12 OPM Songs with Creatively Unconventional Titles

Oct 11, 2016

From the classics to modern-day hits, many OPM songs serve as the soundtrack of our lives. These odes speak of Filipino sentiments that, whenever heard, never fail to tug at our heartstrings, even rekindling bittersweet and beautiful memories from long ago.

This is one of that many reasons why it’s easy to love and appreciate OPM. But apart from the melodies and lines we often associate with our lives’ most unforgettable moments, we are also captivated (and made curious) by the wit of their titles. And this only proves how our country is brimming with so much artistry and creativity.

Here’s a shortlist of OPM songs sealed with some of the most creatively unusual titles.

Sampip (Parokya ni Edgar)

“Some people love shoes of certain kinds/ Some people love afternoons or the way the moonlight shines…” and we have our own reasons to love Parokya ni Edgar, one of which: their song’s simple yet hard-hitting lines (a classic example: “Sampip”).

“Sampip” is a track about unrequited love from the band’s album, Buruguduystunstugudunstu, released in 1997. The title is a combination of the song’s first two words “some people,” spelled in Tagalog.

214 (Rivermaya)

“214” is a pop/rock ballad song from Rivermaya’s 1994 self-titled album. Aside from the song lyrics depicting a romantic theme, the band’s second official single is popular for its title. The title stands for the number of letters in the first three words of the song, “Am I real?”

Two Four (Gracenote)

“Two Four” is a play on the phrase, “to forget.” This song is Gracenote’s second single from their much-awaited sophomore album, Transparent. Written with heartfelt lyrics, “Two Four” is about forgetting regrets, failures and pain all at the same time while moving on with life.

Kundiman (Silent Sanctuary)

OPM band Silent Sanctuary’s “Kundiman” is a song from the band’s phenomenal album, Fuchsiang Pag-ibig. The song renders a sweet melodic pattern and romantic lyrics, making it sound like a traditional Filipino serenade or, as known in the vernacular, kundiman.

The title is an alteration of the phrase “kung hindi man,” which was highlighted in the track’s chorus: “Kung hindi man tayo hanggang dulo Wag mong kalimutan nandito lang ako laging umaalalay hindi ako lalayo. Dahil ang tanging panalangin ko ay ikaw.”

+63 (Sponge Cola)

“Tanging hinihiling sa’yo/ Ay marinig lang ang tinig mo/ Kahit sandali lang,” Sponge Cola sings in their hit collaboration with Yeng Constantino.

“+63” is the 6th track from the band’s 5th studio album, Ultrablessed. An anthem for couples in a long distance relationship, its title corresponds to Philippines’ country calling code.

Buko (Jireh Lim)

“Naalala ko pa nung nililigawan pa lamang kita/ Dadalaw tuwing gabi, masilayan lamang ang iyong mga ngiti/ At ika’y sasabihan bukas ng alas siyete sa dating tagpuan”

Inspired by the real-life love story of Jireh Lim’s grandparents, “Buko” is a moving till-death-do-us-part love song that stirs up “forever feels.” According to the acoustic sensation, the title, “Buko”, is a shortened term for “Buhay ko.” He intends to create a new term of endearment for lovers, apart from the usual “baby”, “sweetheart” and “honey”.

Migraine (Moonstar 88)

“Oo nga pala, hindi nga pala tayo” This opening line of Moonstar 88’s Todo Combo track is a painful expression of how it feels like to be stuck in that “gray area” of a romantic relationship. The title aptly defines how confusing it must be to go through this kind of situation.

Martyr Nyebera (Kamikazee)

“Ang almusal ay sigawan/ Ang hapunan natin ay tampuhan/ Ang meryenda pagdududa/ Pero mahal kita…wala ng hahanapin pang iba/ Handa ‘kong magtiis kahit na away, away, away na ‘to”

This surprisingly catchy tune from Kamikazee’s 2006 album Maharot  is a pop rock song about the inevitable differences lovers may encounter. In this song, the band comically and lightly touches a very serious theme:  being a (little bit of) martyr in order to save and sustain a romantic relationship. The title is a slang twist of Martin Nievera, a music and pop culture icon in the country.

Silvertoes (Parokya ni Edgar)

“Wag ka nang mag-alala/ Hinding-hindi ako inlab sayo/ Bakit ba pakiramdam mo pa yata/ Lahat kami ay naaakit mo/ Miss, miss, pakitigil lang please/ Ang iyong pagpapantasya.”

Parokya ni Edgar’s “Silvertoes” is a song inspired by Chito’s and Dindin’s personal experiences. Wrapped in a playful tune, “Silvertoes” is about a girl with silver nail polish who used to upset the two band members. The track is the group’s shout-out to ladies who assume too much about their being likable.

 

Wronf (Armi Millare)

“Wronf” (Wrong) is a song particularly written for the critically acclaimed film “Apocalypse Child.” According to the Up Dharma Down vocalist, the track is entitled as such after she made a typographical error but later on decided to keep the beautiful, metaphoric mistake.

Triangulo (Thyro, Yumi and Jeric Medina)

This playful OPM tune from Thyro, Yumi and Jeric Medina is dedicated to those caught up in a bizarre love triangle. The title of the PhilPop 2015 grand winner, “Triangulo” is not only a Spanish word for triangle, it is also a play on “try” and “ang gulo” as mentioned in the song’s chorus (At kahit ilang beses mong i-try/Ang gulo gulo/ Ang gulo gulo).

Nosi Balasi (Sampaguita)

If there’s one OPM legendary music that has been rocking over the decades with its ingenious name, it is no other than the empowering “Nosi Balasi.”

“Nosi Balasi” is a classic Pinoy rock song, by Tessy Alfonso, known as Sampaguita, the queen of Filipino Rock Music. The title is a jumbled version of “Sino Ba Sila.”

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