7 Nostalgic Wish Bus Performances to Watch: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Nostalgia hurts in the sweetest way. Strange, you might say.

It takes us back to our past seasons — a familiar scent, a fleeting scene, sometimes in the middle of a random day. But nostalgia hits differently when it’s heard through music. The words and notes of the song give warmth, but there’s always a sting. There’s something emotional about hearing songs you grew up with, songs that comforted you during your toughest days, and songs that refresh your joyous memories.

In recent months, the Wish Bus has welcomed back some of OPM’s most beloved artists, delivering tracks that you can sing along to and experience all over again. Whether it’s a power ballad from the early 2000s or a signature rock hit from your high school days, these Wishclusive performances will make us remember the stories of our younger selves. 

Here are seven nostalgic Wish Bus performances to stream on repeat when you need a sentimental trip down memory lane.

“Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” — Kitchie Nadal

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Huwag na huwag mong sasabihin

Na hindi mo nadama itong

Pag-ibig kong handang

Ibigay kahit pa ang kalayaan mo

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First up is a track that needs no introduction: Kitchie Nadal’s multi-awarded “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin.” This 2004 hit from her self-titled album is one of the most unforgettable songs of early 2000s alternative-rock OPM. In her Wish Bus performance, Kitchie brings it back with a version that feels both new and achingly familiar from when we first heard it — all while injecting it with a Spanish twist. 

“Pumapatak na Naman ang Ulan/Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba” — Apo Hiking Society

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Radyo, tv, at mga lumang komiks

Wala ng ibang mapaglibangan

At kung meron kang tatawagan

Data na lang ang makakaltasan

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Some songs age like fine wine, and Apo Hiking Society proves just that.

The OPM legends deliver not one, but two classics in this throwback Wishclusive performance. Few artists blend wit, warmth, and wisdom into their music as they do. Complete with timeless retro feels and different stories about love and life, it’s a kind of medley performance you wouldn’t want to miss. The updated lyrics — as shown above — is just a welcome bonus.

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“Someday” — Nina

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‘Cause, someday someone's gonna love me

The way I wanted you to need me

Someday someone's gonna take your place

Oh, one day I'll forget about you

You'll see I won't even miss you

Someday, I know someone's gonna be there

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Heartbreak never sounded so soothing.

Nina’s voice has always been a balm for the brokenhearted. Her Wish Bus rendition of “Someday” revives the quiet ache of 2000s soul-pop OPM. Originally released in 2007, the multi-awarded track became an anthem of self-worth, letting go, and moving on. Now with a refreshed version, “Someday” is the Diamond Soul Siren’s Wishclusive reminder that healing comes, even if it takes time.

“Tuloy Pa Rin” — Jolina Magdangal

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Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko

Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo

Handa na 'kong hamunin ang aking mundo

'Pagkat tuloy pa rin

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A voice synonymous with late ‘90s and early 2000s Pinoy pop, Jolina offers a bubbly throwback vibe with her Wishclusive performance of “Tuloy Pa Rin.”

 From mending a broken heart and letting go to getting back on track and moving forward, Jolina’s “Tuloy Pa Rin” feels like the next chapter after Nina’s “Someday.” It expresses the journey of embracing change and a reminder that life goes on.

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“Blue Sky” — Hale

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There will always be a blue sky

A blue sky waiting tomorrow

Full of hope

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This song always felt like a ray of sunlight after the rain. And this new Wishclusive performance from alternative-rock band Hale revives that same uplifting feel from the 2005 hit. It’s a kind of nostalgic performance that would make you close your eyes and believe in better tomorrows.

“Lapit” — Yeng

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Lapit sa akin at 'wag matakot ka

Papawiin ang luha, ulan ay titila na

Kahit sabihin mo na 'di na kaya

Araw ay sisikat, may bagong liwanag

'Di ka nag-iisa

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When Yeng’s “Lapit" was released in 2009, it quickly became a comfort track for those weathering difficult situations. It’s a kind of song that makes it feel like she’s singing directly to those who need to hear it the most. More than a decade later, its message still rings true. The Pop-Rock Royalty’s latest Wishclusive performance speaks the same reassurance that someone hears you. And you are not alone.

“Pagsubok” — Orient Pearl 

Pagkabigo't alinlangang 

Gumugulo sa isipan

Mga pagsubok lamang 'yan 

Huwag mong itigil ang laban

Huwag mong isuko 

At iyong labanan

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With Ney Dimaculangan now on vocals, the ‘90s OPM rock band Orient Pearl’s “Pagsubok” is reborn for the fresher generation. The track remains a stirring ode to resilience and courage, just like how it feels when the band released it in 1995. And, in this Wish Bus version, the song reminds us why it has become a soundtrack that calls the fighter in all of us — a fitting finale to our list.

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Watch more classic and fresh Wishclusive performances on our YouTube channel.

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