One thing that makes Filipino music so magical is that it never runs out of stories to tell—in our own language, at that.
New artists, trends, and shifts in pop culture arise and make headlines every year. Still, we constantly unearth unique perspectives on the hit songs from years ago that we know and love, no matter how much time has passed since they were released.
Photo: Viva Records, The Itchyworms/YouTube
As our core memories and experiences of 2016 continue to resurface a decade later, we’re looking back on the timeless gems in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) that defined today’s generation. From power ballads to feel-good tunes, these songs have helped us explore our emotions thoroughly and express them without shame—especially when it comes to love in all forms.
Ten whole years may have passed since we first heard these OPM hits, but they haven’t aged a day. Here are five distinct Filipino love songs from 2016 that promise a worthwhile trip down memory lane:
“Tala” by Sarah Geronimo
“Hindi man ako nilagay sa mundong ito para sa’yo, parang nakatingin ang buong daigdig ‘pag ako’y yakap-yakap mo.”
Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala” has gone through multiple phases, and we adore every single one of them. Some Filipinos might have heard it first as the lead single to the “Popstar Royalty’s” studio album, The Great Unknown. Others likely discovered the song on social media when it gained prominence as a dance challenge during the pandemic. You might have even rediscovered “Tala” through Bryan Chong, who sang a stripped-down rendition of the smash hit for Call Me Mother.
It makes total sense that the internet is reimagining “Tala” as a “yearning anthem” ten years after we first heard the dance-pop track. The song’s bridge has become the soundtrack to the fictional couples and love stories that have altered our brain chemistry.
“‘Di Na Muli” by The Itchyworms
“Binubulong ko sa sarili, mahal kita hanggang sa huli.”
If the phrase “tagos sa puso” were a song, it would be “‘Di Na Muli.” This hauntingly beautiful ballad, written by Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola, takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, each one vividly portraying the dynamics of an everlasting love through orchestral verses and bittersweet sentiments sung in chorus.
Before “‘Di Na Muli” gained prominence in OPM, The Itchyworms performed it at the PhilPop songwriting contest alongside entries by The Juans, Jason Dy, and Nyoy Volante, among others. “‘Di Na Muli” won the grand prize at PhilPop in 2016. Two years later, the captivating song tugged at fans’ heartstrings with a cinematic music video set against the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
“Randomantic” by James Reid
“Haharanahin kita, saan man tayo magpunta, ‘yung tipong kahit wala lang.”
The year 2016 also had us flying high on James Reid and Nadine Lustre’s “reel to real” romance, which unfolded through every iconic project that they worked on together as “JaDine.” In the same year, James released “Randomantic,” his swoon-worthy single about the magic of simple yet meaningful romantic gestures.
We still remember the kilig overload that the “Randomantic” music video gave us, as it featured James’s precious moments with Nadine in between their hectic schedules.
“O Pag-ibig” by Ylona Garcia and Bailey May
“Dahil sa iyo, puso ko’y sumasayaw. Isip ‘di mapakali, ngiti ay laging nasa labi.”
We all remember our first crushes. But if you don’t, perhaps this upbeat fan favorite from the 2016 Himig Handog songwriting competition will help jog your memory.
Fresh off their admirable runs on Pinoy Big Brother 737, Bailey May and Ylona Garcia had audiences smiling ear to ear with their feel-good duet, “O Pag-ibig.” The song portrays young love and innocence in the same vibrant light as our favorite teen romantic comedies.
“Kung Pwede Lang” by Alexa Ilacad
“Ba’t mo agad sinabi, wala ka bang diskarte? Hindi mo ba nakita na ‘di pa ‘ko puwede?”
In 2016, Alexa Ilacad took a leap of faith into the OPM scene with her debut EP, To the Moon & Back. Leading its tracklist was “Kung Pwede Lang,” a pop-rock anthem that captures the chaos of navigating your place in a relationship.
Even healthy connections get a little messy sometimes. “Kung Pwede Lang” welcomes that chaos with open arms, with Alexa singing her heart out about conflicting feelings and how she struggles to get a hold on them.
ALSO READ: LOOK: This Music Countdown Show Celebrates OPM Artistry
What are your favorite OPM songs of 2016? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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