Unang Kilig
2026 single by Bini
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Unang Kilig" (transl. First Kilig; also titled as "Unang Kilig / Honey Honey") is a song by the Filipino girl group Bini. It was released on March 5, 2026, through Star Music under the distribution of The Orchard, along with the surprise release B-side "Honey Honey". It was written and produced by Jeremy G. The song has been described as bubblegum pop, city pop, "maximalist" retro pop, and R&B with soul and disco influences. The song's lyrics talk about feeling unsure, yet excited in the first stage of romance.
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| "Unang Kilig" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Bini | ||||
| from the EP Signals | ||||
| Language |
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| English title | First Kilig | |||
| B-side | "Honey Honey" | |||
| Released | March 5, 2026 | |||
| Studio | Studio Z[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label | Star | |||
| Songwriter | Jeremy G | |||
| Producer | Jeremy G | |||
| Bini singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Unang Kilig" on YouTube | ||||
Its music video was directed by Amiel Kirby Balagtas and produced by YouMeUs MNL, with sets by Obron Propmaster and Robert Jose. It evokes musical theater and classic teen films, featuring reenactments of various movies by the Filipino film studio Star Cinema. The song received acclaim from music critics.
Background and release
On February 6, 2026, Bini performed "Halukay Ube" (transl. Ube Mash), originally by the Filipino girl group SexBomb Girls during their reunion concert at the Mall of Asia Arena.[2] They also performed two Bini songs, "Salamin, Salamin" (lit. 'Mirror, Mirror') and "Pantropiko" (lit. 'Tropical').[3] On February 9, they also performed at the Wonderful Moments Music Festival held at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. During the festival, they performed "Bikini", "Lagi"(lit. 'Always'), and "Salamin, Salamin" (lit. 'Mirror, Mirror').[4]
On February 14, Valentine's Day, Bini held an event titled Kiligan Fest at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Manila. The show was exclusive to 88 Blooms who signed up for the event.[5] During the event, Bini announced their song "Unang Kilig" (transl. First Kilig).[6] Star Music released on March 5, 2026,[7] alongside its B-side "Honey Honey", a surprise release[8] under the distribution of The Orchard.[9]
Composition and lyrics
"Unang Kilig" was written and produced by Jeremy G.[6] Musically, the song has been described as an upbeat bubblegum pop and city pop song,[6] as well as a "maximalist" retro pop song.[8] Andros Resurreccion and Julienne Loreto of &Asian both argued that the track is not truly bubblegum. Resurreccion described it as city pop and R&B, comparing it to 1980s and 1990s songs, as well as the music of Janet Jackson; Loreto added that "Unang Kilig" is influenced by retro soul, pop, and disco.[9]
Lyrically, the song is about feeling unsure, yet excited in the first stage of romance.[10] The lyrics are written in Tagalog.[11] In an interview with 1883 Magazine, Jhoanna explained that "Unang Kilig" derived from the word kilig, refers to the initial stage of being in love.[12] She described it as it most exciting feeling and said that this is the genre they are most comfortable performing.[12]
Reception
Critical reception
Gabriel Saulog of Billboard Philippines described "Unang Kilig" as "pure pop joy" and an embodiment of Bini at their best.[13] Bandwagon Asia's Sharvamaya Mohan said that the song and its companion track "Honey Honey" reinforce the band's identity as one of the leading figures within the Pinoy pop music industry.[14]
&Asian's Andros Resurreccion and Julienne Loreto both gave the song a positive review. Resurreccion called the song a "wonderful representation of P-pop". In particular, he praised the bridge sung by Aiah and Colet, as well as the final chorus sung by Jhoanna and Stacey. Loreto commended Jeremy G's "sophisticated" production for sounding "fresh" despite the retro influences, as well as highlighting each member's individual vocal tone, especially the high note by Colet.[9] Rolling Stone Philippines' Elijah Pareño praised the song's "clear" hook and emphasis on melody.[15]
The track was included in Billboard Philippines' curated "7 New Songs To Listen To This Week" list,[13] as well as Rolling Stone Philippines' weekly "Songs You Need to Know" list.[15]
Music video
The music video was directed by Amiel Kirby Balagtas and produced by YouMeUs MNL.[8] It was filmed at the Dolphy Theater before the venue was sold to Ayala Land, Inc. in early 2026. Its sets were designed by Obron Propmaster and Robert Jose, who also worked on the music video for "Cherry on Top" by Bini.[9] The video for "Unang Kilig" depicts the Bini members as actresses auditioning for starring roles in a musical.[14] It also features reenactments of Star Cinema films such as She's Dating the Gangster, Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang? (transl. I Love You... Are You Okay?), Love You to the Stars and Back, and I Love You, Hater. The music video has been described as evoking musical theater, as well as classic teen films.[8] It featured a cast including Charo Santos-Concio, Cathy Garcia-Sampana, Olivia Lamasan, Vhong Navarro, Richard Gutierrez, Gerald Anderson, and Ogie Diaz.[8]
Additionally, Andros Resurreccion of &Asian wrote that the music video was reminiscent of High School Musical. At the end, Sheena imitates a viral pose by Alden Richards in a parody of the MGM Lion logo. She also created the choreography.[9] Jefferson Fernando of the Daily Tribune praised the video for its "charming" storytelling. He added that the presence of prestigious figures in the entertainment industry such as Santos-Concio make the video more memorable.[10]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Unang Kilig" | Jeremy G | Jeremy G | 3:37 |
| 2. | "Honey Honey" |
|
| 3:00 |
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from Tidal,[16] with additional information from an &Asian article.[1]
- Bini – vocals
- ABS-CBN Film Productions – music publisher
- Anna Achacoso-Graham – vocal arrangement
- Chris "Moophs" Lopez – A&R administratior
- Darren Cashwell – mixing engineer
- Jeremy G – production, composition, recording, musical arrangement, vocal arrangement, and vocal production
- Leon Zervos – mastering engineer
- Rich Travali – surround mixing engineer
- Studio Z – recording studio
- Tommy Katigbak – musical arrangement
- Theo Martel – musical arrangement
- Daydream Studio – mixing studio