Colet (singer)

Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara (born September 14, 2001), professionally known as Colet, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, dancer, and rapper under Star Magic. She is one of the main vocalists, lead dancers, and lead rappers of the Filipino girl group Bini.

Early life and education

Ma. Nicolette Florenosos Vergara was born on September 14, 2001, in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines to Arnulfo and Maria Regina Vergara. She came from a family of eight siblings. Her father was also a singer and drummer.
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 their single "8" in 2021, which was initially conceived as a graduation song. She studied at 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.

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. As of 2025, Colet is studying communications at Thames International School.

Career

2018–2020: Early career and TV show auditions

In high school, Colet was accepted as a contestant for the ''Tawag ng Tanghalan'' singing competition segment of the ABS-CBN variety show '' It's Showtime'' but was unable to compete due to conflicts with her schooling. Following a failed audition for '' Pinoy Big Brother: Otso'' in Bohol, Colet auditioned for ''Star Hunt Academy'' in Bohol in 2018 and was selected as a trainee in early 2019.

2021–present: Bini debut, solo ventures

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.

On October 10, 2020, Colet was one of the last eight members of the Star Hunt Academy Girl Trainees to graduate from the academy and was officially announced as a member of an idol group. In November 2020, Colet officially became a member of the Filipino girl group Bini, which officially debuted on June 11, 2021. In an article published on September 26, 2022, Hans Ethan Carbonilla of the Philippine magazine ''Parcinq'' lauded Colet's singing skills. He wrote, "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."

In June 2024, Colet's vocals were featured on the song "Kalma Kahit Magulo" (), 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''. In July, Colet was interviewed by Melai Cantiveros on the talk show '' Kuan on One'', where Colet also performed her unreleased original composition in Cebuano. In September, she appeared on an episode of '' It's Showtime'''s ''Kalokalike'' contest for celebrity lookalikes and met her impersonator.

On February 2, 2025, Colet performed the Visayan pop song " Puhon" () with singer-songwriter TJ Monterde at his Sarili Nating Mundo () concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Writing for the American magazine '' Positively Filipino'', Julienne Loreto observed that Colet "showed off her signature high notes" while the screen behind her and Monterde displayed the song's Cebuano lyrics, paired with Tagalog subtitles. Additionally, they credited Colet (along with Aiah) for increasing the general public's interest in the Cebuano language. Similarly, a research paper published in 2024 recognized Colet as a celebrity who provided representation for Visayans and Cebuano speakers in the media.

She appeared in a dramatization of fellow Bini member Sheena's life story in the anthology series ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' (), which premiered on May 1.

She is credited as a co-writer on the Bini songs "Golden Arrow", "Kinikilig" (), and "Karera" (). She is also the sole writer of her original composition "8".

Other ventures

Colet has franchised a food business called Egg Cloud in Bohol.

Personal life

Colet has suffered from mental breakdowns and panic attacks.

Discography

Songwriting credits

Credits are adapted from Apple Music, unless otherwise stated.

Filmography

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.

Notes

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Colet
ABS-CBN people
Star Magic
2001 births
Star Music artists
Bini (group) members
People from Tagbilaran
Visayan people
Living people
Filipino female dancers
Filipino women rappers
Filipino women pop singers