Blink Twice (Bini song)

"Blink Twice"
Single by Bini
from the EP Biniverse
ReleasedFebruary 13, 2025 (2025-02-13)
Genre
Length2:33
LabelStar Music
Songwriter(s)
  • Steven Franks
  • Amanda Ratchford
  • Oneye
  • Marqueze Parker
  • Pacific-Joshua Zagabe
  • Darius Coleman
Producer(s)
  • Oneye
  • Leather Jacket
  • Steven Franks
  • Glitch
Bini singles chronology
"Joy to the World"
(2024)
"Blink Twice"
(2025)
"Shagidi"
(2025)
Belinda singles chronology
"La Cuadrada"
(2025)
"Blink Twice (Dos Veces Remix)"
(2025)
"Mírame Feliz"
(2025)
Music video
"Blink Twice" on YouTube

"Blink Twice" is a song by the Filipino girl group Bini. It was released on February 13, 2025, by Star Music as the second pre-single for the second extended play Biniverse. The song was produced by Mr. Franks, Glitch, Oneye, and Leather Jacket, with Amanda Ratchford credited as a songwriter. "Blink Twice" is a pop and R&B track that explores the theme of a woman taking the first move in a romantic relationship while looking for a sign that her feelings are reciprocated. The song's music video surpassed one million views within 12 hours of its release and trended on YouTube in multiple territories, peaking at number one in the Philippines. The song received positive to mixed reviews from music critics.

Background and release

[edit]

Following the commercial success of their singles "Pantropiko", "Salamin, Salamin", and "Cherry on Top" in 2024, Bini embarked on their first concert tour Biniverse, which was succeeded by a three-evening event held at the Araneta Coliseum titled The Grand Biniverse in November.[1][2] On November 19, the last night of the event, the group announced that they would be releasing the single "Blink Twice" the following year and that they would be hosting their next concert, Grand Biniverse: The Valentine Repeat, on February 15, 2025, at the Philippine Arena.[3][4] Teasers for the single, including a five-second snippet, an eye-doctor-themed promotional image, and the single's cover art, were shared on Bini's social media platforms.[5] It was later revealed that the single would be released on February 13, two days before the scheduled Valentine concert, which would serve as the opening show for Biniverse World Tour 2025.[6]

"Blink Twice" was released on February 13, 2025, alongside an accompanying music video.[6][7] The song marked the group's first release after their contract renewal with Star Music and ABS-CBN on February 4.[8] It was first publicly performed by Bini at the Grand Biniverse: The Valentine Repeat concert on February 15,[9] during which it was revealed to be part of an upcoming EP titled Biniverse, which was released on February 27 and includes the previously released 2024 singles "Cherry on Top" and its "BiniMo" remix with Agnez Mo.[10][11] On March 14, Bini released "Blink Twice (Dos Veces[a] Remix)" on March 14 with Mexican singer Belinda.[12] On April 11, 2025, "Blink Twice (Taglish Version)" was released with Mikha singing the Tagalog part of the song.[13]

Composition and lyrics

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"Blink Twice" is an upbeat English-language pop track with R&B elements. The song evokes pop music from the early 2000s.[14][6] Jhoanna, the group leader of Bini, revealed the song to be a new sound for the girl group, noting its distinct sound and chill vibe which they consider to be unique in their discography.[5] Lyrically, "Blink Twice" is about a woman romantically making the first move and searching for signs that her love interest returns her feelings.[14][15] In an interview with Teen Vogue, Jhoanna explained that the song's themes of self-assertiveness and taking action may extend beyond romance, adding, "This can also apply to life in general or the dreams you want to chase. We want to empower young women to own their choices and take the first step, as long as that's what they believe will help them."[15]

During Bini's renewal of their contract with ABS-CBN on February 4, 2025, the group confirmed that they had worked on the single with international producers and songwriters.[16][17] These included songwriters Amanda Ratchford, Pacific-Joshua Zagabe, Marqueze Parker, Darius Coleman, Pontus Kalm (Oneye), and Steven Franks (Mr. Franks). Oneye, Leather Jacket, Mr. Franks, and Glitch produced the track under ABS-CBN Music International.[18]

Reception

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Reviews

[edit]
"Blink Twice" ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
One Music Philippines[19]

"Blink Twice" received positive to mixed reviews from music critics. Gabriel Saulog of Billboard Philippines said that the song's "spice" makes it stand out from Bini's past releases.[6] Likewise, Todd Inoue of the San Francisco Chronicle, an American newspaper, wrote that "Blink Twice" provides a more "sophisticated" sound for the group, compared to their past singles.[20] Writing for the Latin American-oriented magazine Remezcla, Ivana E. Morales called the "Blink Twice" remix with Belinda an "alchemy of sound and artistry" that transcends language barriers.[21] Nica Glorioso of Nylon Manila observed that women are "often shamed" for expressing their desires, and that many men show a lack of respect for women. Thus, she lauded the lyrics of "Blink Twice" for subverting the notion that women should always wait to be pursued, rather than making the first move.[22]

On the other hand, Rolling Stone Philippines's Mel Wang reported that the track's use of English, rather than Tagalog, has created concerns among the general public that the group may be losing their Filipino identity. They concluded that "Blink Twice" represents Bini's dilemma of "staying true to their Filipino roots while also appealing to a broader, more global audience".[23] Meanwhile, Pop Journal's Julienne Loreto argued that due to the Bini members' diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, which Angel Martinez also noted in Teen Vogue,[15] the group's cultural authenticity cannot be tied to a single language such as Tagalog. However, they still criticized "Blink Twice" for its "slow, tepid" topline,[b] considering Bini's other English-language singles such as "Cherry on Top" and "Shagidi" to be musically superior.[25] Cris O. Ramos of One Music Philippines wrote that the song "may make you yearn and crave for the kind of chemistry the girls had with FlipMusic", but complimented its "straightforward" nature. He gave "Blink Twice" 3.5 out of 5 stars.[19]

Commercial performance

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Following its release on February 13, "Blink Twice" debuted at number seven on the Philippine Hot 100.[26] Internationally, the song entered multiple charts, including a debut at number 24 on New Zealand's Hot Singles chart[27] and number 31 on the United Kingdom's UK Singles Sales Chart.[28]

Music video

[edit]

Directed by Kerbs Balagtas, the music video was released together with the single on February 13, 2025.[6] It depicts Bini dressed in brightly themed outfits as they find themselves at a pastel-colored futuristic clinic and a secret laboratory, where they get checked for a fictional medical condition.[6][14] Throughout the video, the members switch back and forth between simpler, more minimalistic visuals and bolder, more dramatic beauty looks. For the latter, Bini's makeup and styling team drew inspiration from Latina styles and heavily utilized shades of red, such as burgundy and magenta.[29]

The music video garnered one million views in under 12 hours since its premiere, landing a spot on YouTube's trending list across multiple territories, including the Philippines at number one.[30]

Live performances

[edit]

Bini performed "Blink Twice" live for the first time at the Grand Biniverse: The Valentine Repeat Concert, held at the Philippine Arena on February 15, 2025.[9] The following day, the group showcased the song on ASAP Natin 'To.[31] On April 25, they performed it on the Billboard Philippines Studios series, with revised dance arrangements to accommodate Sheena's absence due to illness.[32] During their stop on New York for their 2025 world tour, Bini performed "Blink Twice" on the morning TV show Good Day New York on June 2.[33]

Credits and personnel

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Credits are adapted by Apple Music.[34]

  • Bini – vocals
  • Amanda Ratchford – songwriter
  • Anna Achacoso-Graham – vocal arranger
  • Dairus Coleman – songwriter
  • Dan Naim – mixing engineer, recording engineer
  • Glitch – producer
  • Greg Shilling – vocal producer
  • Leather Jacket – producer
  • Leon Zervosmastering engineer
  • Marqueze Parker – songwriter
  • Oneye – producer
  • Pacific-Joshua Zagabe – songwriter
  • Steven Franks – songwriter, producer

Charts

[edit]

Notes

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  1. ^ "Twice" in Spanish.
  2. ^ This term refers to a song's vocal melodies, harmonies, and lyrics that "sit" on top of its instrumental.[24]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Krishnan, Ganiel (November 12, 2024). "Bini excited, nervous ahead of 3-day 'Grand BINIverse' at Big Dome". ABS CBN News. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  2. ^ Delos Santos, Mikaela (August 17, 2024). "Blooming new Filipino girl group Bini performs in Winnipeg". CBC. Archived from the original on January 30, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  3. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (November 19, 2024). "Bini Announce 'Grand Biniverse: The Valentine Repeat' and Comeback Single "Blink Twice"". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on November 20, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  4. ^ "Bini's New Pop Anthem 'Blink Twice' Drops on Feb. 13". PAGEONE PH. PAGEONE. February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Saulog, Gabriel (January 28, 2025). "ICYMI: Bini's Comeback Single "Blink Twice" is Being Released Soon". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Saulog, Gabriel (February 13, 2025). "Bini Drop Highly Anticipated Comeback Single "Blink Twice" – Listen". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  7. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (February 7, 2025). "Bini to drop new single 'Blink Twice' before Valentine's Day". Rappler. Archived from the original on February 9, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  8. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (February 4, 2025). "Bini Renew Contract With Star Music and ABS-CBN". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Cerezo, Anna. "BINIverse World Tour 2025 kickoff packed with surprises". ABS-CBN. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  10. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. (February 16, 2025). "Bini announces dates for 'BINIverse' world tour". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
  11. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (February 27, 2025). "Bini Welcome Us Right into Their 'BINIVerse' – Listen". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  12. ^ Mier, Tomas (March 14, 2025). "Belinda and Girl Group BINI Bring Cross-Cultural 'Girl Power' to New Collab". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 14, 2025. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  13. ^ BINI - Topic (April 10, 2025). Blink Twice (Taglish Version). Archived from the original on April 11, 2025. Retrieved April 11, 2025 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ a b c "Bini drops upbeat pop track 'Blink Twice'". GMA News. GMA Integrated News. February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  15. ^ a b c Martinez, Angel (February 13, 2025). "How Bini Plans to Bring Filipino Bubblegum Pop to the World: Exclusive 'Blink Twice' Music Video Debut". Teen Vogue. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  16. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (February 4, 2025). "Bini Tease New EP to be Released This 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  17. ^ Miranda, Pauline (February 4, 2025). "Bini Dares Us to Make Our Move in Upcoming Single 'Blink Twice'". Lifestyle.INQ. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  18. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (February 13, 2025). "Bini brings on the playful vibes with 'Blink Twice'". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  19. ^ a b Ramos, Cris O. (February 14, 2025). "The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Grand BINIVerse". One Music Philippines. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  20. ^ Inoue, Todd (June 11, 2025). "P-pop sensation Bini to bring Pinay pride to San Francisco". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on June 17, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025. Its current English-forward singles 'Zero Pressure' and 'Blink Twice' reveal an even more sophisticated sound that draws from millennium pop, classic synth pop and chill R&B.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  21. ^ Morales, Ivana E. (April 3, 2025). "INTERVIEW: P-Pop Girl Group BINI Made Latine-Filipino History With Its Belinda Collaboration". Remezcla. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  22. ^ Glorioso, Nica (March 21, 2025). "With Their Newest Global Collab, BINI Wants You To Live Your Most Fearless Life". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  23. ^ Wang, Mel (February 6, 2025). "BINI's New Single "Blink Twice" Sparks Tagalog vs. English Discourse". Rolling Stone Philippines. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025.
  24. ^ Daley, Britt (April 14, 2021). "What Does It Mean to be a Topline Songwriter?". Nashville Songwriters Association International. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  25. ^ Loreto, Julienne. "Pop Review: BINI Releases New Single, Shagidi". Pop Journal. Archived from the original on July 2, 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Philippines Hot 100 Ranking - Week of March 1, 2025". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on March 1, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  27. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 21, 2025. Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  28. ^ a b "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  29. ^ Claveria, Ryan (February 14, 2025). "Bini's Blink Twice MV Transitions from Cute-Fresh to Super Latina". ABS-CBN. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  30. ^ Mendoza, Tatiana (February 14, 2025). "Bini delights Blooms with the release of their new bubblegum pop anthem, 'Blink Twice'". The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025.
  31. ^ "Watch: Bini debuts 'Blink Twice' on ASAP!". ABS-CBN Studios. ABS-CBN. February 16, 2025. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  32. ^ Regis, Ralph (April 25, 2025). "Bini Perform "Blink Twice" on Billboard Philippines Studios". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on June 4, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  33. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (June 3, 2025). "BINI Makes 'Good Day New York' Debut, Performs at Independence Day show". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  34. ^ "Blink Twice by Bini on Apple Music". Apple Music (PH). Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  35. ^ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 02/14/2025 to 02/20/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on February 9, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  36. ^ "The Official Philippines Chart – Week 8". Official SEA Charts. Retrieved February 25, 2025 – via Facebook.
  37. ^ "Top Philippines Songs Ranking - Week of March 1, 2025". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on July 3, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
  38. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  39. ^ "This Week's Top 10 P-Pop Songs on the #BillboardPHHot100 Chart". Billboard Philippines. June 7, 2025. Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025 – via Facebook.