10 OPM Songs That Will Make You Feel Nostalgic

Time flies so fast that it’s hard to catch-up! It’s Friday once again and it’s time for us to share our #flashbackfriday songs!

So, I was stuck in the traffic yesterday (what’s new?!) and couldn’t do anything but listen to the cab driver’s playlist. He was playing OPM songs and I couldn’t help but reminisce about my high school days!

While we appreciate all of your suggested songs from our #flashbackfriday article last week (we will “play” those songs next week, don’t worry!) we thought of dedicating this day to our home-grown talent, also known as, OPM or Original Pilipino Music.

OPM was derived from an earlier genre called, Manila Sound. Now, OPM welcomes versatile genres such as Pinoy Rock, Jazz, Alternative, Rap, and so on.

These OPM songs, mostly sang by balladeers and some of the musical icons like Rey Valera, Basil Valdez, Eddie Peregrina, just to name a few, are warmly welcomed by most Filipinos here and abroad.

I know you’re already curious to know what’s on our list. So, let’s start listening, shall we?

10. Side A – Forevermore

Tagged as the Toto of the Philippines, Side A became the most loved OPM band of the 80’s even to this day. Their hit song Forevermore is one of the most requested OPM songs of all time. This song received awards like Awit Awards Song of the Year and Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist.

9. Neocolours – Tuloy Pa Rin

Tuloy Pa Rin was one of the songs from their second self-titled album released in 1990.  Since then the band, with founding members, Jimmy Antiporda (keyboards and has his own company, JAM creations), Ito Rapadas (vocalist), Marvin Querido (2nd keyboards), Josel Jimenez (guitar), Paku Herrera (bass) and Nino Regalado (drums), flourished and have reached platinum sales way back 1990’s.

8. Martin Nievera – Be My Lady

Although, his tongue gets twisted every time he speaks in Tagalog, that didn’t stop him from singing and writing original songs for the Filipino people. His song, Be My Lady, became a staple song for weddings or for engagement parties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je_O8NQkvao

7. Gary Valenciano – Sana Maulit Muli

Gary Valenciano or Mr. Pure Energy is another iconic Filipino singer, who captured the hearts of the nation. Gary V has released 26 albums, including the hit single, Sana Maulit Muli.  He composed this song and was tagged as one the most popular music videos on YouTube.

6. Freestyle – Before I Let You Go

Freestyle is another OPM Pop/Rock Band, who hit the music industry 1998.  Almost most of the songs in their self-titled album released 1999 have gone viral! Here’s one of them.

5. Parokya Ni Edgar – Buloy

Who wouldn’t know Parokya Ni Edgar?  PNE has been in the mainstream and has brought back the Philippine Rock and Roll genre alive! For me, they set the standards in creating quality and meaningful Pinoy songs.  Buloy is just one of the many hit songs of Parokya Ni Edgar.

4. Francis Magalona – Kaleidoscope

A great person, musician, father, gone too soon.  Francis Magalona, who would’ve been 30 years old last October 4th, was named The Man from Manila and the Filipino master rapper. He was also a great songwriter and a photography enthusiast.  Truly a man of all trades, the Master Rapper released admirable songs like Cold Summer Nights,  “Mga Kababayan” (Fellow Countrymen), just to name a few.

3. Eraserheads – Ang Huling El Bimbo

I love Eraserheads. I’ve collected all of their albums way back in High School! This OPM rock band was formed in 1989 with founding members, Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan. Some of the popular songs they released were With A Smile, Pare Ko, Toyang, Ligaya, just to name a few.

2. Rivermaya -Awit ng Kabataan (Song of the Youth)

Another well-loved OPM rock band of all time, Rivermaya is the 14th  biggest-selling artists/act in the Philippines. The songs 214, Ulan, and many more were definitely hit songs during 1994 when Bamboo was still their lead vocalist. Admittedly, Bamboo is my ultimate crush, too!

1. APO Hiking Society – Awit ng Barkada

APO Hiking Society is a Filipino musical group, who became popular because of their wonderful songs such as When I Met You, Pumapatak Ang Ulan, Blue Jeans, and many more.  Initially, APO had 14 members including another OPM balladeer, Ric Segreto. However, the majority of the members left the group and pursued their careers, except for Danny Javier, Boboy Garovillo, and Jim Paredes, who until now are friends and have occasional guestings.

I am glad that most of the OPM artists of today remain diverse and show ingenuity. Truly, Filipino musicians are a world-class talent and their songs make me appreciate my childhood days!

What OPM song makes you feel nostalgic? Share them in the comment section below!