The top hits of the last 40 years: A look at the evolution of OPM
As the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the country’s most trusted newspaper, reaches its 40th year, we take a look at some of the songs that have shaped Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and the Filipino lives they’ve touched in the past four decades.
From iconic ballads we all know and love to some of today’s newest chart-toppers, these 40 songs have and will continue to define OPM for years to come
“When I Met You” by Apo Hiking Society (1983)
Formed initially in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila High School, Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, and Danny Javier of Apo Hiking Society would eventually become one of the purveyors of early OPM, with timeless hits such as “Panalangin,” “Ewan,” and “When I Met You.”
“Mr. Kupido” by Rachel Alejandro (1989)
An award-winning singer-songwriter and actress, this kilig-inducing classic defined not only the late Æ80s but also that of Rachel Alejandro’s early career.
“Babaero” by Randy Santiago (1988)
Despite wearing shades to hide his eye injury, the accessory eventually became the iconic look he was known for—and, not to mention, his confidence and on-stage bravado that warranted a song such as “Babaero.”
“Till I Met You” by Kuh Ledesma (1987)
With a career spanning several decades, Kuh Ledesma was instrumental in bringing Filipino voices to the global stage. “Till I Met You” is one of her most iconic songs, and one that is repeatedly covered and given respect by other local artists to this day.
“Ikaw Lamang” by Zsa Zsa Padilla (1986)
Having “Divine Diva” for a nickname is no small feat, and Zsa Zsa Padilla, with her countless hits and appearances across film and television, has proven why she’s one of the country’s highest-selling artists of all time.
“Till My Heartaches End” by Ella May Saison (1992)
A karaoke staple and a song many of us can relate to, this is arguably the best from the original Philippine Queen of Soul.
“Forevermore” by Side A (1995)
Covered by the likes of Juris, David Archuleta, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, there’s a reason why this ‘90s classic endures to this day.
“Ang Huling El Bimbo” by Eraserheads (1995)
One of the most influential OPM bands of all time, “Ang Huling El Bimbo” stands at the top of a discography that by itself would occupy a chunk of this list.
“Harana” by Parokya Ni Edgar (1997)
The ultimate inuman or road trip song, this Parokya Ni Edgar hit single-handedly keeps haranas alive.
“Christmas in Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan (1990)
In the same way Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has become synonymous with the holidays, this Jose Mari Chan classic has also similarly found itself in our forever Christmas playlist.
“Hinahanap-hanap Kita” by Rivermaya (1997)
This Rivermaya classic has undoubtedly inspired several love-sick teenagers to dedicate this song to their crushes.
“Bakit Pa” by Jessa Zaragoza (1997)
The “Jukebox Queen of the ’90s,” Jessa Zaragoza’s discography is filled with timeless classics every Filipino has at least tried belting out at the karaoke.
“Bukas Nalang Kita Mamahalin” by Lani Misalucha (2000)
Born to a musical family with a background in opera, Lani Misalucha, also known as “Asia’s Nightingale,” has a voice that can captivate just about anyone.
“Kung Ako Nalang Sana” by Bituin Escalante (2002)
A notable theater actress and also one of the most recognizable voices in OPM, her biggest hit “Kung Ako Nalang Sana” is an enduring classic that also won the Himig Handog Music Love Song Festival grand prize in 2002.
“The Day You Said Goodnight” by Hale (2005)
With unforgettable hits such as “Kung Wala Ka,” “Blue Sky,” and “The Day You Said Goodnight” all in their debut album, there’s a reason why Hale is one of the most renowned OPM rock bands of the 2000s.
“Tell Me Where It Hurts” by MYMP (2005)
Despite the controversies surrounding MYMP, from repeatedly shifting members to an instance of blackface, this early 2000s hit has cemented them as one of the highest-selling acoustic bands of all time.
“Jopay” by Mayonnaise (2004)
When Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise saw Sexbomb dancer Jopay Paguia-zamora crying onstage, this beautiful moment of curiosity—wondering why she was in tears in the first place—brought Macalino to write one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
“Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” by Kitchie Nadal (2004)
Solo careers don’t always pan out the way you want them. But for Kitchie Nadal, leaving Mojofly turned out to be the best thing for her, with her debut self-titled album being the highest-selling release of her career.
“Beer” by The Itchyworms (2005)
Not to encourage excessive drinking, but this Itchyworms classic will forever be the go-to song for anyone looking to sing their feelings out.
“How Did You Know” by Gary Valenciano (2004)
Featured in 2004’s “All My Life,” starring Aga Muhlach and Kristine Hermosa, this combines a tear-jerker of a film with one of Gary Valenciano’s best.
“Burnout” by Sugarfree (2003)
The 2000s were truly the time for the heartbroken yearners—and this anthem undoubtedly served as a reminder to always admit your feelings, and to not let moments pass by.
“Jeepney” by Sponge Cola (2004)
The storytelling. The feels. The imagery. What doesn’t this Sponge Cola masterpiece have? Enough listeners.
“Narda” by Kamikazee (2006)
Forget dedicating songs to your friend-crush or your situationship. Bring back dreaming for the unattainable, just like Kamikazee does in this song, which imagines someone in love with Darna, the iconic Filipina superhero.
“Noypi” by Bamboo (2004)
Torn between including this or “Tatsulok,” which has imagery bearing resemblance to today’s political climate, there’s simply something about a song that’s unapologetically proudly Filipino. “Hoy, Pinoy ako, buo aking loob. May agimat ang dugo.” Now that’s Pinoy pride before it became a cringey buzzword.
“Bakit Pa Ba” by Jay R (2003)
This song cemented Jay R as the country’s “King of R&B,” a title that has earned him adoration and respect from today’s biggest R&B stars.
“Rainbow” by South Border (2004)
Originally released in promotion of Sharon Cuneta’s 2003 film “Crying Ladies,” the song won several trophies from the 18th Awit Awards and eventually became one of South Border’s best-known releases.
“Sundo” by Imago (2007)
Some songs simply transcend eras, and “Sundo” will have crowds of different generations listening to it for years to come.
“Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down (2012)
Arguably, the song that kick-started hugot, thanks in part to its inclusion in “That Thing Called Tadhana.” This one will always have a special place in our hearts.
“Kathang” Isip by Ben & Ben (2017)
Before Ben & Ben became the biggest folk band in the country, “Kathang Isip” took everyone by surprise and shot the band up to nationwide acclaim.
“Randomantic” by James Reid (2015)
Though we still have love teams: KathNiel, JaDine, LizQuen—nothing will ever likely get close to the level of success these iconic pairings saw. This James Reid song is the biggest to have come out from that era of showbiz.
“Kung ’Di Rin Lang Ikaw” by December Avenue ft. Moira Dela Torre (2019)
What happens when an indie band and a songstress, who are both known for their heartwrenching songs, partner up? A collaboration that smashes the hugot scale unlike any other.
“Mundo” by IV of Spades (2018)
For as brief as their first iteration was, nothing quite comes close to IV of Spades’ initial run. At least, they didn’t end at that, with the original members coming back together this year.
“Tala” by Sarah Geronimo (2015)
Spawning viral dance challenges and landing her several international awards, “Tala” is one of Sarah Geronimo’s most popular releases. Not to mention, it also showcases the full range of the “Popstar Royalty’s” abilities
“Pantropiko” by Bini (2024)
Coinciding with P-pop’s ongoing rise, this summer anthem pushed Bini, our nation’s girl group, to an unprecedented level of fame both locally and internationally. Not to mention, they’re also going to be the first all-Filipina girl group to perform at Coachella next year.
“Pasilyo” by Sunkissed Lola (2022)
There’s nothing quite like “Pasilyo” and Sunkissed Lola’s debut year. After all, not only did they bring in hundreds of millions of views across streaming platforms, their song was also recognized by foreign listeners, with South Korean star IU most notably performing the track during her Manila concert.
“Go Up” by SB19 (2019)
Yes, they have bigger and better songs. But if we’re talking about impact, then “Go Up” was the release that first showed Filipino listeners that we have what it takes to be K-pop-level.
“Multo” by Cup of Joe (2024)
Aside from spawning a social media challenge around one’s personal ghost from the past, “Multo” is also one of the highest-streamed OPM songs of all time—and we’re talking about a song released just last year.
“Sining” by Dionela ft. Jay R (2024)
Remember what we said about Jay R? This collaboration honors the “King of R&B” while simultaneously taking Pinoy R&B to the next level.
“Buwan” by Juan Karlos (2018)
Known for his emotional lyricism and gut-wrenching, give-it-all performances, “Buwan” is Juan Karlos’ biggest hit to date—and one that has and will continue to stick to the hearts and minds of listeners.
“Raining In Manila” by Lola Amour (2023)
Forget seasonal or holiday-themed songs. In a country where it practically rains all year ‘round, we have a song that we’ll all think about every time it pours. Now that’s iconic.
