Timeless Love Songs New Gen of OPM Fans Should Know

Love has inspired countless songs, from blissful euphoria to heart-wrenching sorrow. Filipino love songs in the vernacular feel especially intimate, carrying a familiarity that speaks directly to the heart.

Even with so many memorable OPM hits over the years, the classics remain unmatched. This February, we take a stroll through our country’s musical past and revisit timeless love songs that listeners of all generations can still fall in love with.

O Ilaw – Ruben Tagalog (1934)

A shining example of kundiman, O Ilaw (Aking Bituin) captures the delicate romance of early Filipino courtship. Composed by Pou Corales with lyrics by Kea Odonzo, the song likens a loved one to a guiding star in the night. Ruben Tagalog’s expressive interpretation helped establish the song as a staple for serenades or harana, and it continues to evoke nostalgia in Filipino homes and romantic playlists.

Kapantay ay Langit – Pilita Corrales (1972)

Originally composed in English as You’re All I Love, George Canseco translated the song into Tagalog to convey uniquely Filipino emotional depth. Pilita Corrales, celebrated as Asia’s Queen of Songs, recorded it for the 1971 film of the same name. Her rendition helped cement the track as a classic love ballad about selfless affection and remains a defining piece in her storied career.

Binibini – The Rainmakers (1975)

Originally recorded by The Rainmakers in 1975, Binibini is a disco‑influenced track about the tender fascination and longing one feels for a young woman. The song became one of the band’s most enduring hits and has been revisited by artists including Janno Gibbs, Brownman Revival (in reggae style), and Jason Dy, each offering their own interpretation while keeping the song’s nostalgic appeal alive.

Bato sa Buhangin – Cinderella (1976)

Written by Ernani Cuenco and Snaffu Rigor for the film starring Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos, Bato sa Buhangin portrays love that endures beyond circumstance. Cinderella, a Manila Sound band, delivered it with smooth harmonies and melodic clarity, turning the song into a timeless romantic staple. Contemporary artists have revisited it in tribute performances.

Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko – Rey Valera (1978)

Rey Valera’s classic emphasizes lifelong devotion and enduring love. The song became a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and serenades. Its timeless appeal has led to covers by modern artists, keeping it alive through the decades.

Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal – VST & Company (1978)

A Manila Sound classic, this song combines upbeat rhythm with heartfelt lyrics about singular devotion. Featured on VST & Company’s debut album, Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal remains a favorite for dances and serenades.

Dahil Mahal Kita – Boyfriends (1978)

Dahil Mahal Kita expresses sincere and uncomplicated love. Its melody and harmonies captured the hearts of listeners in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the song remains a go-to classic for nostalgia-themed events.

Himig ng Pag‑ibig – Asin (1979)

Blending folk guitar with rich harmonies, Himig ng Pag-ibig explores the sweetness of love through poetic lyrics. Lolita Carbon’s emotive voice and the band’s layered harmonies made it a defining love song of the late ’70s, showcasing Asin’s knack for heartfelt storytelling.

Mr. Disco – Ella Del Rosario (1979)

Originally recorded by Ella Del Rosario, Mr. Disco became one of the standout OPM disco‑influenced tracks of its era, combining an infectious rhythm with playful lyrics that captured the energy of late‑70s Filipino pop. The song’s lively groove made it a favorite on radio and in dance venues. It was later covered by Manilyn Reynes in 1992 on her album Still in Love, introducing the classic to a new generation with her own pop‑inspired rendition.

Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka – Basil Valdez (1980)

Written by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, this rainy-day love song paints the comfort of being with someone special whenever it rains. Basil Valdez’s tender delivery turned it into a classic, and later covers by Regine Velasquez and Eraserheads introduced it to younger audiences.

Panalangin – APO Hiking Society (1980)

Panalangin, meaning “prayer,” expresses love with spiritual reverence. Written by Jim Paredes and released on the album Ten Years Together, the song turns affection into a heartfelt plea for blessings and lifelong togetherness. Its enduring appeal led to a cover by Moonstar88 on the 2006 tribute album Kami nAPO Muna, introducing the classic to a new generation.

Mr. Kupido – Rachel Alejandro (1989)

Released as part of her album Just A Minute, Mr. Kupido is a playful OPM pop song about an unrequited crush and the longing, with lyrics that call on “Kupido,” or Cupid, to finally make love happen. Written by Vehnee Saturno, the track became one of Rachel Alejandro’s signature hits and has been performed by other artists over the years, and has been reinterpreted in live and televised performances. This song also finds its way into the setlist of younger Filipino City Pop artists.

Ligaya – Eraserheads (1992)

From their debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop!, Ligaya captures the excitement of first love with playful lyrics and jangly guitars. Ely Buendia wrote the song inspired by youthful crushes, making it instantly relatable to ’90s college students and young listeners. Its charm has kept it alive in Filipino pop culture.

Ako’y Sayo at Ika’y Akin Lamang – IAXE (1994)

This song emphasizes exclusive emotional attachment and deep devotion. It became one of the most memorable love tunes of the 1990s and has been covered by groups like First Circle and younger artists, keeping it alive for new listeners.

 

Tuloy Pa Rin – Neocolours (1995)

This song reflects perseverance in love despite hardships. Its uplifting chorus and relatable lyrics made it a defining hit of the mid-1990s and a mainstay in the band’s live performances.

Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang – Ogie Alcasid (1995)

Originally released on January 27, 1995 from the album On Air, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang was written by Ogie Alcasid and Aaron Paul Del Rosario. The song reflects the regret and longing of meeting love later than hoped, a universal ache. Over the years, acoustic band Freestyle and artists such as Pops Fernandez have performed their own renditions, each bringing out deeper emotional shades in the song’s narrative.

Kahit Kailan – South Border (1997)

Featured on their debut album, Kahit Kailan helped define late-1990s Filipino R&B. The track blends smooth groove, saxophone accents, and emotionally direct lyrics about steady, enduring love. South Border, led by keyboardist and musical director Jay Durias, became known for polished arrangements and strong songwriting that helped push OPM R&B into the mainstream.

Hanggang Kailan – Orange & Lemons (2005)

This track captures the anxious longing of waiting for someone’s return. Featured on Strike Whilst the Iron Is Hot, its “umuwi ka na, baby” refrain became an early 2000s anthem, cementing its place in Pinoy alternative pop history.

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This article is written by a musician, and these picks are only a fraction of the many songs worth mentioning. There will always be another chance to explore the rest.

Valentine’s Day, for me, is not about clichés. It is a time to reflect on love in all its depth. May these songs bring solace to those waiting for their loved ones, help hearts move on and forgive, and even bring back sparks for those ready to love again. They can be companions for whatever love and life demand.