Filipinos are music lovers, that is a given. In most everything that we do, music fills our lives, songs tell our stories. In almost all occasions, particularly special ones like weddings, music has become an essential part of these celebrations. From the church ceremony to the reception itself, songs have been chosen and planned to fit the special moments of this part of our lives—sentimental and sweet.
As much as we enjoy listening to these romantic melodies, so do many others. Have you ever noticed the same but most heartfelt songs being played in various, if not all, weddings? over and over? That in itself attests to the power of songs and love.
Recently, Spot.PH paid homage to the Top 10 songs that have become so synonymous with Pinoy weddings through the years. These songs have become a standard in wedding celebrations in the country. Feel free to search for their lyrics or listen to them. Be the judge. Is worth playing on your special day?
1. The Way You Look Tonight
Artist: Fred Astaire.
Year of Release: 1936
Revived by Frank Sinatra, Tony Benett, and Michael Bublé
The song was first sung by Astaire’s character of John “Lucky” Garnett in the movie Swing Time, released the same year. The inclusion of this love song in two wedding-themed movies, Father of the Bride (1991) and My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) paved the way for the song to become a standard in weddings.
2. We’ve Only Just Begun
Artists: The Carpenters
Year of Release: 1970
What started to be a song for a bank commercial featuring a newlywed couple driving into the sunset, this classic Carpenters hit somewhat became a ‘national anthem’ for weddings not only here in the Philippines but worldwide. What made it popular for weddings is its message of starting a new life together and living in harmony.
3. Ngayon at Kailanman
Artist: Basil Valdez
Year of Release: 1977
Revived by Sharon Cuneta and Mark Bautista
Basil Valdez became a successful recording artist and the most enduring balladeers in the Philippines when he sang this George Canseco composition. Its straightforward message of deep love and affection has, until now, touched the hearts of many Filipinos.
4. All My Life
Artist: America
Year of Release: 1979
Unfortunately, the song and the album, Silent Letters, did not do well in the US. Yet, its simple, catchy tune made its way to the hearts of many Pinoys, thus becoming one of the most well-loved love songs until now.
5. Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas
Artist: Sharon Cuneta.
Year of Release: 1986
Revived by Regine Velasquez, Jed Madela and Rachel Ann Go
Although the movie with the same title where the song was first used was not romantic in nature, the song itself and its message of undying and unwavering love made it popular. Based on the article, the song is best renderred by a choir if used for a wedding. To have an idea, listen to UP Concert Chorus’ rendition of the said song.
6. Pangako
Artist: Ogie Alcasid and Manilyn Reynes
Year of Release: 1990
Revived by Regine Velasquez
The orignal version was already a hit. But when Regine recorded her own version of the song, it practically catapulted its popularity to new heights. The message of the song, keeping a promise, fits well with weddings.
7. Ikaw
Artist: Sharon Cuneta.
Year of Release: 1993
Revived by Ariel Rivera, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, and Lea Salonga
Much like Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, the song was used for a movie with the same title. This is one of the few Filipino/Tagalog wedding songs that a lot of Pinoys are familiar with. This is normally used as the bridal march song.
8. Forevermore
Artist: Side A
Year of Release: 1995
Revived by Brenan Espartinez
This is probably the most popular hit song of the iconic band. With a simple melody, beautiful accompaniment of piano and guitar, and well-crafted lyrics, this song has literally become the theme song of many couples, which make it fit to be played during their wedding day.
9. I Finally Found Someone
Artists: Bryan Adams and Barbra Streisand
Year of Release: 1996
Revived by Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw
The song was part of the soundtrack of the romantic movie, The Mirror Has Two Faces, starring Streisand and Jeff Bridges. By the lyrics alone and how it was used in the movie, this has become one of the most popular wedding songs of all time.
10. The Gift
Artists: Collin Raye and Susan Ashton
Year of Release: 1997
Revived by Jim Brickman and Martina McBride
The song was actually released as part of the first Christmas holiday album of Jim Brickman. The first version is a duet by Collin Raye and Susan Ashton. Afterwards, Jim himself gave his own rendition of the said song, with Martina McBride. Eventually, this Christmas song became a wedding song usually heard after the church ceremony or for the couple’s first dance.
There are so many songs that could be used during your wedding day. They may be ‘cheesy,’ overrated, unconventional, or modern. But what’s important in choosing them are the messages they convey and how they, in a way, summarize what you want to tell your partner in life.
Happy listening and happy planning!
