{{good article}} {{Use Philippine English|date=October 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}} {{about|the song|the TV series|First Luv (TV series)}} {{Infobox song | name = First Luv | alt = Cover art for Bini's "First Luv". The eight members pose in pink ruffled outfits on a platform surrounded by peach clouds. A central arch with a heart stands behind them. | type = single | artist = Bini | album = Flames | genre = {{hlist|Bubblegum pop|R&B}} | cover = First Luv by Bini art cover.webp | language = {{hlist|English|Tagalog}} | released = {{Start date|2025|10|02}} | length = {{Duration|m=2|s=56}} | label = Star | writer = *Dwta *Kajo *Kiana Valenciano *Rosemarie Tan *Shan Pooviriyakul | producer = Kajo | prev_title = Shagidi | prev_year = 2025 | title = "First Luv" | year = 2025 | next_title = Paruparo | next_year = 2025 }}
"'''First Luv'''" is a song by the Filipino girl group Bini from their third studio album ''Flames'' (2025). The track was released as the second single of the album on October 2, 2025, through Star Music. It was written by Dwta, Kajo, Kiana Valenciano, Rosemarie Tan, and Shan Pooviriyakul, and produced by Kajo. "First Luv" is a mid-tempo bubblegum pop and R&B track characterized by its bright, upbeat melody and romantic theme. The song features a cowbell, 808 bass, and a church organ in its instrumentals. It marks Bini's first Tagalog lead single following a series of all-English tracks.
The song received favorable reviews from music critics, particularly for the members' vocal performances. In the week of October 18, 2025, the song entered ''Billboard Philippines''<nowiki/>' Hot 100 chart. It was reportedly the only P-pop track on the chart for the week. "First Luv" appeared in several listicles, such as "''Pulp'' Loves: Our Favorite P-pop Songs of 2025" by the Filipino magazine ''Pulp'' and "P-pop's Best in 2025" by the American magazine ''Positively Filipino''. In January 2026, the song also received a nomination for P-pop Song of the Year at the VP Choice Awards.
The music video was directed by Jason Max. It features the Bini members as Cupid's trainees, shooting arrows toward different individuals and instilling different forms of love in them: self-love, romantic love, platonic love/friendship, and familial love. LGBTQ stars Esnyr and Klarisse De Guzman appear in the video, among other actors. The video's visuals draw inspiration from rococo art. It also garnered acclaim, especially for its visual appeal and sapphic romantic storyline between De Guzman and her real-life partner Trina Rey.
== Background and release == On June 5, 2025, the Filipino girl group Bini released "Shagidi", a special tour single.<ref name="gma1">{{Cite news | first=Hazel Jane | last=Cruz | date=June 6, 2025 | title=Bini releases new single 'Shagidi' | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/bini-releases-new-single-shagidi/123134/ | work=GMA Network | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815200801/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/bini-releases-new-single-shagidi/123134/ | archive-date=August 15, 2025 | url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2026}}</ref> On September 16, 2025, Coachella officially announced Bini as a part of their 2026 lineup, marking them as the first Filipino act to perform at the festival.<ref name="coachella">{{Cite news |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Bini to Perform at Coachella 2026 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/959277/bini-to-perform-at-coachella-2026/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/2LvvD |archive-date=September 16, 2025 |access-date=September 16, 2025 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> Following the release of "Shagidi", Bini announced that their next single, "First Luv", would be released in October.<ref name="inq1">{{Cite news |last=Evangelista |first=Jessica Ann |date=October 1, 2025 |title=Bini Drops Dreamy Concept Photos for Upcoming Single 'First Luv' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/631523/bini-drops-dreamy-concept-photos-for-upcoming-single-first-luv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003013814/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/631523/bini-drops-dreamy-concept-photos-for-upcoming-single-first-luv |archive-date=October 3, 2025 |access-date=October 2, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> It was released by Star Music on October 2, through digital download and streaming formats. It was issued as the second single from their third studio album ''Flames''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Bini Release New Tagalog Single "First Luv" – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-new-single-first-luv-music-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003073638/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-new-single-first-luv-music-video/ |archive-date=October 3, 2025 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |magazine=Billboard Philippines}}</ref><ref name="pulp2">{{Cite magazine | first=Reyza | last=Ferranco | date=November 21, 2025 | title=Bini Plays With Flames | magazine=Pulp | url=https://pulpmagazine.com/article/1775 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/RGWYv | archive-date=December 25, 2025 | url-status=live}}</ref>
The group teased the song with a series of concept photos featuring group and individual shots, where the members wore ruffled, corseted pink outfits. A short teaser clip depicted them as a part of a vintage painting in an art gallery. "First Luv" is Bini's first Tagalog single following a series of all-English tracks such as "Cherry on Top" (2024) and "Blink Twice" (2025).<ref name="inq1"/> They also previewed the music video through an Instagram clip. It featured the members arranged on a staircase in a stylized, dreamlike setting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=October 1, 2025 |title=Bini is a work of art in 'First Luv' music video teaser |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/960858/bini-is-a-work-of-art-in-first-luv-music-video-teaser/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003022642/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/960858/bini-is-a-work-of-art-in-first-luv-music-video-teaser/story/ |archive-date=October 3, 2025 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> One of the teasers hinted at the lyrics "''Araw-gabi naaalala''..." ({{translation|From morning to night, I remember…}})<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=September 18, 2025 |title=Bini Drops Bubbly Teaser for Upcoming Song 'First Luv' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/959525/bini-drops-bubbly-teaser-for-upcoming-song-first-luv/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250920233728/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/959525/bini-drops-bubbly-teaser-for-upcoming-song-first-luv/story/ |archive-date=September 20, 2025 |access-date=September 20, 2025 |website=GMA Integrated News}}</ref>
== Composition and lyrics == {{Listen | type = music | filename = First Luv by Bini.ogg | title = "First Luv" | description = A 13-second sample of the songs's chorus, which blends bubblegum pop and R&B. | pos = right | format = Ogg }}
"First Luv" is a mid-tempo bubblegum pop and R&B track.<ref name="and">{{Cite magazine |last=Loreto |first=Julienne |title=Bini's "First Luv" Music Video Serves Sapphic Representation |url=https://andasian.com/binis-first-luv-music-video-serves-sapphic-representation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009021019/https://andasian.com/binis-first-luv-music-video-serves-sapphic-representation/ |archive-date=October 9, 2025 |magazine=&Asian}}</ref><ref name="announce">{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Bini Announce New Single "First Luv" |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-tease-new-release-october-2025/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250924114651/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-tease-new-release-october-2025/ |archive-date=September 24, 2025 |access-date=September 22, 2025 |magazine=Billboard Philippines}}</ref><ref name="envi">{{Cite news |last1=Diones |first1=Jade |last2=Orlic |first2=Eliza |last3=Dao |first3=Minnie |date=October 5, 2025 |title=Sunday Spin: New Releases From Bini, CxM, Pryvt, and Wonho |url=https://www.envimedia.co/sunday-spin-new-releases-from-bini-cxm-pryvt-and-wonho/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009021022/https://www.envimedia.co/sunday-spin-new-releases-from-bini-cxm-pryvt-and-wonho/ |archive-date=October 9, 2025 |access-date=October 5, 2025 |work=Envi Media}}</ref> It features a pattering cowbell and 808 bass in its instrumentals. A church organ can also be heard in the song's introduction.<ref name="positive1">{{Cite magazine | first=Julienne | last=Loreto | url=https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/p-pops-best-in-2025 | title=P-pop's Best in 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204093630/https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/p-pops-best-in-2025 | archive-date=February 4, 2026 | url-status=live | access-date=February 4, 2026 | magazine=Positively Filipino}}</ref> Gwen starts the track instead of Stacey, the member who typically sings first in Bini songs.<ref name="and"/>
In the bridge sung by Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, and Jhoanna, the church organ is heard again,<ref name="positive1"/> alongside soft harmonies and dramatic piano.<ref name="envi" /><ref name="and"/> Julienne Loreto of ''&Asian'' described the bridge's inclusion of Stacey, who does not possess an official vocalist position in Bini, as a mark of the group's versatility.<ref name="and"/> A breakbeat can also be heard when Mikha and Colet sing later in the song.<ref name="and"/> The song's melody is upbeat and "bubbly", fitting its subject matter.<ref name="announce"/>
Lyrically, the song is about the excitement of first love, with the lines such as, "''First love, kinikilig 'pag magkasama.''" ({{translation|First love, I feel butterflies when we're together.}}) and "''Araw-gabi naaalala''" ({{translation|Day and night, I remember}}).<ref name="rappler2">{{Cite news |last=Corral |first=Alessandria |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Bini Drops New Filipino Single 'First Luv' |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/bini-new-filipino-single-first-luv-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003104402/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/bini-new-filipino-single-first-luv-release/ |archive-date=October 3, 2025 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |work=Rappler}}</ref> The song contains lyrics in both English and Tagalog.<ref name="announce"/> It was written by Dwta, Kajo, Kiana Valenciano, Rosemarie Tan, and Shan Pooviriyakul and produced by Kajo.<ref name="bandwagon">{{Cite news |last=Junaini |first=Hidzir |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Feel the Spark of 'First Luv' in Bini's Nostalgic Tagalog Track — Listen |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/feel-the-spark-of-first-luv-in-bini-s-nostalgic-tagalog-track-listen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006092627/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/feel-the-spark-of-first-luv-in-bini-s-nostalgic-tagalog-track-listen |archive-date=October 6, 2025 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |work=Bandwagon Asia}}</ref>
== Reception == "First Luv" received favorable reviews from music critics. ''Billboard Philippines''<nowiki/>' Ralph Regis praised the track's warmth, catchiness, and "''kilig''-filled" energy.<ref name="reflection">{{Cite magazine |last=Regis |first=Ralph |date=October 6, 2025 |title=10 Filipino Songs For Reflection and New Beginnings |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/editorial-picks/curated/10-opm-songs-for-reflection-and-new-beginnings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006092240/https://billboardphilippines.com/editorial-picks/curated/10-opm-songs-for-reflection-and-new-beginnings/ |archive-date=October 6, 2025 |access-date=October 6, 2025 |magazine=Billboard Philippines}}</ref> Andrea Dee of ''Pulp'' remarked that it showcases the Bini members' "charming" vocals.<ref name="pulp1">{{Cite magazine | first=Andrea | last=Dee| date=October 8, 2025 | title=Bini Return to Their Roots With 'First Luv' | url=https://pulpmagazine.pulp.ph/article/1600 | magazine=Pulp | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/HjnWL | archive-date=February 22, 2026 | url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Pulp''<nowiki/>'s separate track-by-track review of the album ''Flames'' (2025), Reyza Ferranco wrote that "First Luv" is "as sweet and glowing as the feeling it captures".<ref name="pulp2"/>
Jade Diones, Eliza Orlic, and Minnie Dao of Envi Media wrote that the song showcases Bini's "blend of delicate and powerful vocals", adding that the sweet lyrics would make listeners swoon. They added that the bridge "creat[es] a feeling like you're ascending into the clouds".<ref name="envi"/> Bandwagon Asia's Hidzir Junaini called the song "nostalgic" and lauded its "emotional depth".<ref name="bandwagon"/> Julienne Loreto of the American magazine ''Positively Filipino'' commended the song for achieving "vintage elegance" in its sound, even without interpolating pre-existing classical music, unlike comparable songs such as "Feel My Rhythm" by Red Velvet. They hailed "First Luv" as an example of musical experimentation done correctly.<ref name="positive1"/> Gavin Martinez of the ''Philippine Daily Inquirer''{{'s}} US Bureau said that the song "perfectly" expresses the "fairy tale" experience of falling in love for the first time.<ref name="inq2">{{Cite news |last=Martinez |first=Gavin |date=February 12, 2026 |title=The P-pop love playlist you can't miss this Valentine's Day |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/189584/the-p-pop-love-playlist-you-cant-miss-this-valentines-day |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213154309/https://usa.inquirer.net/189584/the-p-pop-love-playlist-you-cant-miss-this-valentines-day?__cf_chl_rt_tk=AIcCudANSS0.YAGHfDzDnooc_ihnMSQ7UtcXzq4hb.U-1770997389-1.0.1.1-MYfbI2n2Qmm27WlgR3WOHbFPGwlbbPc819lAKKWulvE |archive-date=February 13, 2026 |access-date=February 14, 2026 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en-US}}</ref>
In the week of October 18, 2025, the song entered ''Billboard Philippines''<nowiki/>' Hot 100 chart, debuting at number 73. It was reportedly the only P-pop song on the chart for the week.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=October 15, 2025 |title=Bini Break into the Philippines Hot 100 With "First Luv" |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/market/chart-beat/bini-new-entry-philippines-hot-100-first-luv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015051550/https://billboardphilippines.com/market/chart-beat/bini-new-entry-philippines-hot-100-first-luv/ |archive-date=October 15, 2025 |access-date=October 15, 2025 |magazine=Billboard Philippines}}</ref> "First Luv" appeared in several listicles: "10 OPM Songs for Reflection and New Beginnings" by ''Billboard Philippines'';<ref name="reflection"/> "Fans Pick Their Favorite Songs And Albums Of 2025" by ''Billboard Philippines'';<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 18, 2025 |title=Fans Pick their Favorite Songs and Albums of 2025 |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/editorial-picks/best-of/fans-pick-their-favorite-songs-and-albums-of-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218123354/https://billboardphilippines.com/editorial-picks/best-of/fans-pick-their-favorite-songs-and-albums-of-2025/ |archive-date=December 18, 2025 |access-date=December 18, 2025 |website=Billboard Philippines}}</ref> "''Pulp'' Loves: Our Favorite P-pop Songs of 2025" by ''Pulp'';<ref name="pulpfav">{{Cite magazine | author=Pulp Magazine Staff | date=December 27, 2025 | title=Pulp Loves: Our Favorite P-pop Songs of 2025 | url=https://pulpmagazine.com/article/1913 | magazine=Pulp| access-date=January 12, 2026| url-status=live}}</ref> "P-pop's Best in 2025" by ''Positively Filipino'',<ref name="positive1"/> and "The P-pop love playlist you can't miss this Valentine's Day" by the ''Philippine Daily Inquirer'' (US Bureau),<ref name="inq2"/> and was nominated for P-pop Song of the Year at the VP Choice Awards in January 2026.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Sedero |first=Lei Arthreo |date=January 22, 2026 |title=The 7th VP Choice Awards Complete List of Nominees |url=https://villagepipol.com/the-7th-vp-choice-awards-complete-list-of-nominees/ |access-date=January 25, 2026 | magazine=Village Pipol}}</ref>
== Music video == [[File:Ca' rezzonico, salone da ballo, quadrature di pietro visconti e affreschi di g.b. crosato (caduta di febo e 4 continenti), 1753, 02.jpg|thumb|The "First Luv" music video draws inspiration from rococo art.]]
The music video was directed by Jason Max.<ref name="and"/> It shows the Bini members shooting Cupid's arrows into various individuals. They shoot an arrow for self-love at Esnyr; romantic love at Klarisse de Guzman and her real-life partner Trina Rey; friendship or platonic love at Star Magic actors Marc Santiago, Andrez Del Rosario, Lance Lucido and Miguel Vergara; as well as familial love at a man who later reconciles with his wife and child.<ref name="and"/><ref name="gma2">{{Cite news |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Bini Girls are Cupids in 'First Luv' MV; Esnyr and Klarisse De Guzman are Guest Stars |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/961145/bini-girls-are-cupids-in-first-luv-mv-esnyr-and-klarisse-de-guzman-are-guest-stars/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003014914/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/961145/bini-girls-are-cupids-in-first-luv-mv-esnyr-and-klarisse-de-guzman-are-guest-stars/story/ |archive-date=October 3, 2025 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |work=GMA Integrated News }}</ref> Aesthetically, the video evokes rococo art.<ref name="and" /> The set was designed by Princess Anne Barretto, with cinematography by Renz Gonzales. The Bini members wear pink outfits with ruffles and corsets in the video;<ref name="and"/> ''Pulp''<nowiki/>'s Andrea Dee described their appearance in the clip as "princess-like".<ref name="pulp1"/> The video also features choreography by Reden Blanquera and Matthew Almodovar, adding to the "full sensory experience", according to Bandwagon Asia's Hidzir Junaini.<ref name="bandwagon"/>
The video garnered acclaim for portraying different forms of love, particularly the LGBTQ themes.<ref name="rappler2"/><ref name="and"/> According to Kristine Kang of GMA Network, the video elevates the message of the song.<ref name="gma3">{{Cite news |last=Kang |first=Kristine |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Bini drops 'First Luv' music video featuring PBB stars Esnyr, Klarisse De Guzman |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/bini-drops-first-luv-music-video-featuring-pbb-stars-esnyr-klarisse-de-guzman/126484/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010230059/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/bini-drops-first-luv-music-video-featuring-pbb-stars-esnyr-klarisse-de-guzman/126484/ |archive-date=October 10, 2025 |access-date=February 9, 2026 |work=GMA Network}}</ref> Rappler's Alessandria Corral praised the video for its "''kilig''-worthy" queer romantic storyline between De Guzman and Rey.<ref name="rappler2"/> Likewise, ''&Asian''<nowiki/>'s Julienne Loreto praised its clear depiction of sapphic romance, a rarity in mainstream "idol" music.<ref name="and"/> Envi Media's Jade Diones, Eliza Orlic, and Minnie Dao observed that beyond its visual appeal, the video is also a reminder for audiences to love freely.<ref name="envi" />
== Credits == Credits are adapted by Apple Music<ref name="applemusic">{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2025 |title=First Luv – Song by Bini |url=https://music.apple.com/ph/song/first-luv/1837173937 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251003015431/https://music.apple.com/ph/song/first-luv/1837173937 |archive-date=October 3, 2025 |access-date=October 2, 2025 |publisher=Apple Music (PH)}}</ref> and Tidal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2025 |title=First Luv by Bini – Credits on TIdal |url=https://tidal.com/album/457902317/credits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217093620/https://tidal.com/album/457902317/credits |archive-date=December 17, 2025 |access-date=December 17, 2025 |publisher=Tidal}}</ref> {{div col}} * Bini – vocals * ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. – music publisher * Anna Achacoso-Graham – vocal arranger * Chris "Moophs" Lopez – A&R administrator, recording engineer * Dwta – songwriter * Kajo – songwriter, producer * Kiana V. – songwriter * Kiana V. Music – music publisher * Leon Zervos – mastering engineer * Michael Pratt – mixing engineer * Rich Travali – immersive mixing engineer * Rosemarie Tan – songwriter, vocal producer * Seven Summits Music – music publisher * Shan Pooviriyakul – songwriter, vocal producer * Songs for Lola – music publisher * Sony Music Publishing (Hong Kong) Limited – music publisher * Swell Mood Publishing – music publisher * Two Elevens Entertainment, Inc. – music publisher {{div end}}
== Charts == {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Chart performance for "First Luv" ! scope="col"| Chart (2025) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{Single chart|Philippines|73|date=10-18-2025|publish-date=October 15, 2025 |rowheader=true|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015052240/https://billboardphilippines.com/chart/philippines-hot-100/10-18-2025/|archive-date=October 15, 2025|access-date=October 15, 2025}} |}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Bini}}
Category:2025 singles Category:Bini (group) songs Category:Bubblegum pop songs Category:LGBTQ-related songs Category:Star Music singles Category:Taglish songs