To say that Filipinos love karaoke is an understatement of epic proportions.
With countless singable — and even hard-to-belt songs — to choose from, this beloved form of music consumption has become more than just a pastime. Over the years, karaoke has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its ability to welcome people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a singing world champ or a casual music lover, karaoke offers a shared stage where you can let your feelings out through singing.
As we commemorate the birth of this musical breakthrough this International Karaoke Day, we’ve come up with a selection of karaoke staples that have their own flavorful Wishclusive twist.
Pull up your songbooks, press that number pad, and consider singing along to these tracks on your next karaoke session!
“Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” Gigi De Lana (Roselle Nava cover)
No Gigi De Lana cover is ever ordinary. And her take on one of Roselle Nava’s signature hits, “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” brought the song to new heights — literally and figuratively.
Originally recorded in 1995, the song was poignantly delivered by Nava with a deep emotional pull. It found new life in 2021 when De Lana and her band gave it their own spin, turning it into a sing-along sensation for a new generation of OPM fans.
De Lana reintroduced the Larry Hermoso-penned track with dramatic pauses, subtle tempo shifts, and a vocal build-up that starts smooth and serene, then swells into something raspy and powerful by the end. Like Hermoso’s other heartwrenching songs (Nava’s “Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita,” Jeremiah’s “Nanghihinayang,” and the Angeline Quinto-popularized track, “Kunin Mo Na Ang Lahat Sa Akin”), the song speaks of a theme that’s ubiquitous in many go-to karaoke pieces: loving someone who doesn’t love you back.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Bakit nga ba mahal kita / Kahit na may mahal ka mang iba?
“Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,” Kitchie Nadal
If songs age like a fine wine, this one is a bold, full-bodied classic that only gets better with every replay.
Just a few notes in, and it instantly evokes a deep sense of wistful thinking — the kind that sits with you long after it ends. With over two decades in the industry, Filipina rock act Kitchie Nadal continues to delight fans with her distinctive sound and delightful nuances. In this very Wish Bus rendition, she breathes new life into this classic by infusing a Spanish flavor while staying true to her effortless guitar-playing and singing.
It’s a song that feels like it’s grown with us through the years, yet still sounds fresh and unfiltered. Anyone can perform it, experience it, and make it their own — the very hallmarks of a true karaoke classic.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Oh, woah-ooh-oh/ Huwag na huwag mong sasabihin/ Na hindi mo nadama itong/ Pag-ibig kong handang/ Ibigay kahit pa ang kalayaan mo
“Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” Morissette (Sheryn Regis cover)
Filipinos have a deep affinity for big ballad songs. And this Jonathan Manalo-penned hit, originally written for and performed by Sheryn Regis, stands as a top-tier entry in any live karaoke session.
“Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw” is freeing, relieving, and nothing short of cathartic. Manalo once said in an interview that he wanted its melody to carry the “feeling of releasing all your angst, anger, and frustration.”
This very intention shines through — especially in this performance where Asia’s Phoenix Morissette delivers it live on the Wish Bus. In this Wishclusive, her unmistakable vocal prowess turned the modern classic into an emotionally charged experience that can leave you breathless.
In case you’re up for the challenge of singing it aloud, be sure to warm up those vocal cords as this one’s no easy feat.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Kalaban ang sarili/ Sino bang dapat pumili/ Sino nga ba, ako ba o ikaw/ Gusto ko nang bumitaw!
“Two Less Lonely People in the World,” KZ Tandingan (Air Supply cover)
Timeless and sentimental to the core, Air Supply’s 1982 soft rock ballad, "Two Less Lonely People in the World," continues to strike a chord across generations.
In 2017, the track was given a soulful take by KZ Tandingan when she recorded it as the official soundtrack of the romantic comedy film, “Kita Kita.” Her Wish Bus performance has since amassed over 100 million views on YouTube.
With its jazzy flair and rich sonic texture, Tandingan’s revival is one that’s hard to unlearn once heard — much like her unforgettable spins on Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Imelda Papin’s “Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig,” and UDD’s “Tadhana.”
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Two less lonely people in the world and it's gonna be fine/ Out of all the people in the world, I just can't believe you're mine
“Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You,” Julie Anne San Jose and Erik Santos (George Benson cover)
More often than not, karaoke sparks ripples of nostalgia — especially when you sing your heart out to a classic like this.
“Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” was originally recorded by George Benson and has particularly gained substantial listenership in Asia, including the Philippines. There’s also a version released by Glenn Medeiros, which also received global acclaim.
Proving just how well-loved this song is in the country, Pop Ballad Royalty Erik Santos and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose have their own rendition of it in 2024 — a month shy of their co-headlining concert.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Nothing's gonna change my love for you / You oughta know by now how much I love you
“Your Love,” Sue Ramirez (Alamid cover)
In 1995, the NU107 Rock Awards recognized Alamid’s “Your Love” as the Song of the Year. And rightfully so.
The rock band, once famously fronted by the late Gary Ignacio, released the piano-driven track as part of their self-titled debut album the year before. A song that overflows with emotions coming from a yearner’s heart, “Your Love” has become an anthem for the romantically devoted. The chorus, in particular, is a searing, poetic ode to the visceral power of love: It’s there to offer warmth that comforts and a shiver that lingers.
Sue Ramirez’s Wishclusive rendition, recorded in 2017, is a tender take on this karaoke staple.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Your love is like the sun that lights up my whole world / I feel the warmth inside
“Torete,” Moonstar88
No other OPM tune has quite expressed that romantic longing as charmingly as Moonstar88’s “Torete.” The song, which turned 25 this year, is “a song of so many generations,” vocalist Maysh Baay describes.
A huge part of what makes “Torete” time-transcending is its lyrics, which carry a fragile, innocent sincerity. The title alone — which gets repeated in the chorus — means being deeply infatuated and head over heels for someone. The memorable opening lines also clearly signal a palpable lovestruck vibe that drives the rest of the track.
It’s no surprise that it’s become a go-to karaoke song in a land where singing and being a hopeless romantic are practically in the DNA.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Sandali na lang, maaari bang pagbigyan? / Aalis na nga, maaari bang hawakan ang iyong mga kamay?
“Jopay,” Mayonnaise
The early and mid-2000s were a golden time for both rock bands and sing-and-dance groups like the SexBomb Girls (often credited as pioneers of P-pop). And somewhere in the middle of this cultural mix sat “Jopay.”
Jopay was a household name, best known for being a SexBomb girl. She’s also the muse of a Mayonnaise song that would become the band’s ticket to mainstream fame at the time.
Jopay, the song, has a certain appeal. In a nutshell, the narrator offers his muse an escape from life’s chaos. It’s a personal plea, yet it feels so universal that you won’t think twice about pouring your heart into it in a karaoke room.
Best part to sing in the karaoke: Jopay, kumusta ka na?
Want to watch more Wishclusive performances? Check out our playlists here.
This blog post has completely changed my perspective on music. It's a must-read for any music lover.
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