"Lagi" () is a song recorded by the Filipino girl group Bini from their second album "Feel Good" (2022). Written and composed by Louie Canaria, "Lagi" is an upbeat bubblegum pop and electropop song about falling in love. It was released by Star Music on June 24, 2022.
"Lagi" achieved moderate commercial success and garnered praise from critics and fans alike. Rafael Bautista of "Nylon Manila" lauded the track for its seamless blend of meaningful lyrics, polished production, and compelling vocals. In a 2024 interview with the "Philippine Daily Inquirer", Bini member Gwen highlighted "Lagi" as a pivotal moment for the group, explaining that after experimenting with various genres, the song marked their breakthrough success. "Inquirer" writer Mallorca also cited Filipino-American journalist Lai Frances, who described the song as an example of P-pop songs that convey genuine honesty, noting its refreshing tone and conversational style. The song entered "Billboard Philippines"' Philippines Hot 100 and Top Philippine Songs charts, peaking at number nine and five, respectively. Additionally, "Lagi" was featured as a soundtrack in the 2022 romantic comedy film "An Inconvenient Love" and the 2024 Philippine romantic comedy series "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim".
Background and release.
Bini dabbled in different genres before returning to the bubblegum pop and electropop sound of "Lagi". It was the first single from Bini's second album "Feel Good". It was released in June 2022, before the album was released. The "Feel Good" album includes both the original version of "Lagi" and an acoustic version.
The song was later included in the soundtrack for the 2022 romantic comedy film "An Inconvenient Love", as well as the 2024 romantic comedy series "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim", the Philippine adaptation of the 2018 Korean series of the same name. In August 2024, a remake of "Lagi" called "Rexona Lagi" was released for the deodorant brand Rexona, alongside a music video.
Composition and lyrics.
Jonathan Manalo produced the song, with musical arrangement by Ramiru Mataro and vocal arrangement by Anna Graham. Additional synths were provided by Theo Martel. Jeremy Glinoga is credited for recording "Lagi" at the AORG Studio. It was written and composed by Louie Canaria. Lyrically, "Lagi" describes the giddy thrill of falling in love. The narrator in "Lagi" talks about constantly singing in joy for their new lover and being unable to suppress their feelings for the person.
Reception.
The vocal performances in "Lagi" was praise by critics and fans alike, especially the climactic bridge and final chorus sung by the group's main vocalists Colet and Maloi and one of their lead vocalists, Jhoanna. Rafael Bautista of "Nylon Manila" wrote, "From the lyrics, production, and vocals, Lagi hits the mark as a modern love song and wonderfully captures the feeling of having butterflies when you think about that special someone."
The track steered the group toward the "cutesy" bubblegum pop niche for which they are now known. In a 2024 interview with the "Philippine Daily Inquirer", Bini member Gwen identified "Lagi" as a major turning point for the group, saying that after experimenting with various genres, they finally found success with the song. "Inquirer" writer Mallorca quoted Lai Frances, a Filipino-American journalist and moderator for the KCON LA panel, who cited "Lagi" as an example of P-pop songs that promote "honesty". Frances said, "It's refreshing to hear. It makes you feel like you're catching up with somebody and they want to get to know you. I think that's what I love about it the most."
"Lagi" was featured on three of Spotify's officially curated playlists: P-Pop on the Rise, Radar Philippines and New Music Friday. In 2024, following the group's growth in popularity, "Lagi" entered charts again. In July 2024, "Lagi" peaked at number five on "Billboard Philippines"' Top Philippine Songs chart. "Lagi" peaked on their Philippines Hot 100 chart in the week of July 6, at number nine.
Music video.
The music video starts with the Bini members in an online class with a young man who hides his face behind a teddy bear mask. The members are then magically transported to a colorful candy land, sharing romantic moments with their masked classmate. The masked classmate is played by model Brian Santamaria.
The video was produced by the creative content agency YouMeUs MNL and directed by Amiel Kirby Balagtas. It was filmed in the Dessert Museum, a candy-themed interactive art exhibition in Pasay.
Live performances.
The group first performed "Lagi" live in July 2022, on the variety program "It's Showtime". In the following week, "Lagi" was one of the songs that Bini performed at the first-ever Tugatog Music Festival, which took place in the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 15, 2022. Nikko Tuazon of "PEP.ph" reported that the group faced technical difficulties, but continued to perform. In June 2023, the group's official YouTube channel uploaded a dance practice video for "Lagi" with live singing. The members' vocal stability as they danced was praised and the clip went viral.
Bini performed "Lagi" as the opening act during the 2024 celebration of Philippine Independence Day at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. However, safety concerns arose during their performance, as unruly crowds led to medical emergencies for some attendees. Others climbed the scaffolding in an attempt to enter the venue. Due to the escalating situation, the group was forced to cut their performance short. At the Grand Biniverse in November 2024, Bini performed an R&B arrangement of "Lagi".