Songs on Repeat: 5 OPM Songs That Will Make You Miss the Filipino Karaoke

Nothing can cure a longing heart than a classic music. Whatever genre it is, there is surely a Filipino song that shares the same sentiments with the woes and triumphs of every generation. From ballads, acoustics, pop, and rock, the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) has its own mark to every nostalgic or hugot song. And if you are living abroad, listening to these songs stirs up a throbbing pain in your mind as if you want to have a senti moment for a while.

While there are a bunch of new OPM songs released in today’s era, one can’t help but crave the sound of OPM from years ago. Wherein the songs became a Filipino anthem in every karaoke and jamming session, singing the lyrics on top of everyone’s lungs. With the reflection of time through music, we listed 10 OPM songs for you to miss the kantahan session in the Philippines.

Bakit Pa by Jessa Zaragosa (1997)

Jessa Zaragosa’s deep voice became easily recognizable and prone to endless imitations from karaoke renditions of her song Bakit Pa. The song wasted no time and directly confessed the grief of the lyrics: “Parang di ko yata kaya, ‘pag sa buhay ko’y wala ka,” making the song iconic for every broken-hearted that uses music to breathe. 

Wala na Bang Pag-ibig by Jaya (1997)

Pinoy hugot songs tend to echo the perspectives of the scorned and dying for affection. With Jaya’s Wala na Bang Pag-ibig, the sorrow of lamenting the unfairness of being left behind greatly depicts the heartache from someone you love. Jaya’s voice made the song a digestible tune, allowing the listeners to sing along with the range.

Harana by Parokya ni Edgar (1997)

Harana in the Philippines is a form of courtship by men to women they want to pursue. Having a guitar, a formal outfit, and a soothing voice makes the serenade even more romantic. Through the song Harana of Parokya ni Edgar, they resurrect a dying Filipino tradition while introducing it to a new generation of teenagers who had yet to discover the romantic gestures from before.

Ang Huling El Bimbo by Eraserheads (1995)

When we say OPM, Eraserheads is the one of the classic Filipino bands that made a huge impact in our hearts. Among their popular songs, Ang Huling El Bimbo largely struck us through a tragic young love story in the visceral memory of the guy. But despite the sadness behind the lyrics, the old fashioned melodramatic feeling of the song continues to inspire the generation of today.

Pagdating ng Panahon by Aiza Siguerra (2001)

In a music scene full of belting and rock n’ roll, the calming voice of Aiza Siguerra cooled down everything, which made him a name in the OPM industry. In his song Pagdating ng Panahon, Aiza paved the way for many singer-songwriters and bands in the early 2000s and onward to embrace the simplicity of words and transform it with sincere emotion.

Written by Karisma Primero

Karisma Primero is currently a Digital Marketing Intern of PS Media Enterprise, and a 3rd year Broadcasting student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila.