My love affair with OPM songs

By Willie Jose
Ontario-Canada
December 2, 2014



It was November  3, and was so cold here in Toronto; the temperature was at – 10 C but with the strong wind, the weather was quite colder. To pass the time, I decided to listen to our very own Original Pilipino Music (OPM); these songs were just 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 really romantic and sentimental at heart. Just think about the common OPM’s 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, my wife and I were either humming or silently singing these songs to our delight.

Honestly, it’s not easy   to remain emotionally detached while listening to these melodious OPM songs that usually touch our hearts and soul. They bring back memories of yesteryears that still haunt us till today.

We are born 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 Karaoke bar or else he would endlessly start vocalizing his favorite 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 Albert’s Ikaw Lamang Ang Mamahalin, Claire dela Puente’s Sayang, Aegis’ Halik and Luha, Juris’ Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin or the Side A band’s Forevermore.

Most of these songs have millions of viewers at YouTube. Well, it’s not even February, the love’s month but here I am putting this little piece together. I can’t help writing about these OPM songs because I really love crooning them though I don’t have the voice of Frank Sinatra. And even some foreigners—Russian, Koreans, and Americans-- are warbling these songs at YouTube.  I’m not sure if they do understand the songs’ 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 in the 70s: Hotdog’s 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 chords singing these original Filipino songs, thereby insuring     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?

This early, I’ve seen some flyers in a Filipino restaurant advertising   the forthcoming show of the OPM LEGENDS, The Reunion, featuring Rico Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Marco Sison plus Eva “ Tukso”Eugenio.The show is scheduled on Feb, 20,2015 at the Queen Elizabeth theatre. So, don’t waste your time, buy the tickets now, the early birds get the best seats

These OPM songs are not only part of our culture but most importantly, these songs serve as a bridge to connect us all wherever we are, whether we are living or working in the Middle East, Europe or in the US.

These sweet- sounding Filipino songs, specially 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. Puno’s 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. Tell me, would we? Could we? “

To be honest with you, I don’t exactly know how to end this article, maybe I’ll just belt out one of my favorite songs,   “Ikaw”, written and composed by Louie Ocampo and I ‘m sure all of you can relate to this beautiful song that will touch your hearts and define your life.