- Whatever season we might be having right now, Filipinos never fail to turn a simple celebration into a concert s they always have a list of songs to sing in the Karaoke
- Karaoke has been a staple in Filipinos’ parties and the songs are all too familiar to us
The holidays are just around the corner. We see kids roaming the malls in their halloween costumes to trick or treat, we hear Jose Mari Chan’s songs in the radio already, we see Christmas tree being set up in houses and public places, and at this early, there are Filipinos having their own celebrations.
Believe it or not, Undas too has its own playlist. Whether played while in procession to the cemetery or in burol, these are the songs we always hear or sing every Halloween: the Classics.
Hindi Kita Malilimutan – Basil Valdez
Yep, not even surprised. This songs serves as a message to our parted loved ones to assure them that they will remain in memory. Even though they are already gone physically, the memories of them will stay in their hearts and will remember them forever.
It is a fulfillment of wish for the person who passed away, to never be forgotten.
Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo – Basil Valdez
Another iconic song from the same singer. This applies especially to couples that got broken because the other one has to go.
As the lyrics go, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan mo, paano na tayo? Sayang ang pangako sa isa’t isa kung lalayo ka,” the husbands/wives go weeping as they think about all the promises broken. Indeed, this song is heart-wrenching in a funeral.
Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan – Basil Valdez
This song also acts as a promise to a special someone in a person’s life. It’s a vow that assures them that they will stick together and be resilient until the end despite all the circumstances. To the extent of causing a life, the message of the lyrics apply.
Paglisan – Color It Red
“Kung lahat ay may katapusan , itong paglalakbay ay makakarating din sa paroroonan at sayong paglisan ang tanging pabaon ko ay pag-ibig.”
An undying love that surpasses everything, even loss. This is the song’s story, that a loved one might leave but they will take the love with them wherever they go, yes, even if that place is the afterlife.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVFY2dCyD_8
Magpakailanman – Wency Cornejo
This song is dedicated for the people that are parted by death. For children whose future was stolen by an early passing, a lover left alone, a family forever incomplete. However, it also tells a promise of remembering and memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIL9Z_S2pNY
Lumayo Ka Man Saakin – Rodel Nadal
The singer, Rodel Nadal, especially wrote this song in memory of his dead mother. It instantly captured the hearts of the Filipinos and the love that was once allocated just for his mother spread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlM4wPQEmk8
Pangako – Ogie Alcasid
Promises are most used in times of a person’s death. In eulogies, people who are close to the dead always say in their messages that they promise to never forget their memory.
Pangako was actually written for weddings but it also touched the heart of funerals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPvsOs29vLw
Maalaala Mo Kaya – Carol Banawa
We all know this song too well because of the TV show. It tackles a person’s journey in life and the many ups and downs they went through. It’s also being used in funerals to remember what a departed one’s life has been throughout his/her existence.
Malayo Pa Ang Umaga – Rey Valera
In english, “the joy comes in the morning.” It is a song of encouragement for the families of the people passing. Despite experiencing loss, there is the hope of the morning and the wonders it might bring along.
Kanlungan – Noel Cabangon
“Maibabalik ba ang kahapon?” is the question imposed by this song. People take this song sometimes as a regretful moment to the time not spent well with the people who left them early. This left them asking why didn’t they value the time given in the past but only realize it now.
Who can relate? Tell us your stories about loss below!
