From Hugot to Healing – OPM Love Songs Tackling Different Kinds of Love

by: Kristine Kyle B. Vibar 

  As the month of February comes into the year 2022, one can say that love is truly in the air.  It cannot be denied that Filipino love songs are especially catchy and relatable during this season of hearts. However, I'm pretty sure there are songs that perfectly describe your experiences with love, from the best memories to the worst moments. With that being said, here's a curated playlist filled with Filipino songs that tackle different phases of love: kilig, heartaches, and self-love.

Tahanan by Adie

 

Still from OC Record’s Youtube Channel

Singer and songwriter Adie released this single towards the end of 2021, telling a story about lovers who find comfort in each other, like being one another's home. This is a soft and sincere song filled with mellow instrumentals that will surely get you kilig to the bones. The lyrics are also worthy of mention; they are truly heartfelt, like a letter expressing one’s sincere admiration for someone. Adie Garcia, the singer, is also known for his hit songs titled "Paraluman" and "Dungaw" that consistently gains success. 

 

Ligaya by Mrld 

Still from OC Record’s Youtube Channel

 
    Another kilig love song that has a lovely melody paired with the sweetest lyrics that might get you smiling alone. Mrld is a singer-songwriter who debuted last year with a self-written song titled "An Art Gallery Could Never be as Unique as You." Her most recent single, Ligaya, is the first Tagalog song she's ever written and released, and it definitely received lots of support from Filipino listeners (Gil, 2022). This is no doubt the kind of song you should listen to on a date. 
 

 
Na Na Na by BINI 

Stills from BINI’s Youtube Channel

        From BINI's latest album, "Na Na Na" is a cute pop song paired with lively music that expresses the frustrated feelings of a person in love. BINI is a P-pop girl group consisting of eight members that recently released a full album called "Born To Win". This song conveys the confusing emotions and conflicting thoughts one may go through when having a crush. It perfectly captures the hesitation and adoration you can feel towards the person you like with its catchy lyrics and tune. 

 

 

Nangangamba by Zack Tabudlo

Stills from Zack Tabudlo’s Youtube Channel

Personally speaking, this song could potentially be your latest LSS (Last Song Syndrome). This single is all about hesitance and restlessness when it comes to confessing. Zack Tabudlo is a rising OPM artist who consistently releases hit songs, from slow love songs like "Binibini" to bops such as "Pano". Nangangamba leans more towards the encouragement for someone to reveal their feelings before it's too late. It's almost like a song for those who keep on delaying their love confessions to their crush. No pressure, but why don’t you try your luck this season of hearts? 

 

 

Masyado Pang Maaga by Ben & Ben

Stills from Ben&Ben’s Youtube Channel

We're now entering the types of songs that will give you heartaches and familiar hugot lines. Masyado Pang Maaga by Ben&Ben is one of their hit singles that depicts the frustration that comes with breaking up. The band expressed the sorrowful experience of ending a relationship with heart-wrenching lyrics and emotional instrumentals. Ben&Ben is a well-known Filipino band that has been releasing music since 2017. Their songs usually tackle the subject of love and the experiences that come with it.  
 

Paubaya by Moira

Stills from Moira Dela Torre’s Youtube Channel

Ah, another sad love song that will surely tug at your heartstrings, especially with its story-telling lyrics. Just like her previous songs, Paubaya by Moira received lots of love from Filipino fans as it perfectly grasps the sentiment of letting go. As much as you'd want to keep holding on, maybe the answer to stopping the pain is to leave and entrust your loved one to someone else. A sweet tune paired with Moira's dream-like vocals, one listen to the song will definitely get you emotional.
 

 Ako Muna by Yeng Constantino

Stills from Star Music PH's Youtube Channel 


           I think we all know that Valentine’s Day is not always about loving another person; it may also be about loving yourself. Ako Muna by Yeng Constantino, released in 2018, is a song that echoes the beauty of prioritizing yourself before anyone or anything else. It grasps the importance of appreciating and knowing yourself first before entering into a relationship. There's nothing wrong with taking yourself out on a date and radiating self-love. As mentioned in the lyrics, what's the point of finding love when you can't even find happiness within yourself? 

 

These are the songs that we recommend giving a listen to during this season of hearts, or on any other occasion. There is no doubt that Filipino love songs cover a wide variety of genres, so I'm sure you'll find the perfect song that will accompany you on different love encounters. Don't forget to check out the attached Spotify playlist link below, which consists of the songs mentioned above.

 

 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3piM7AU4XjLKcXSooTE9cP?si=95a5a13b4a3a4265

 

 

References: 

 

Gil, B. (2022, January 16). Why MRLD is the ‘most talked-about’ newcomer. Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/01/16/2154078/why-mrld-most-talked-about-newcomer