25 Years of “Torete”: Moonstar88’s Anthem Still Hits Home

Few OPM love songs have left as lasting a mark as Moonstar88’s “Torete.” For Filipinos across generations, it’s the definitive soundtrack of longing, capturing the complexities of love with its stripped-down honesty and emotional clarity. 

To mark the anthem’s 25th birthday, the band staged a landmark concert last May 24, 2025, at Eton Centris. Fans were treated to an orchestral rendition of “Torete,” elevated by the cinematic backing of the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra (MMCO).

The crowd reflected the song’s wide reach, with fans of all ages filling the venue. Free admission welcomed everyone, from younger concert-goers to families with kids in tow. This multi-generational presence wasn’t lost on the band. “‘Torete’ is a song of so many generations, so we felt that it was just right that this show was accessible for everyone,” shared lead singer Maysh Baay. 

After opening sets by HEY JUNE! and Better Days, a collage-style video introduced “Torete” line by line, stitching together covers by Filipino artists through the years. With each flash of familiar voices — from Yeng Constantino, to Parokya ni Edgar, to Moira Dela Torre — the crowd’s energy climbed higher. 

Finally, Baay emerged. Backed by an LED field of sunflowers, the band opened the concert with “Parola,” from their latest album Lourdes 2088. From there, the setlist flowed effortlessly: a mix of crowd pleasers like “Sulat” and “Migraine” which brought a frenetic energy to the venue, deeper cuts for longtime fans, and covers of APO Hiking Society’s “Panalangin” and Yano’s “Senti,” all enhanced by the MMCO’s live score.

A highlight of the show was the surprise appearance of fan, collaborator, and Pinoy Big Brother royalty Alexa Ilacad. Together with Baay, who swapped in an electric guitar for a more rock-forward sound, they performed “Gilid,” captivating the crowd with their chemistry and soaring vocals.  

In signature Moonstar88 fashion, the set was also filled with humor and spontaneity. Drummer Bon Sundiang, coaxed into doing a Bamboo impersonation, performed Rivermaya’s “214,” while Baay delivered an impromptu performance of Kamikazee’s “Narda” to laughter from the crowd.

But the underlying theme of the night was gratitude. Pausing to absorb the immensity of the evening, Baay turned to the audience to say thank you. “‘Di kami tatagal ng ganito — ng 25 years — kung wala kayo [We couldn’t have lasted this long — for 25 years — if it weren’t for you all],” she said, amid cheers.

As the night drew to a close, “Torete” took center stage. Reimagined by maestro Jonathan Cruz of the MMCO, the arrangement was lush and expansive, heightening the song’s vulnerable lyrics. Baay’s resonant voice anchored the performance, while Sundiang, lead guitarist Herbert Hernandez, and session bassist Jazz Jorge of Gracenote delivered with palpable emotion.

It was a celebration in every sense — an ocean of hands moving in unison, a chorus of voices singing as one, and a burst of yellow confetti punctuating the track’s triumphant ending. It was a moment that was nothing short of cathartic. Nearly 30 years after its release, it’s remarkable how “Torete” continues to evoke the same emotions in both the band and their audience.

When asked about the song’s enduring appeal, Hernandez points to its simplicity in both structure and spirit. “Hindi siya sobrang komplikado [It’s not that complicated],” he admits. “Everyone can sing it, no?” Its straightforward melody makes it an easy favorite in karaoke bars and professional recording booths. Sundiang also credits the track’s widespread reach to the support of other OPM singers, who kept it alive through their performances and covers. 

But it’s not just the tune that stands the test of time. To Hernandez, the key lies in its sincerity. “It’s a song na hindi nagpapanggap [that doesn’t pretend], and that honesty keeps it alive.” And for Moonstar88, it’s this same unpretentious truth that keeps their music beating strong, decades down the line.