One day, it was so cold here in Toronto; the temperature was at 10 °C, but with the strong wind, the weather was quite chilly. To pass the time, I decided to listen to our very own Original Pilipino Music (OPM); these songs were enough to warm me up.
While I was enjoying listening to these Filipino songs, lots of nostalgic memories flashed through my mind: my good old days, former love affairs, love letters, life’s ups and downs, and what have you.
Then, suddenly, it dawned on me that we Filipinos are romantic and sentimental at heart. Just think about the familiar OPMs theme songs: remembering some unforgettable and unrequited love affair, calling to mind one’s undying love with someone, hoping against hope for reconciliation with former mates or reflecting simply on some memorable years when they were still young at heart.
As I played these songs on my laptop, I was either humming or silently singing them to our delight.
It’s not easy to remain emotionally detached while listening to these melodious OPM songs that usually touch our hearts and souls. They bring back memories of yesteryears that still haunt us today.
We, Filipinos, are lovers of music. We can easily learn the tune of any music by ear, but remember, don’t ever commit the mistake of handing the microphone over to anyone in a Karaoke bar, or else he will endlessly start vocalizing his favourite songs.
Well, I’m very sure your spirits will buoy up as you listen to these popular Jukebox hits, the likes of Tukso by Eva Eugenio, Joey Alberts Ikaw Lamang Ang Mamahalin, Claire dela Fuentes Sayang, Aegis Halik and Luha, Juris Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin or the Side A bands Forevermore.
Most of these songs have millions of viewers on YouTube. Well, it’s not even February, the love month, but here I am putting this little piece together. I can’t help writing about these OPM songs because I love crooning them, though I don’t have the voice of Frank Sinatra. And even some foreigners, Russians, Koreans, and Americans– are warbling these songs on YouTube. I don’t know if they understand the song’s lyrics, but that would be another story.
I vividly remember the Pinoy Rock and Disco songs that used to rule the radio waves in the 70s: Hotdogs’ Bongga Ka Day and Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, VST & Company’s Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko, Sampaguita’s Nosi Ba Lasi, Mike Hanapol’s Laki sa Layaw and Asin’s Himig ng Pag-ibig and Lupa.
With today’s technology, you don’t need to have a CD recorder or a portable radio to enjoy listening to these songs; they are available right at your fingertips.
Simply tuning in at YouTube, either using a tablet or a smartphone, and presto, these OPM songs will surely make your day, whether you’re at home, going to work or school, riding in your car, taking the bus or subway train.
Because of OPM’s popularity, some of these songs have either been made into movies or they have become the theme songs of Teleserye programs shown on TV stations.
Haven’t you noticed that some local actors and actresses back home have started training their vocal cords singing these original Filipino songs, thereby ensuring their much-needed exposure?
How many musical festivals have been held in the past months featuring entertainers coming from the Philippines who have regaled their fans in Toronto and other cities in Canada?
Well, a few years back, a number of these OPM legends, the likes of Rico Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Eva Eugenio, had performed in Toronto.
These OPM songs are not only part of our culture, but most importantly, they serve as a bridge to connect us all wherever we are, whether we are living or working in the Middle East, Europe, or the US.
These sweet-sounding Filipino songs, especially the love songs, will always remind you that once upon a time, you fell in love with someone very special; and come what may, that someone will always be part of you, no matter what you’ve achieved in this life.
How many of you could relate to Rico J. Punos The Way We Were lyrics “Kung sino pa ang mahal mo, ang nawawala sa yo. Namamasyal pa sa Luneta na walang pera . If we have a chance, we’ll do it again. Would we? Could we?”
I don’t know how to end this article. Maybe I’ll belt out one of my favourite songs, Ikaw, written and composed by Louie Ocampo. I’m sure all of you can relate to this beautiful love song that will touch your hearts and make your day.