastemaker".[3]

Ralph Lawrence G. Llemit of the Filipino newspaper SunStar Davao named Colet's endorsement of the Eliza Maturan song "Museo" (transl. Museum) as one of the reasons for its entry into the Billboard music charts.[29] Likewise, Billboard Philippines' Mayks Go credited Colet for taking Maturan's career to "greater heights than she could have ever imagined". Maturan herself recognized that the track suddenly rose to number one on the Spotify Viral Chart shortly after Colet posted about it on X and Instagram.[30]

Ethnic identity

Colet Vergara in June 2025

Many fans refer to Colet as "Anger". Jessica Ngojo of Cebu Daily News attributed the nickname to Colet's "angry" skits on her live broadcasts online.[7] However, Colet herself has pushed back against the nickname, repeatedly telling the public that she is not constantly angry.[31] An essay published in The Philippine Daily Inquirer's Young Blood column[d] identified the persistence of the Anger nickname as an example of negative ethnic stereotyping towards Visayan people.[31]

In an article analyzing the history of Visayan pop music for the American magazine Positively Filipino, Julienne Loreto credited Colet for increasing the general public's interest in the Cebuano language.[16] Similarly, a research paper published in 2024 recognized her as a celebrity who provided representation for Visayans and Cebuano speakers in the media.[32] Ngojo described Colet as a "beloved icon[...] for Cebuanos, Boholanos, and Visayans alike".[7]

Artistry

Musical style

Various publications have recognized Colet's musicianship. 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.[33] Bini's songs are known for being fast and upbeat, but in Colet's solo work, she often performs ballads.[9]

Vocals

Hans Ethan Carbonilla of the Philippine magazine Parcinq lauded Colet's singing skills, describing her singing as "heavenly". He added, "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."[34] 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.[35]

Colet has been identified as a soprano.[9] A Positively Filipino article quoted Caroline Parry, a British coach, who praised Colet's breath control and diaphragm support when singing. She further expressed that Colet's voice is the "crown jewel" of Bini. Jessica Robb, another American coach, also lauded Colet's ability to resonate in her pharynx, which produces "highly refined, robust" high notes.[36] On Erwan Heussaff's Kitchen Conversations program, Aiah stated that Colet acts as Bini's "back-up vocal coach", next to their official instructor Anna Graham.[9]

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,[21][22][23] unless otherwise stated.[9][24][25]

List of singles, showing year released and associated albums
Title Year Artist Album Credits
"Born to Win" 2021 Bini Born to Win Vocal arranger
"Golden Arrow" Lyricist
"8" Lyricist, composer
"Kinikilig" Lyricist
"Karera" 2023 Talaarawan Lyricist
"Bata, Kaya Mo!" Bini and Playertwo Coke Studio Philippines Season 7 Lyricist
"Cherry on Top" 2024 Bini Biniverse Lyricist, vocal arranger

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2024 Kuan on One Herself Guest [8]
It's Showtime [14]
2025 Maalaala Mo Kaya Special participation [17]
Idol Kids Philippines Mentor [19]

Awards and nominations

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.[6]

Platform Year Category Recipient Result Ref.
JuanCast 2025 EveryJuan's P-pop Powerful Vocal Female Colet Won [37]
P-pop Music Awards 2025 P-pop Favorite Vocalist of the Year Nominated [38]
The Complete Package: EveryJuan's P-pop All Rounder Nominated

Notes

  1. ↑ pronounced as Maria
  2. ↑ Translation note: the title is a play on the Cebuano word kuan and the English phrase "one on one"
  3. ↑ Translation notes: a combination of her name, Colet, and the Cebuano word kalipay, meaning happiness
  4. ↑ an opinion column featuring essays by young Filipino writers below the age of 30

References

  1. 1 2 Geli, Bianca (June 8, 2024). "Bini's Colet and Maloi graduate from senior high school". GMA Entertainment. GMA Network. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Glorioso, Nica (November 7, 2024). "How Bini Colet Shows Her Love And Support For Rising and Underrated Local Artists". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on July 26, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  3. 1 2 Saulog, Gabriel (December 27, 2024). "Bini's Colet On Her Mission to Amplify Filipino Music Worldwide". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on July 26, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  4. ↑ 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 May 15, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  5. 1 2 "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.
  6. 1 2 dela Roca, Patricia (July 3, 2024). "Bohol's pride: BINI Colet gets recognition from Tagbilaran City". Latest Chika. The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  7. 1 2 3 Ngojo, Jessa (June 13, 2024). "Meet the Bini Bisdak beauties". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Romariz, Kurt (July 26, 2024). "Bini Colet serenades Bisaya fans: 'Laban lang pirmi'". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Loreto, Julienne (September 18, 2025). "Fans celebrate Bini Colet's 24th birthday with sailboat tribute in Boracay". Latest Chika. The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 3, 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 Glorioso, Bot (June 18, 2021). "Bini's three-year journey to becoming P-pop idols". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 22, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. 1 2 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.
  12. ↑ "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.
  13. ↑ "'High Street" releases OST". ABS-CBN News. June 10, 2024. Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  14. 1 2 "'Bini Colet' kalokalike, pumasa kay Bini Colet" ['Bini Colet' lookalike is approved by Bini Colet]. GMA Entertainment. GMA Network. September 28, 2024.
  15. ↑ 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 October 10, 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  16. 1 2 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.
  17. 1 2 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.
  18. ↑ Martinez, Gavin (June 24, 2025). "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.
  19. 1 2 Requintina, Robert (September 11, 2025). "18 kiddie hopefuls advance to live semifinals of "Idol Kids Philippines"". Manila Bulletin.
  20. ↑ Saulog, Gabriel (December 3, 2025). "With 'Binified', Bini Are Undoubtedly Ready For World Domination – Review". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  21. 1 2 "Golden Arrow – song by Bini". Apple Music. Archived from the original on June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
  22. 1 2 "Kinikilig – song by Bini". Apple Music. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  23. 1 2 "Karera – song by BINI". Apple Music. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  24. 1 2 Saulog, Gabriel (April 24, 2025). "Renowned Songwriter-Producer Shintaro Yasuda On Working With Bini, Lisa, and Ariana Grande". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on October 9, 2025. While making 'Cherry on Top' we had the pleasure of having Maloi and Colet in the room and writing with us! [...] It was really inspiring to see how involved Maloi and Colet were in the writing process. When listening back, I could hear them thinking about and imagining whose parts would be performed by whom.
  25. 1 2 Loreto, Julienne; Armstrong, Maddie. "Ranking Every Bini Song So Far". &Asian. Archived from the original on December 15, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2026. The addition of flutey reed sounds, tight harmonies, and awesome new self-written lyrics like Colet's Cebuano rap section come together to enhance their rendition.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  26. ↑ "Colet Vergara (Bini)". Tatler Asia. Retrieved January 14, 2026. The main vocalist and arranger for pop group Bini, Colet Vergara shapes the group's signature sound
  27. ↑ Romariz, Kurt Daryle (October 30, 2024). "Bini Aiah launches second 2024 Aiahdvocacy project with the elderly". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  28. ↑ Valdez, Jasper. "Bini's Aiah and Colet step in to help Cebu victims of Typhoon Tino". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on November 11, 2025.
  29. ↑ Llemit, Ralph Lawrence G. (December 30, 2024). "Tatak Noypi: 10 OPM songs that defined 2024". SunStar Davao. SunStar. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2026. Thanks to its TikTok virality and a glowing endorsement from Bini member Colet, the song reached the Billboard charts in August.
  30. ↑ Glorioso, Nica (July 19, 2024). "Obra Maestra: Eliza Maturan On Creating "Museo," Bini's Colet, And Chasing Her Dreams". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved January 21, 2026.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. 1 2 Loreto, Julienne (March 15, 2025). "'Bisaya'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on June 30, 2025. Retrieved 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. ↑ 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. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
  34. ↑ Carbonilla, Hans Ethan (September 26, 2022). "Feeling Fantastic with Bini's Newest Groove, I Feel Good". Parcinq.
  35. ↑ Gonzales, Gelo (June 2, 2024). "Bini members shine in first live solo performances at La Union show". Rappler. Archived from the original on December 17, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  36. ↑ Loreto, Julienne (July 9, 2025). "Journey to the Biniverse". Positively Filipino. Archived from the original on November 22, 2025. Retrieved July 9, 2025.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  37. ↑ Loreto, Julienne; Armstrong, Maddie (December 2, 2025). "Why Bini's Colet Vergara Is One Of 2025's Standout Entertainers". &Asian. Archived from the original on December 2, 2025. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  38. ↑ Loreto, Julienne (December 1, 2025). "P-Pop Bites!: Your Monthly P-Pop News, 1st December 2025". &Asian. Retrieved December 1, 2025.