Cover Apo Hiking Society (Photo: Jojit Lorenzo)
Apo Hiking Society (Photo: Jojit Lorenzo)
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From APO Hiking Society to Rivermaya, these love songs will take you back to memory lane
It’s that time of the year again: when shades of pink and red are all a person’s eyes can see. Where varying shapes of hearts and flowers occupy every space in the vicinity. It’s the month of love. And what better way to add fuel to the fire than to amp up the volume of the speakers and play some of the best love songs out there?
To remind everyone that love, amongst all the hate and hurt, is still a good thing to experience, below are just some of the tracks (masterpieces, actually) that will hopefully jog your memory on how happy it is to be in love.
Related: Heartbreak 101: What songs should you listen to?
Here’s a selection of the best, timeless OPM hits of the past that shook everyone—from the generation before us and the next—to the core:
‘Forevermore’ by Side A
Aside from the nostalgia of remembering the Filipino romantic drama film of the same title starring Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa, and years later the primetime series starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, this song brings a harmonious mix of warmth and butterflies to everyone who listens to it.
In fact, when the band first played it in a concert, the audience reacted positively. “Everybody went, ‘Ahhh’,” Joey Benin, a former member of the group, once shared in an interview.
Until now, it remains one of the most notable love songs out there—a feat made possible by the prowess of both the artists and the united front of listeners combined. (Hopeless romantics, unite!).
‘Set You Free’ by MYMP
Imagine this: being alone, with only words, feelings, and guitar for company. Set You Free by MYMP is one of the perfect songs to play in such scenarios, especially when dealing with a complicated relationship, and the best decision to make, after thinking things through, is to let go.
When being happy is all I hope you'd be / then loving you must mean I really have to set you free //
Indeed, love and happiness come hand in hand in moments of clarity. Especially when it means that letting them go will bring their happiness, and eventually, yours.
‘Panalangin’ by Apo Hiking Society
If asked what songs have been recorded over and over again, there is no doubt that Panalangin (prayer) would be one of the top songs on the list.
This song, when played, guarantees choruses and even echoes from audiences. Almost everyone is bound to memorise its lyrics (if they haven’t already).
Aside from its power of recall, its repetitive phrases and lines bring some sort of comfort that only the hopefulness that surrounds the song can bring. (Or maybe the artists made some sort of panalangin for this to be possible—we wouldn’t know).
‘214’ by Rivermaya
A few seconds of listening to 214’s intro will be akin to a lightbulb lighting up inside everyone’s heads and hearts. “We know this song… we know what this song does to our feelings”—is what most would think.
Rivermaya has a lot of songs that could contribute to this list, but 214 just hits the spot in between where confession and comfort would lie. And it’s a bullseye.
‘Closer You and’ by Gino Padilla
Another timeless love song, Closer You and I brings new meaning to the concept of baby steps. The closer the pair gets, the happier they will be—all in due time. This is a dream come true for the main character in the song—as well as for a lot of people who hope for a romantic first (or last) love.
The closer I get to touching you / the closer I get to loving you // Give it time / just a little more time // We'll be together //
No wonder this song is often used in Filipino movies. It’s a perfect theme song for a male lead courting their love interest. Deny it or not, this song, in some way or another, makes you giddy.
‘A Smile In Your Heart’ by Ariel Rivera
One of Ariel Rivera’s finest hours is singing this masterpiece.
Mellow and light, A Smile In Your Heart brings everyone together, whether it may be on road trips or karaoke, with its easy words and heartfelt meaning.
‘Don’t Know What to Say’ by Ric Segreto
Don't know what to do whenever you are near // don't know what to say / my heart is floating in tears // When you pass by / I could fly //
Capping this list is a 1982 song, which lyrics best depict the first stages of love. This is perfect for those who are in love, and quite literally, don’t know what to say and do with their feelings.
At least now, this song could be good company in times of adoration and infatuation (albeit at a distance. To avoid flying, of course.).
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
