6 OPM Christmas songs you can relate to this holiday season
The Christmas spirit is felt as early as the month of September.
Holiday-themed items, decorations and festive favourites are already being sold at department stores and, of course, Christmas songs are played on loop at malls!
Timeless international Christmas songs like Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You may be iconic, but we Filipinos have our own Christmas songs with a variety of themes.
Whether you’re feeling happy, grateful, remorseful or you miss someone special, there’s a song for you!
Check our picks for OPM Christmas songs that bring out the emotions in all of us.
‘Christmas in Our Hearts’ by Jose Mari Chan and Liza Chan
‘Whenever I see boys and girls selling lanterns on the street…’
Jose Mari Chan memes are considered a favorite of Pinoys especially once the ‘ber’ months are fast approaching.
Christmas in Our Hearts is a wholesome Christmas song sung by Jose Mari Chan with his daughter, Liza Chan.
Originally released in 1990, the Christmas in Our Hearts album remains the best-selling OPM album of all-time.
Well, we’re not surprised. Jose Mari Chan’s voice gives comfort. After all, he is the Father of Philippine Christmas Music.
Also worth mentioning is the song A Perfect Christmas.
‘Kumukutikutitap’ by Ryan Cayabyab/Joey Albert
Did you know that Ryan Cayabyab composed Kumukutikutitap in a 1983 musical by Jose Javier Reyes called Bituin (The Star of Bethlehem)?
The song was originally for a choir group that included big OPM names during that time like The Apo Hiking Society, Celeste Legaspi, Basil Valdez and many more.
Kumukutikutitap literally means “sparkling” in English and as a young kid, I remember feeling blissful every time I hear this song, and I often feel my eyes sparkling especially when I see the Christmas lights in the streets of Metro Manila.
It became a staple for choirs during yuletide season as years passed. In the ’80s, Joey Albert recorded her version thus making it a mainstream Christmas favorite.
‘Pasko na, Sinta Ko’ by Gary Valenciano
Not every Christmas is merry for everyone. There are some who are grieving.That is the main theme of Gary V’s Pasko Na, Sinta Ko.
Written by UP Professor Aurelio Estanislao, composed by Francisco Dandan and arranged by Louie Ocampo, this song is about a person reminiscing about their first love who sadly passed on.
It can also be dedicated to the sentimental ones who are still longing for their TOTGAs. Pwes, inuman na lang!
‘Miss Kita Kung Christmas’ by Susan Fuentes
Now, let’s hear it from the female perspective!
Originally sung by the Queen of Visayan songs, Susan Fuentes, Miss Kita Kung Christmas reminds me of the times when OFWs would record this song on blank cassette tapes and get comforted even if they’re away from their loved ones, especially those who are healing a broken heart from afar.
When my father was a radio DJ, this song was often requested with dedications for the loved ones/families of callers/letter senders. Loneliness is largely felt when you’re alone in a cold, deserted place.
Tons of versions by popular OPM singers have been released in past years, but the original version by the late Fuentes remains as the one that pulls at the heartstrings.
‘Wish Ko Sa Pasko’ by Sexbomb Girls
Time to keep it light and have some fun! Get, get awwww!!!
For those who were exposed to the novelty hits of the iconic OPM girl group the Sexbomb Girls, there’s a big chance that they were—or they know someone—who was asked by their classmates/officemates to perform Wish Ko Sa Pasko during their Christmas parties.
Up to this day this catchy song with easy to follow cute choreography is a favorite staple whenever games like Longest Line, Newspaper Dance and Trip to Jerusalem are being played. Laban lang at huwag babawi!
‘Christmas Bonus’ by AEGIS
Last but not least, Krismas Bonus by Aegis!
For employees who are looking forward to their 13th month pay and other bonuses, belting out this song to your bosses might remind them to give you the perks of your hard work and labor for the company.
Just make sure that you hit the notes well when you sing this at the karaoke party, or else…
We still have a lot of OPM classics like A Perfect Christmas, Pasko na Naman, Sana Ngayong Pasko, Sa Araw ng Pasko, Pasko Anong Saya and many, many more. May these songs bring you joy and comfort for whatever you’re going through this holiday season.
Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!