{{good article}} {{Use Philippine English|date=February 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox song | name = Unang Kilig | type = single | artist = Bini | cover = Unang Kilig (2026) by Bini art cover.webp | alt = Eight women pose confidently in an elegant theater, seated on plush red chairs. They wear stylish outfits, exuding a glamorous, empowering vibe. | EP = Signals | language = {{hlist|English|Tagalog}} | English_title = First Kilig | released = {{Start date|2026|03|05}} | B-side = "Honey Honey" | studio = Studio Z | genre = * Bubblegum pop * city pop * R&B | length = 3:37 | label = Star | writer = Jeremy G | producer = Jeremy G | prev_title = Paruparo | prev_year = 2025 | title = Unang Kilig | concurrent_title = Honey Honey | year = 2026 | next_title = | next_year = | misc = {{External music video|header=Music video|type=single|{{YouTube|-p6gkXM3sac|"Unang Kilig"}}}} }}
"'''Unang Kilig'''" ({{Translation|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". They recorded the song at Studio Z in Quezon City. 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.
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" ({{Translation|Ube Mash}}), originally by the Filipino girl group SexBomb Girls during their reunion concert at the Mall of Asia Arena.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iglesias |first=Iza |date=February 7, 2026 |title=Bini, SexBomb Girls Share Stage, Call for Unity Amid Fan Comparisons |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/07/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/bini-sexbomb-girls-share-stage-call-for-unity-amid-fan-comparisons/2273629 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260312083835/https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/07/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/bini-sexbomb-girls-share-stage-call-for-unity-amid-fan-comparisons/2273629 |archive-date=March 12, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |newspaper=The Manila Times |language=en-PH}}</ref> They performed two songs by Bini, "Salamin, Salamin" ({{literal translation|Mirror, Mirror}}) and "Pantropiko" ({{literal translation|Tropical}}).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evangelista |first=Jessica Ann |date=February 7, 2026 |title=Bini, Sexbomb Girls Collab for Epic 'Halukay Ube,' 'Pantropiko' Performance |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/652078/bini-sexbomb-girls-collab-for-epic-halukay-ube-pantropiko-performance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0519-2112-01/https://entertainment.inquirer.net:443/652078/bini-sexbomb-girls-collab-for-epic-halukay-ube-pantropiko-performance |archive-date=May 19, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en-PH}}</ref> On February 9, the girl group appeared at the Wonderful Moments Music Festival held at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. During the festival, they performed "Bikini", "Lagi" ({{literal translation|Always}}), and "Salamin, Salamin".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=February 9, 2026 |title=Sarah G, Gloc-9, Bamboo rock Wonderful Moments Music Festival |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2026/02/09/2506827/sarah-g-gloc-9-bamboo-rock-wonderful-moments-music-festival |access-date=February 20, 2026 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |archive-date=February 9, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209093917/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2026/02/09/2506827/sarah-g-gloc-9-bamboo-rock-wonderful-moments-music-festival |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=February 9, 2026 |title=Bini Announce 'Kiligan Fest' this Valentine's Day |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-announce-kiligan-fest-this-valentines-day/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vfAbZ |archive-date=March 12, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |magazine=Billboard Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref> During the event, Bini announced their song "Unang Kilig" ({{translation|First Kilig}}).<ref name="AA1">{{Cite magazine |last=Resurreccion |first=Andros |date=February 19, 2026 |title=Bini Celebrate Valentine's and Announce their New Single 'Unang Kilig' |url=https://andasian.com/bini-celebrate-valentines-and-announce-their-new-single-unang-kilig/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260312091701/https://andasian.com/bini-celebrate-valentines-and-announce-their-new-single-unang-kilig/ |archive-date=March 12, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |magazine=&Asian |language=en-GB}}</ref> Star Music released the song on March 5, 2026,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saulog |first=Gabriel |date=February 16, 2026 |title=Bini Surprise Blooms with New Single 'Honey Honey' – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-surprise-blooms-with-new-single-honey-honey-listen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313232328/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-surprise-blooms-with-new-single-honey-honey-listen/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |magazine=Billboard Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref> alongside its B-side "Honey Honey", a surprise release<ref name="ZEEN1">{{Cite magazine |last=Andes |first=Jane |date=March 6, 2026 |title=Bini Drops Star-Studded 'Unang Kilig' MV and Surprise Track |url=https://zeenmedia.com/bini-drops-star-studded-unang-kilig-mv-and-surprise-track/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313232658/https://zeenmedia.com/bini-drops-star-studded-unang-kilig-mv-and-surprise-track/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |website=Zeen |language=en-PH}}</ref> under the distribution of The Orchard.<ref name="AA2" />
== Composition == {{Listen | type = music | filename = Unang Kilig by Bini (2026).ogg | title = "Unang Kilig" | description = A 14-second sample of the song's chorus, which blends of bubblegum pop and city pop. | pos = left | format = ogg }} "Unang Kilig" was written and produced by Jeremy G.<ref name="AA1" /> The song has been described as an upbeat bubblegum pop and city pop song,<ref name="AA1" /> as well as a "maximalist" retro pop song.<ref name="ZEEN1"/> 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 American singer Janet Jackson; Loreto added that "Unang Kilig" is influenced by retro soul, pop, and disco.<ref name="AA2">{{Cite magazine |last1=Resurreccion |first1=Andros |last2=Loreto |first2=Julienne |date=March 11, 2026 |title=Our Honest Review of Bini's 'Unang Kilig' and 'Honey Honey' |url=https://andasian.com/an-honest-review-of-binis-unang-kilig-and-honey-honey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313232842/https://andasian.com/an-honest-review-of-binis-unang-kilig-and-honey-honey/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 11, 2026 |magazine=&Asian |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Written in Tagalog, the song's lyrics are about feeling unsure, yet excited in the first stage of romance.<ref name="DT1">{{Cite news |last=Fernando |first=Jefferson |date=March 7, 2026 |title=Bini Brings First-Crush Magic to Life in 'Unang Kilig' Music Video |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/07/bini-brings-first-crush-magic-to-life-in-unang-kilig-music-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313233053/https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/07/bini-brings-first-crush-magic-to-life-in-unang-kilig-music-video |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |newspaper=Daily Tribune |language=en-PH}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=February 16, 2026 |title=Bini to Release New Single 'Unang Kilig' this March |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-new-single-unang-kilig-march-2026/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313233503/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-new-single-unang-kilig-march-2026/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |magazine=Billboard Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref> In an interview with ''1883 Magazine'', Jhoanna, the leader of the girl group explained that "Unang Kilig" derived from the word ''kilig'', refers to the initial stage of being in love.<ref name="one">{{Cite magazine |last=Yohana |first=Belinda |date=March 10, 2026 |title=Bini Talk 'Unang Kilig,' Global Fans, and their Historic Coachella Debut |url=https://1883magazine.com/bini-unang-kilig-coachella-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260519122146/https://1883magazine.com/bini-unang-kilig-coachella-interview/ |archive-date=May 19, 2026 |access-date=March 18, 2026 |website=1883 Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>She described it as the most exciting feeling and said they were most comfortable performing in the genre.<ref name="one" />
== Reception == === Critical reception === Gabriel Saulog of ''Billboard Philippines'' described "Unang Kilig" as "pure pop joy" and an embodiment of Bini at their best.<ref name="7NEW">{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=March 7, 2026 |title=7 New Songs to Listen to this Week — Bini, James Reid, Beabadoobee, and More |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/editorial-picks/monthly-picks/7-new-songs-to-listen-to-this-week-bini-james-reid-beabadoobee-and-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/07Zo4 |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |magazine=Billboard Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref> ''Bandwagon Asia''{{'s}} Sharvamaya Mohan wrote 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.<ref name="BA1">{{Cite news |last=Mohan |first=Sharvamaya |date=March 9, 2026 |title=Bini Capture the Gentle Rush of Love with Back to Back Singles 'Honey Honey' & 'Unang Kilig' |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/bini-capture-the-gentle-rush-of-love-with-back-to-back-singles-honey-honey-unang-kilig-watch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/8TmEF |archive-date=March 13, 2027 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Bandwagon Asia |language=en}}</ref>
''&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.<ref name="AA2"/> ''Rolling Stone Philippines''<nowiki/>' Elijah Pareño praised the song's "clear" hook and emphasis on melody.<ref name="RS1">{{Cite magazine |last1=Pareño |first1=Elijah |last2=Gonzaga |first2=Pie |date=March 10, 2026 |title=Bini, Ramona, Harry Styles, and All the Songs You Need to Know |url=https://rollingstonephilippines.com/editors-picks/songs-you-need-to-know/bini-ramona-harry-styles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313234836/https://rollingstonephilippines.com/editors-picks/songs-you-need-to-know/bini-ramona-harry-styles/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 13, 2026 |magazine=Rolling Stone Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref>
The track was included in ''Billboard Philippines''<nowiki/>' curated "7 New Songs To Listen To This Week" list,<ref name="7NEW"/> as well as ''Rolling Stone Philippines''<nowiki/>' weekly "Songs You Need to Know" list.<ref name="RS1"/>
== Music video == The music video for "Unang Kilig" was directed by Amiel Kirby Balagtas and produced by YouMeUs MNL.<ref name="ZEEN1" /> It was filmed at the Dolphy Theater before the venue was sold to Ayala Land, Inc. in early 2026.<ref name="AA3" /> Its sets were designed by Obron Propmaster and Robert Jose, who also worked on the music video for Bini's 2024 single "Cherry on Top".<ref name="AA2"/> The video depicts the Bini members as actresses auditioning for starring roles in a musical.<ref name="BA1"/> It also features reenactments of Star Cinema films such as ''She's Dating the Gangster'', ''Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?'' ({{Translation|I Love You... Are You Okay?}}), ''Love You to the Stars and Back'', and ''I Love You, Hater''.<ref name="AA3" />
The music video has been described as evoking musical theater, as well as classic teen films.<ref name="ZEEN1"/> It featured a cast including Charo Santos-Concio, Cathy Garcia-Sampana, Olivia Lamasan, Vhong Navarro, Richard Gutierrez, Gerald Anderson, and Ogie Diaz.<ref name="ZEEN1"/> 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 the Filipino actor Alden Richards in a parody of the MGM Lion logo. She also created the choreography.<ref name="AA2"/> 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.<ref name="DT1"/>
== Track listing == {{Track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | width = 100% | title_width = 20% | writing_width = 40% | title1 = Unang Kilig | length1 = 3:37 | writer1 = Jeremy G | extra1 = Jeremy G | title2 = Honey Honey | length2 = 3:00 | writer2 = {{hlist|Greg Shilling|Jacob Munk|Khimo Gumatay|Melanie Fontana|Pontus Kalm}} | extra2 = {{hlist|Munk|Kalm}} }}
== Personnel == Credits are adapted from Tidal,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2026 |title=Unang Kilig / Honey Honey |url=https://tidal.com/album/503822700/credits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313235126/https://tidal.com/album/503822700/credits |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |publisher=Tidal |at=Credits |language=en}}</ref> with additional information from an ''&Asian'' article.<ref name="AA3">{{Cite magazine | last=Loreto | first=Julienne | date=April 2, 2026 |title=Here's Everything You Need to Know About Bini's Upcoming EP, "Signals"|url=https://andasian.com/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-binis-upcoming-ep-signals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260402114356/https://andasian.com/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-binis-upcoming-ep-signals/ |archive-date=April 2, 2026 |access-date=April 2, 2026 |magazine=&Asian | language=en-GB}}</ref>
{{div col}} * 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 {{div end}}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Bini}}
Category:2026 singles Category:Bini (group) songs Category:Bubblegum pop songs Category:Songs in Tagalog Category:Taglish songs Category:Soul songs Category:Disco songs