Finest love songs in Filipino

Love is once again in the air and it’s beginning to fill the local airwaves as Feb. 14 approaches.

It is unfortunate though that you can hardly find a radio station, like the defunct NU107.5 and RJ105.9 UR, that plays some of the finest local love songs during Valentine’s Day.

So before we forget about our homegrown music, here are 14 of the most beautiful love songs in Filipino that are worth listening to this season of love.

1. “Kapag Sinabi Ko Sa Iyo” (When I Say To You). Only a genius like Gary Granada can write such a wonderful love song that neither promises nor romanticizes.
2. “Kun’ Di Man” (If not). One of the earliest compositions of Chikoy Pura, this serenade from The Jerks has earned a cult status in the Pinoy rock music scene for its catchy melody (and title).
3. “Rosas ng Digma” (Roses of War). Written by Danny Fabella and a favorite among youth activists, the song is about a Red fighter who fell in love with his comrade.
4. “Panata’t Pag-Ibig” (Pledge and Love). From “Lean: A Filipino Musical,” this Gary Granada song was performed by Chikoy Pura and Cooky Chua as the couple

Leandro “Lean” Alejandro and Lidy Nacpil.

5. “Walang Hanggang Paalam” (A Goodbye Without End). This tearjerker by Joey Ayala was featured in the movies “Ang Bagong Buwan” and “Donsol.”
6. “Laging Ikaw” (Always You). A splendid love song by the poet Jess Santiago that will definitely make you smile with its witty lyrics.
7. “Sangandaan” (Crossroads). Pete Lacaba wrote this soundtrack, which was sung by Pat Castillo for Mike de Leon’s landmark film “Sister Stella L.”
8. “Pag-Ibig Lang” (It’s Only Love). A perfect wedding song that tells how personal differences can become insignificant when it comes to love.
9. “Dinamayan Mo Ako” (You Stood By Me). This heartwarming song from one of the country’s

pioneer reggae bands, Cocojam, is not reggae at all.

10. “Himig Ng Pag-Ibig” (Song of Love). Lolita Carbon’s voice

will surely touch your soul in this classic Asin song.

11. “Yun Lang” (Just That). Performed by Arthur Manuntag and Mike Villegas, the song is Pete

Lacaba’s translation of the timeless “That’s All.”

12. “Pagdating Ng Bukas” (When Tomorrow Comes). This sentimental song by Labuyo from the “Manila Sound” era is a personal favorite.
13. “Kanlungan.” The most popular in the list, this Buklod original was brilliantly written by Rom Dongeto.
14. “Sana.” A poetic, patriotic love song from the progressive band MusikangBayan.

Let’s make good use of this romantic opportunity to rediscover and appreciate our own language.

—DANIEL ALOC,[email protected]