What’s on the Christmas playlists of OPM artists?

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Christmas songs may be grouped into the jolly, upbeat and melancholic, slow ones. Regardless of the mood and emotion embedded in them, the tales about family and love, among others, are clear. The tunes are part and parcel of every Yuletide party.

Speaking of which, Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists Ice Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Sitti, Noel Cabangon and Bituin Escalante will mount “Videoke Hits: Christmas Edition” on Dec. 16 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Imagine these vocal talents as carolers in a get-together where everybody can sing along and enjoy the happiness this time of the year brings.

With that, this paper asked this group of singers about their two or top-of-mind favorite Filipino Christmas ditties in a recent presscon.

The well-loved carol, Payapang Daigdig, by National Artist for Music Felipe Padilla de Leon, is on the list of Ice.

“I read somewhere that it wasn’t intended to be a Christmas song,” said he. “(I think) it was after the war (when) it was written, and I love that song.”

Available online information shared that it was the morning when Felipe saw Manila in ruins after the Japanese occupation, with the Americans helping in the country’s liberation, that inspired him to compose the tune.

“And then, another favorite is Sana Ngayong Pasko,” added Ice. “I remember, of course, it was Christmastime when I was asked to sing at a home for the aged… ever since I really have this soft spot for older people.”

While performing the Christmas ballad, originally sung by Ariel Rivera, Ice realized that the lyrics were not just meant for lovers with such a line that goes, “Pasko na naman, ngunit wala ka pa, hanggang kailan kaya ako maghihintay sa iyo.”

He couldn’t help but feel the longing of the elders that one day their loved ones would visit them.

Bituin, on the other hand, said that Payapang Daigdig and Miss Kita Kung Christmas are on her playlist. She recalled the time singing the former as a soloist in a choir and described that the latter has a bittersweet element.

“Parang akala mo kanta lang (you thought it was just the usual song), tapos, biglang tatamaan ka na (then, it hit you and touched your heart). Hindi siya ganun kadali mamasko ng nag-iisa (it isn’t easy to be alone during this time).

The song, sung by recording artist Susan Fuentes, also captures the feeling of missing someone, amidst the glitter of the celebration. Megastar Sharon Cuneta and singer Carol Banawa did their own cover versions.

For Nyoy, one of his choices is A Perfect Christmas by Jose Mari Chan.

With its first few lines, “My idea of a perfect Christmas is to spend it with you, in a party or dinner for two anywhere would do,” one agreed with him that it’s like a courtship song.

“When I sing it, I feel so good since it’s such a perfectly written love song,” added he, who likes mushy love songs, “and I think a good combination of love songs and Christmas (tunes) is a perfect Christmas. It says, like, ‘my idea of a perfect Christmas is to spend it with you,’ and it’s real… that feeling.”

It’s the joy of being with people you love Christmastime.

With Sitti, her choices include Himig Pasko and Kumukutikutitap.

“It’s, in a way, like Payapang Daigdig,” said she, singing the lyric, “malamig ang simoy ng hangin, kay saya ng bawat damdamin. It’s very calming… it brings to my mind the feeling of Christmas that everybody is together, everybody is happy.”

Those who had a falling out will forgive and forget this time, she added.

Kumukutikutitap, on the other hand, by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, is a stark contrast to the sentimental songs earlier mentioned. Sitti considered it like “the quintessential Filipino Christmas song.” It represents the merry mood of the season as it describes how a lively and lovely Christmas tree is being festooned, and under it are gifts.

Noel, meanwhile, cited Pasko Na Sinta Ko by fellow OPM singer Gary Valenciano. He and his choirmates would always sing it as one of the holiday tunes being taught to them.

Every Christmas, it’s also the tune he listens to. It’s a melancholic one, but a beautiful song, full of emotion, said he.

Ice also recalled that he sang Regalo in a Christmas special, directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes, when he was not yet a singer. Another favorite of his, the ditty speaks of the most precious gift that the latter represents: the giver’s heart.

Ice, Noel, Nyoy, Sitti and Bituin come together to sing the tunes that somehow describe and define the Filipino Christmas.

“Videoke Hits: Christmas Edition” is presented by the Newport World Resorts through Full House Theater Company and produced by Fire & Ice Live. Tickets are available through Ticketworld, https://bit.ly/VideokeHitsChristmasEdition.

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