The greatest Filipino Christmas carols

Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit, 1933: One of the oldest and most popular, the song was originally composed in Cebuano as Kasadya Ning Taknaa by Vicente Rubi and Mariano Vesti.  It became Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit with the Tagalog lyrics written by National Artist Levi Celerio. It was first recorded by the King of Kundiman Ruben Tagalog in 1950.

Ang Pasko ay sumapit/ tayo ay mangagsi-awit/ ng magagandang himig/ dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig/ nang si Kristo’y isilang/ may tatlong haring nagsidalaw/ at ang bawat isa’y/ nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay/ bagong taon ay magbagong buhay... 

Payapang Daigdig, 1946: This is considered the Filipino version of Silent Night because of the peace it expresses and its touching simplicity. The peace we associate with Christmas is coupled here with peace around the world. This was composed by Felipe de Leon, Eduardo de Leon and Brigido Batungbakal at the end of World War II. The bombings were over. The enemy was vanquished. The world then was finally at peace.

Ang gabi’y payapa/ lahat ay tahimik/ pati mga tala/ sa bughaw na langit/ kay hinhin ng hangin/ waring umiibig sa kapayapaan ng buong daigdig….

Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang, 1962:   Obviously influenced by the Spanish villancico, it was composed by Ador Torres with lyrics written by Manuel Villar Sr., founder of Villar Recording. The song was recorded by the Mabuhay Singers, a group that specialized in traditional Filipino music of which Torres was a founding member.  It tells of the Filipino custom of touching the forehead to the hand of one’s elders as a sign of respect, and which is usually answered with a gift during Christmastime.

Mano po ninong/ mano po ninang/ narito kami ngayon/ humahalik sa inyong kamay/ salamat ninong/ salamat ninang/ sa aginaldo pong inyong ibibigay….

Pasko Na Naman, 1965: A lilting paso doble also with hints of the villancico, it was also composed by Felipe de Leon with lyrics by Celerio. This was also recorded by the Mabuhay Singers who turned it into another hit. It was the favorite tune of children carolers some decades ago and which was sung to the accompaniment of tinkling tansans.

Pasko na naman/ o kay tulin ng araw/ Paskong nagdaan/ tila ba kung kailan lang/ ngayon ay Pasko dapat pasalamatan/ ngayon ay Pasko tayo ay mag-awitan/ Pasko, Pasko…

Pasko Na Sinta Ko, 1976. A sad, beautiful ballad, it was composed by Francis Dandan with words by the great baritone Aurelio Estanislao and popularized by Gary Valenciano in 1986. It fully captures the sentiment closest to the Pinoy’s heart that of being together with the loved ones at Christmastime. It is forever remembered on a tragic note. Dandan was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Jan. 30, 2001.

Pasko na sinta ko/ hanap-hanap kita/ bakit nagtatampo/ nilisan ako/  kung mawawala ka/ sa piling ko Sinta/ paano ang Pasko/ inulila mo/ sayang sinta ang sinumpaan….

 Miss Kita Kung Christmas, 1978: It was composed by Hermie Uy with lyrics by Fe M. Ayala and popularized by Susan Fuentes.  It is also about missing a loved one on Christmas but presented in a light, pop, Manila sound style. Alongside Pasko Na Sinta Ko, it has become the most covered Christmas song among Filipino singers. Fuentes was known as the Queen of Visayan Songs. This was her successful bid to crossover into the Tagalog market. 

Ang Disyembre ko ay malungkot/ ‘pagka’t miss kita/ kahit na anong pilit kong magsaya/ miss kita kung Christmas/ kahit sa’n ako magpaling-paling ng tingin/ walang tulad mo/ ang nakapagtataka’y kay raming/ nakahihigit sa yo/ hinahanap-hanap….

Christmas In Our Hearts, 1990: Composed and recorded by Jose Mari Chan as a duet with his daughter Lisa, this was the first Filipino Christmas song in English to win widespread popularity. It is not only the sparkling melody that won the hearts of many, it is also the fact that in spite of the foreign language, it is most expressive of the Filipino Christmas celebration.

Let’s sing Merry Christmas/ and a happy holiday/ this season may we never forget/ the love we have for Jesus/ let Him be the one to guide us/ as another New Year starts/ and may the spirit of Christmas/ be always in our hearts.

Have a blessed Christmas, everybody.