List of Filipino Christmas carols and songs facts for kids
Filipino Christmas carols and songs are special tunes sung by people in the Philippines during the Christmas season. Just like a lot of Filipino music, some of these songs came from the time when Spain and later the United States ruled the Philippines. Others were written more recently as part of the OPM movement, which celebrates Filipino-made music. These songs help make Christmas in the Philippines extra joyful and unique!
"Himig ng Pasko"
"Himig Pasko," which means "Melody of Christmas," is a popular Christmas carol written by Serapio Y. Ramos in the 1960s. The song starts by talking about the cool, fresh air of the Amihan. This is the special northeast wind that blows around December, making the Christmas season feel even more festive. The song captures the happy and lively feeling of Christmas spreading everywhere. It talks about how everyone feels joyful and how sadness disappears during this special time.
"Namamasko"
"Namamasko" is a fun and playful Christmas song. Its full name is often "Sa Maybahay ang Aming Batì," which means "To the Householder We Greet." This song is about the tradition of caroling, where groups, often children, go from house to house singing Christmas songs. They usually ask for a small gift or treat, called an aguinaldo, in return. It's a bit like the English carol "Here We Come A-caroling," but with a Filipino twist! The song shows how much fun caroling is for kids during Christmas.
"Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit"
"Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit" is one of the most famous traditional Filipino Christmas songs. Its title means "Christmas is Coming" or "Christmas Has Arrived." It was first written in 1933 by Vicente D. Rubi and Mariano Vestil in the Cebuano language, called "Kasadya ning Táknaa." Later, during the 1950s, a famous Filipino artist named Levi Celerio wrote the popular Tagalog lyrics we know today.
The song talks about Christmas arriving and encourages everyone to sing beautiful songs because God is love. It also mentions the Three Kings who visited Christ when he was born, bringing special gifts. A big part of the song is about the New Year, encouraging people to make a fresh start and work hard for a happy and prosperous nation. It reminds everyone to love each other and follow the "Golden Rule" not just at Christmas, but all the time. This song is still sung widely in the Philippines and by Filipinos around the world, especially in churches.
Other Popular Christmas Songs
The Philippines has many other wonderful Christmas songs that people love to sing and listen to. These songs add to the festive spirit of the season. Here are a few well-known ones:
- "Noche Buena" (1965), written by Felipe Padilla de León and Levi Celerio.
- "Miss Kita Kung Christmas" (1975), which means "I Miss You Every Christmas."
- "Kumukutikutitap" (1987), meaning "Glimmering," with music by Ryan Cayabyab.
- "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" (1982), meaning "It's Christmas Now My Dear."
- "Christmas in Our Hearts" (1990), a very popular song by Jose Mari Chan.
- "Sana Ngayong Pasko" (1993), meaning "I Hope This Christmas."
- "Pasko ng Kapuso" (2004) and "Star ng Pasko" (2009) are popular songs from TV networks that celebrate Christmas.
- "Pasko sa Pinas" (2007), by Yeng Constantino, talks about Christmas in the Philippines.
- "Bibingka" (2016), a song about the traditional Filipino Christmas rice cake.
- "Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko" (2016), meaning "We're One Family this Christmas."
- "Pasko ang Pinakamagandang Kwento" (2023), meaning "Christmas is the Best Story."
These songs, and many more, show how much Filipinos love Christmas and how music is a big part of their celebrations.
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