2021–present: Debut with Bini, acting ventures, and expanding music career
Jhoanna officially debuted as a member of Bini on June 11, 2021. [11] She is officially the group's leader, in addition to being one of its lead vocalists and rappers. [12] In June 2022, Jhoanna's vocal abilities earned praise from Parcinq's Hans Ethan Carbonilla, who wrote that she had "one of the best voices in P-pop". [13]
In 2023, she starred in the music video for "Maharani" (transl. Great Queen) by the Pinoy pop boy band Alamat. In the video, she and the members of Alamat portray classmates who are rehearsing for a school performance of the singkil traditional dance. As they practice, a spark grows between Jhoanna and the Alamat member Taneo Sebastian. Rafael Bautista of Nylon Manila remarked that "it felt correct" for Jhoanna and Taneo to portray the lead couple, as they are both the official leaders of their respective groups. [14] [15] She learned how to dance singkil for the video. [16]
Later that year, she was cast as Epifania "Eds/Panyang" delos Santos, the female lead of Tabing Ilog the Musical, a role she alternated with Vivoree Esclito and Sheena Belarmino. It is a musical theater adaptation of Tabing Ilog (transl. Riverside), a teen drama series that originally aired from 1999 to 2003. The musical updates the show's story and setting to suit its Gen Z cast and characters. [17] [18] In 2024, she reprised the role, along with Esclito and Belarmino. The rerun lasted from November 8 to December 1. Jia Pizarro Bote of When in Manila lauded Jhoanna's stage performance, writing that she proved her versatility as Eds. [19] [20] The musical is a joint production between the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and ABS-CBN. [17]
In July, Jhoanna was cast in the music video of the single "Misteryoso" (transl. Mysterious) by the Baguio-based pop-rock band Cup of Joe, directed by SB19 member Justin. [21] [22] She was also a featured vocalist on "Kalma Kahit Magulo" (transl. Calm Despite Turmoil), a song from the original soundtrack of the 2024 ABS-CBN drama series High Street , along with fellow Bini member Colet and Juan Karlos Labajo. [23]
In 2025, Jhoanna drew controversy when a video circulated, appearing to show her with two male companions, Ethan David of GAT and dancer Shawn Castro. The clip also featured what fans believed to be the voices of two other Bini members. The two men acted out a sexually suggestive scene. Amid concerns that the men's simulated act involved an underage girl, Castro clarified in his apology that "no minor, or anyone, was hurt physically, mentally, sexually, or in any manner". David and Bini also issued public apologies. [24] On July 31, Jhoanna attended a special screening of Sunshine, a film led by Maris Racal that discusses themes including abortion, reproductive health, and safe sex in the Philippines. After the screening, Robles shared her thoughts, commending the film's focus on mental health and expressing that individuals facing mental challenges may sometimes make decisions based on short-term relief. Her remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some netizens that her comments appeared an overshadow the film's central message and reflected a perceived "pro-life" bias. [25] Robles later issued a public apology via Instagram, acknowledging the concerns. The film director, Antoinette Jadaone, defended Robles, noting that public figures may face limitations when addressing sensitive subjects like abortion. [26]
