The radiant vibes of summer are upon us at last, and you know what that means. It’s finally time to plan your dream beach getaways and road trips, catch flights (not feelings) while the sun is still up, seize the day with your family and friends, and… cozy up at home in the chilly daytime breeze? Hold on, when did this happen?
We’ve lived through these past few days as if someone switched on a nationwide air conditioner—an atmosphere we can expect throughout the “ber” months, but definitely not in the middle of March. Though this pleasantly surprising chill in the air has us just as confused as you are, we’re not complaining, either. We don’t experience temperatures this low every day, let alone in the summer, so we might as well make the most of it before sudden heat waves take over.
Photo: VVINK, Tarsier Records/X
This year’s summertime coldness may be unexpected, to say the least, but that doesn’t mean it’s a total vibe killer. We can still achieve the summer goals we’ve put on our vision boards and follow our seasonal agendas—even without the typical tropical heat—especially when the right music calls for it.
Summer isn’t complete without a handful of surprises, and these new songs in the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene make a great match for the unpredictable weather. Here’s how these refreshing tracks prove that “hot girl summer” is still alive and well, whatever we make of it:
“Kailan Ka Aamin” – VVINK
Angelika, Ayaka, Jean, Mariel, and Odri are lighting up the world of Pinoy Pop (P-pop) once again with “Kailan Ka Aamin,” a sentimental love song straight out of a summer daydream. VVINK’s distinct bubblegum pop sound elevates the track’s whimsical, upbeat melody, which captures the essence of hidden feelings we can’t always put into words.
“Tongue Tied” – The Ransom Collective
Sometimes, a new chapter in your life can feel less like a comeback and more like a homecoming. Indie-folk band The Ransom Collective took this approach towards “Tongue Tied,” their first single after a four-year hiatus. Heartwarming perspectives on love and relationships emerge amid the song’s feel-good, bossa nova-infused composition, which pays homage to the uplifting sound they initially established in 2014.
“Baka Bukas” – Angela Ken
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of yearning, wondering when someone will finally choose you of their own free will, then “Baka Bukas” might be the song you need to get back on your feet and heal. Folk-pop singer-songwriter Angela Ken created this heartfelt track for everyone with larger-than-life feelings and perspectives that can’t be contained or pushed aside.
“Di Na” – Earl Agustin
Earl Agustin’s latest single, “Di Na,” is a sentimental jazz anthem for anyone who seeks comfort in old flames that they can no longer rekindle. As much as we want them to, some of our relationships simply can’t return to the way they were. Still, this song reassures us that the constant changes we witness in everyone we once loved and held dear will eventually be for the best.
“Stay” – Carmelle Collado
You can’t keep a “booked and busy” queen down. Carmelle Collado went straight to the recording studio after her remarkable run on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 for her new single, “Stay.” The “Riles Diva of Camarines Sur” showcases her vulnerable side in this soulful, tagos sa puso rendition of Daryl Ong’s 2015 hit, which also went viral through James Reid and Nadine Lustre’s iconic teleserye, On the Wings of Love.
“Bingo” – DNA
Julia, Tasha, and Ezri Mitra of DNA are bringing their playful and charming energy to summer with their comeback single, “Bingo.” This catchy P-pop track said it best: “It’s okay to gamble when you know you’re worth it.” Listening to this song will help you bring your confidence to new heights and take on whatever risks come your way, even if they’re just “for the plot.”
“Sour Grape” – LAYYI, Dia Maté
We’re not leaving any room for negativity and toxicity in our lives this summer, and “Sour Grape” can attest to that. This sultry single by rising performer and songwriter LAYYI, featuring the feisty “Singing Reina” Dia Maté, portrays moving on brazenly with no regrets or memories to look back on. It’ll kickstart your unapologetic transformation after finally leaving a relationship that did you no favors.
ALSO READ: Feeling the Heat? Here Are 5 Halo-Halo Recommendations You Should Try This Summer
Do you have any go-to OPM tunes for the summer? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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