Apo Hiking Society’s ‘Ewan’ and More: 6 Wishclusives to Watch from Wish Date Artists

Wish Date: Rewrite, the newest edition of the Wish Date concert series, is fast approaching. Happening on April 12, 2026, at the Mall of Asia Arena, it will turn the limelight on the legacy of none other than OPM icons Apo Hiking Society. Enriching the experience are performances from Over October and Aquila Packing.

Before these artists take over the Wish Date stage, revisit some of their standout Wish Bus performances through this article.

“Ewan,” Apo Hiking Society

Apo Hiking Society’s decades-long career is filled with OPM gems — songs that may seem deceptively simple at first, yet have a way of captivating listeners’ hearts. One such fine example is “Ewan.”

“Ewan” was released in 1980, lifted from the band’s “Ten Years Together” album. The song has an unmistakably Filipino identity, with the title loosely translating to “I don’t know.” In the local context, it usually carries a more nuanced meaning. In this not-your-average serenade song, ewan could be playful avoidance, hesitation, or even a coy response in matters of the heart.

When Apo Hiking Society made their Wish Bus comeback in promotion of Wish Date, they performed it as a bonus song in their setlist, much to the delight of radio and on-site listeners.

“Panalangin,” Apo Hiking Society

If “Ewan” is all about the playful side of love, “Panalangin” captures it in its most sincere form.

Also part of the same album, this OPM classic is a heartfelt paean to a love meant to last. Its message is simple but powerful: When you’ve found the right person, all you can do is hope, pray, and hold on.

Though “Panalangin” is close to turning 50, it continues to strike a chord with listeners — and its Wish Bus performance proves just that. The video recently surpassed 10 million views, earning Apo Hiking Society a spot in the Wishclusive Elite Circle. This recognition is for artists whose Wish Bus performances reach at least 10 million streams.

“When I Met You,” Apo Hiking Society

Several English-language OPM songs have emerged in the past — and some were so well-written and universally appealing that listeners often mistake them for foreign tracks. “When I Met You” is one of those tracks.

Penned by Jim Paredes and released in 1983 as part of the album True to My Music, the song carries a smooth, easy-listening sound that feels right at home alongside classic international love songs.

Apo Hiking Society’s Wish Bus performance brings that very timeless tune to the forefront, reminding the audience why it continues to resonate decades after it first hit the airwaves.

“Ikot,” Over October

While Apo Hiking Society represents the timeless side of OPM, Over October is one of those prominent OPM bands bringing in the voice of a new generation. This Wishclusive is one proof of that.

Formed in 2014, the quintet — comprising Josh Buizon (vocals, rhythm guitars), Joshua Caleb Lua (lead guitars), Joric Canlas (bass), Janessa Geronimo (drums), and Anton Rodriguez (rhythm guitars) — had already built a steady following through earlier releases. But it was their 2024 song “Ikot” that truly became their breakthrough hit.

“Paikot-ikot lang mula no'ng mailang/ Gawa ng 'yong tingin at ngiti,” the song’s opening lines go. The rest of the track finds the narrator caught in a cycle of longing and uncertainty. With relatable lines and LSS-worthy melody, it didn’t come as a surprise that it eventually gained massive traction in the digital space, especially on TikTok and Instagram.

“Sandali Lang,” Over October

“Sandali Lang,” a cut from Over October’s 2021 album “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow,” marks a milestone for the band, as it was their first-ever Tagalog release.

Adapting a more introspective tone, the song explores that idea that “the act of letting go is also an act of love in itself.”

As frontman Josh Buizon stated in a press release, “The song speaks about two people, one who thought that everything was okay and going well, and the other, who was slowly falling out of love throughout their relationship. Sandali Lang focuses on how the person that was left behind can’t understand why and has so many questions in their head trying to figure out what went wrong.”

“Suave,” Aquila Packing

You might have come across Aquila Packing on social media — the talented young artist from Baguio City playing the keyboard (and occasionally the ukulele and guitar) while delivering some of the most pristine covers of OPM classics.

The rising singer-songwriter has built a strong following over the years. And she has captivated hearts with her renditions of “Tindahan ni Aling Nena” by the Eraserheads, “Superstar ng Buhay Ko” by Cinderella, and “Mr. DJ” by Rey Valera, among many others

Beyond her covers, she also releases original music. One of these is “Suave,” a bossa nova-inspired track about being infatuated with someone whose charm comes effortlessly.

‍Ready to hear Apo Hiking Society, Over October, and Aquila Packing live on stage? Catch these artists at Wish Date: Rewrite on April 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets are available via SM Tickets.