BINI Jhoanna’s ‘Sunshine’ review stirs dismay; abortion discussions sought

Metro Manila, Philippines - Some viewers were dismayed at Jhoanna Robles of P-pop group BINI for sharing her take on “Sunshine,” a film that tackles abortion in the country, while others pointed out the need for discussions rather than antagonizing a perspective on the issue.

Jhoanna shared her thoughts on the movie in an Instagram story, saying she loved how the film touched on mental health.

Led by Maris Racal, the sports-drama movie centers on ‘Sunshine’, a gymnast who got pregnant in the midst of her tryouts for the national team.

“Sa mga katulad ni Sunshine, you are seen and you are strong…sa mga hindi, mag-isip nang mabuti, huwag nating ipagpalit ang future natin sa pansamantalang happiness,” she wrote.

[Translation: To those like Sunshine (young moms), you are seen and you are strong… to those who aren’t, think carefully, let’s not trade our future for temporary happiness.]

Missing the point

Netizens slammed Jhoanna for her review, saying the BINI member failed to understand the film’s message.

“Baka need ng BINI ng overall situationer ng reproductive health and rights sa Pinas,” an X user said.

[Translation: Maybe BINI needs an overall situationer on reproductive health and rights in the Philippines.]

Others said Jhoanna missed the film’s intent to tackle safe sex and abortion, while some believed the P-pop star’s takeaways were opposite from the movie messaging.

In another Instagram story, Jhoanna said she appreciated the constructive feedback and apologized if her thoughts on the movie “came across differently” beyond her intentions.

“What I hoped to emphasize was the weight of societal pressure, how crucial support systems are, and how access to proper education can empower people to make informed, safe decisions for themselves, whatever those decisions may be,” she wrote.

Room for education

Meanwhile, some netizens defended the P-pop star, saying the situation should encourage discussions rather than seeking “accountability” on one’s view.

“Different people have different takes depending on their personal beliefs, traditions, and cultures. And as responsible people, we should never antagonize, but educate,” a user on X said.

Others also pointed out that public humiliation is not the answer for someone expressing an opposing perspective.

“I really don’t think we should crucify a 21-year-old girl for holding an opinion that feels “safer” to her at this stage of her life…The answer is education. It’s conversation,” a Facebook user said.

In a post on X on Thursday, July 31, Antoinette Jadaone, director of “Sunshine,” also came to Jhoanna’s defense.

“I’m surmising these girls can’t just openly express opinions on abortion or other polarizing issues, so jho (Jhoanna) just shared whatever touched her most deeply in Sunshine,” she wrote on X.