Classic Wishclusives: 10 Timeless OPM Songs Performed on the Wish Bus

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Time sure flies — but some things, feelings, and songs stay the same. Or even get better.

In music, classic songs aren’t just old songs. Whether it’s because of their power to evoke memories or their sheer beauty and honesty, there’s something fascinating about these musical creations. And despite the emergence of more contemporary pieces, they are still being appreciated by more than one generation of listeners.

Over the past eight years since it was launched, the Wish Bus has seen several music acts perform OPM anthems from yesteryears. And in commemoration of the upcoming Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (a celebration held every last week of July to kindle our love for our musical heritage), we’ve rounded up 10 of the most memorable among them.

“Ngayon at Kailanman”

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The OPM catalog is one big treasure trove of beautiful ballads. And “Ngayon at Kailanman” is one of those timeless piano-driven pieces that can tug at your heartstrings as soon as the first notes are sung.

While this George Canseco-penned classic begins gently, it takes a dramatic turn to encapsulate the enormity of the narrator’s feelings — and of romantic love itself. In this video, it’s performed by Basil Valdez whose passion for music also seems to never wane.

“Say That You Love Me”

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“Say That You Love Me” is more than just a passionate plea. With poetic lines from Allan Ayque, paired with a rousing melody from premier composer and KDR Icon of Musical Excellence Louie Ocampo, the song envelops the immense devotion of a lover — that even when the subject of his affection leaves, his love for that person will remain. Originally interpreted by Valdez, Martin Nievera’s rendition is also well-loved by Filipinos as it provides wonderful justice to such an arresting song.

“Nakapagtataka”

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The pensive opening piano riff of “Nakapagtataka” aptly introduces the heavy-hearted theme of this 1978 OPM piece. Composed by Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes, the song portrays the aftermath of a breakup: a scenario where one is left dazed, confused, and drenched in pain.

Despite performing it while sitting aboard the Wish Bus, Hajji Alejandro nonetheless delivers an impassioned interpretation of one of his most recognizable hits. On a side note, did you know that before their solo careers were launched, Alejandro and Valdez were both parts of a group called The Circus Band?

“Kanlungan”

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While “Nakapagtataka” explores breakup, Buklod’s “Kanlungan” ruminates on the momentariness of life. And though they’re coming from seemingly different perspectives, in one way or another, both offer the same important life lesson — and that is to cherish your loved ones while you’re still with them. This Wishclusive sees Noel Cabangon, one-third of the ‘80s folk group, earnestly impart that advice.

“Ikaw Lamang”

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In this performance, Ogie Alcasid introduces this ballad as one of his favorite compositions. First recorded by Gary Valenciano (who also has his fair share of Wishclusives), “Ikaw Lamang” is one of the many musical testaments of Filipinos’ sacred perception of love: It’s more than just a feeling; it’s a life-long, unwavering commitment.

“Araw-Gabi”

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Filipinos are musically gifted and innately romantic. This pairing is responsible for the abundance of OPM songs that express “I love you” in many poetic ways.

In Ryan Cayabyab’s “Araw-Gabi,” the National Artist for Music gives his audience a peek into how a music man crafts a song for his muse. While this gesture is a painstaking one, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid effortlessly brings the song to life — as seen in her long-awaited Wish Bus debut.

“Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin”

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This emotionally charged, Jimmy Borja-penned composition is Lani Misalucha’s signature song. And it’s a classic OPM for many reasons.

Showcasing the Asia’s Nightingale’s mesmerizing trills, “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” is sentimental through and through, speaking of a love that can never be realized. Its soaring melody also appeals to many Filipinos, whose affinity for birit pieces remains strong generation after generation.

“To Love Again”

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Not all OPM classics come in the form of big ballads made for belting out. Case in point: Odette Quesada’s catalog. One of the country’s most prolific singer-songwriters, her body of work is rife with songs that are simple, sincere, yet full of emotions — including the heart-rending “To Love Again.”

It was Sharon Cuneta and Dingdong Avanzado’s recordings of the song that dominated the airwaves back in the day. Quesada’s acoustic version — which she performed aboard the Wish Bus with Top Suzara — offers a different take, giving off a certain air of melancholia that easily contends today’s hugot songs.

“Isang Linggong Pag-ibig”

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This Wishclusive features a classic with a twist. “Isang Linggong Pag-ibig,” penned by Mon Del Rosario, is a hit for jukebox queen Imelda Papin. In KZ Tandingan’s version, this song about short-lived romance gets a soulful, searing reinterpretation that, in its own right, is also one for the ages.

“Laki sa Layaw”

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On one side of the vast spectrum of OPM, there are emotive songs that hit the soft spot of Filipinos’ hearts. On another, there are stinging rock anthems that tackle poignant realities in a more unapologetic manner.

In this Wishclusive, Mike Hanopol reunites with fellow Juan Dela Cruz bandmate, the late Pepe Smith, to deliver one of the biggest hits of his solo career. While the musical narrative talks about someone unworthy of honor — someone intoxicated by both literal and metaphoric vices — the way the rock legends performed it on the Wish Bus is worthy of respect.

Though they’re clearly in their senescence, their heart for their craft is not one to be easily eclipsed by old age or health conditions. And like what’s imbued in many OPM classics, it’s the kind of dedication that simply never dies.

ALSO READ: Timeless Filipino Love Songs New Generation of OPM Fans Should Know