These 5 new OPM Christmas songs will make your holidays more meaningful
Photos from Juan Karlos, Clara Benin, and Arthur Miguel/Instagram
Christmas isn’t complete without music. Through the years, timeless holiday hits have brought the world together at family get-togethers and friend group gimmicks, with lyrics and melodies everyone knows by heart. These classic carols have gained remarkable recognition every year, from going viral online and dominating music charts worldwide. The same songs have also cemented their iconic status through listeners’ heartfelt, humorous, and festive renditions of them.
The Philippines, home to some of the world’s most committed Christmas carollers, have their own arsenal of festive tunes for the season. You’ve probably heard of Jose Mari Chan’s legendary chart-topper “Christmas in Our Hearts” and OPM rock band Aegis’ “Christmas Bonus.” Filipinos add these legendary holiday anthems to their caroling setlists, reserve them for Christmas parties at school and work, and play them to set the tone for their fun-filled noche buena gatherings.
Christmas this year might not bear the same spirit of warmth and comfort as it used to. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reimagine it through modern-day carols anymore. This season of giving, these five OPM acts are here to rekindle the feeling of togetherness in the Christmas songs they released this year.
“Maligayang Pasko” by Juan Karlos
The “Ere” singer is back with a feel-good Christmas single to cap off his year of global achievements and acclaim. “Maligayang Pasko” sees Juan Karlos singing on the city streets to people of all ages in their best Christmas party get-ups. Every house in the performance video is decked out with parols and Christmas lights, matching the song’s infectious and gleeful energy. The song is a serotonin boost that effortlessly captures the Pinoy Christmas spirit.
“Can’t Wait to See You on Christmas Day” by Clara Benin
If you haven’t shown your loved ones enough appreciation yet, let Clara Benin help you do so over the holidays. “Can’t Wait to See You on Christmas Day” is the singer’s way of cherishing the memories she’s shared with the special people in her life. Whether it’s a long-time friend, relative living abroad, or even a crush or significant other, the best company this Christmas is with people you’ve known and loved the longest.
“Christmas Song (Version II)” by Ena Mori
Christmas isn’t always about warm smiles and laughter. In fact, there’s a toxic side to holiday hangouts that today’s generation also sheds light on. You’ve probably smiled through relatives’ unwarranted comments over dinner or drained out your social battery having to catch up with their whereabouts. Either way, Filipino-Japanese pop singer Ena Mori is here to validate your ambivalence towards these gatherings. “Christmas Song (Version II)” is a stripped down version of its original release in 2022. After braving the same parties every year, she finally turns down invitations and celebrates Christmas in the comfort of her own solitude.
“My Christmas Wish” by Jovelle Balani
What’s Christmas without a little jazz? Canada-based singer-songwriter Jovelle Balani is here to put some soul into the holiday season with “My Christmas Wish.” The mellow carol doubles as a love song that’s perfect for unwinding by the fireplace. Think Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” or Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby.” “My Christmas Wish” is simple, sincere, and unassuming, like every special connection should be over the holidays.
“Bawat Taon” by Arthur Miguel
There’s no harm in getting a little emotional this Christmas, too. For Arthur Miguel, the holidays are the best time to reminisce about the memories you’ve made with your loved ones throughout the year. In “Bawat Taon,” the singer decorates his Christmas tree with polaroids of his core memories from childhood to the present.
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He expresses his gratitude for everyone in his life, whatever roles they played in it, by choosing to stay with them every year. No matter how you’re celebrating Christmas this year, let Arthur Miguel remind you that the people you spend it with are some of the best gifts you could ask for.
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