In the Philippines, karaoke is practically a cultural phenomenon.
Since its initial boom in the country in the 1980s, karaoke has consistently permeated the lives of the Filipino, becoming an immersive musical experience whose impact has only gotten stronger through the years. Whether it’s to celebrate special occasions or to simply bond with loved ones, karaoke has become a timeless way of bringing people together through music, connecting us through the joyous activity of singing our favorite songs together, loudly.
The whole karaoke experience is neither limited by genre nor generation. Instead, it acts as a bridge, helping all kinds of people connect with various forms of music. Furthermore, it has led to various songs eventually being considered karaoke classics that, time and time again, have become the Filipinos’ top-of-mind selections. The impact of this can even be vividly seen with concrete data, as evidenced by the abundant appearances of karaoke favorites on Billboard Philippines‘ Hot 100 chart.
While definitely not exhaustive, Billboard Philippines has compiled a list of 15 staple karaoke songs you’re bound to hear Filipinos sing during karaoke sessions. Check them out below.
Beyoncé – “Listen”
Released back in 2007, Beyoncé‘s “Listen” was written for the 2006 musical drama film Dreamgirls, in which the American pop/R&B icon herself starred. Serving as the lead single for the movie’s original soundtrack, it explores finding freedom from past, toxic relationships and bravely moving forward and taking a step towards an unknown yet better future.
Up Dharma Down – “Tadhana”
Taken from Up Dharma Down‘s — also known as UDD — 2012 album Capacities is “Tadhana.” It narrates the idea of two individuals who are undeniably destined to be with each other. It explores the actions they need to take in order for them to be able to be together, as one is hesitant to follow their heart while the other is more proactive in doing so.
Stephen Speaks – “Passenger Seat”
Serving as the eighth track of their debut album No More Doubt, “Passenger Seat” by American indie pop/rock band Stephen Speaks was a certified No. 1 hit in the Philippines following its release in 2001. It explores the scenario of two people going for a car ride, with the driver describing how romantically mesmerized they are by their companion in the passenger seat.
Itchyworms – “Beer”
Released in 2005, “Beer” is track number seven from Filipino rock band The Itchyworms‘ sophomore album Noon Time Show, known for being a concept album with a satirical take on elements and tropes of Philippine mainstream entertainment. As its title clearly implies, the song is about drinking alcohol, particularly to drown out sorrows over a failed relationship.
Joy – “Touch by Touch”
Notably having become a hit in the Philippines following its release, “Touch By Touch” is the second single from Austrian Eurodisco/pop group Joy‘s debut album entitled Hello, released in 1986. It explores the idea of a profound and sensual connection between two lovers.
Regine Velasquez – “Dadalhin”
Serving as one of the Filipino pop icon’s signature tracks, Billboard Philippines Women In Music ‘Powerhouse’ honoree Regine Velasquez’s “Dadalhin” is the second single from her eleventh studio album Reigne, released in 2001. It explores the theme of a love once so sweet that has now sadly faded away, with heartfelt promises giving way to bittersweet disappointment.
Salbakuta – “Stupid Love”
Released in 2001, “Stupid Love” — or “S2pid Luv” — is the fourth track from Filipino rap group Salbakuta‘s debut album Ayoko ng Ganitong Life, eventually becoming their breakout hit. Serving as the inspiration for a 2002 romantic-comedy of the same name, the song explores being heartbroken and cursing out the idea of love because of it.
Mariah Carey – “Through The Rain”
“Through The Rain” is the first track on 2002’s Charmbracelet, the ninth studio album of American R&B icon Mariah Carey. Serving as the album’s lead single, the song takes an inspirational route with its lyricism, focusing on themes of encouragement and empowerment for those going through struggles in life.
Jessa Zaragoza – “Bakit Pa”
Taken from her debut album Just Can’t Help Feelin’, Filipino singer Jessa Zaragoza’s “Bakit Pa” first rose to prominence and widespread recognition iafter its release in 1997. It explores the point-of-view of someone questioning why they had to meet a significant other if the relationship would only end in heartbreak, with them declaring that, despite this, they will carry on.
Aegis – “Basang-Basa Sa Ulan”
Released in 1998, “Basang-Basa Sa Ulan” by Aegis is the fourth track from the Filipino rock group’s 1998 debut album Halik. It takes the perspective of someone going through life’s struggles and challenges, akin to being stuck in the pouring rain with no shelter to be found.
Alicia Keys – “If I Ain’t Got You”
“If I Ain’t Got You” is the sixth track from American R&B/pop singer Alicia Keys‘ sophomore album The Diary of Alicia Keys, released in 2003. Taking inspiration from a number of real-life tragic events, the song talks of how material possessions and things of this world do not matter at all if the people love and hold dear the most are not here with us.
Christian Bautista – “The Way You Look At Me”
“The Way You Look At Me” is the opening track on Filipino balladeer Christian Bautista‘s self-titled debut album, released back in 2004. Still popular to this day, the song explores being deeply infatuated with a significant other, so much so that their lover’s gaze alone is enough to clearly express they feel in return.
Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”
Released back in 1998, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” serves as the theme song to the Michael Bay-directed sci-fi disaster movie Armageddon, starring Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler, and Ben Affleck. The popular Aerosmith track talks of loving someone to the point that you want to cherish each and every single moment with them.
Callalily – “Magbalik”
Serving as the band’s breakthrough hit, “Magbalik” is the fourth track from Filipino pop rock band Callalily‘s debut album Destination XYZ, released in 2006. It takes the point-of-view of someone earnestly declaring their unchanging love for a significant other who no longer feels the same way or has moved on from the relationship.
Rick Price – “Heaven Knows”
Released in 1992, “Heaven Knows” serves as the title track for veteran Australian musician Rick Price‘s debut album. It talks of holding out hope that a lost love will eventually return someday. Until then, only heaven knows. Its long-standing popularity in the Philippines led to Price collaborating with Filipino singer-songwriter Morissette for a duet version, released last 2020.