Top 10 Christmas Songs from the Philippines

For someone who spent her youth in the Philippines and now living abroad, Christmas has always been a bitter-sweet time for me. I clearly recall all the wonderful moments I had with family and friends in the Philippines during the Yuletide season. One of the fondest memories I have were the times we went around our neighborhood to sing carols, with homemade musical instruments as accompaniment.

Most of the songs I picked for my top 10 list are ones which I sung when I was a child; some are in English, but most are in the Filipino language. I picked these songs not only because of its popularity, but also because it effectively captures the essence of Christmas.

1. Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit (Christmas Has Arrived) - The lyrics of this song is credited to Levi Celerio with music by Vicente D. Rubi. This upbeat tune is about the birth of Jesus Christ; it also reminds us that we should continue to be generous with each other even if it's not Christmas.

2.Pasko Na Naman (It's Christmas Again) - This short and joyful tune, that reiterates the fact that time flies, is a favorite of young carolers. Words by Levi Celerio and music by Felipe de Leon.

3.Himig Ng Pasko (Hymn of Christmas)- A mellow and descriptive song that has been recorded by many Filipino artists. Perhaps the most recognizable version is that by the trio known as the Apo Hiking Society.

4. Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang (Bless Me Godfather, Bless Me Godmother) - This song illustrates how young ones in the Philippines show respect to their elders. Mano is the act of bringing the hand of the elder to your forehead; a tradition that Filipinos still observe, not only on Christmas time, but every time they visit their elders.

5. Kampana ng Simbahan (Church Bells) - This tune is about another Filipino tradition observed during Christmas time - the misa de gallo, also known as Rooster's Mass or simbang gabi. For 9 days, Catholics show their devotion by going to church at the crack of dawn to hear mass.

6. Sa May Bahay Ang Aming Bati (To This House We Greet) - Another favorite song of young carolers as they go from house to house asking for aguinaldos (gifts) during the Yuletide season.

7. Noche Buena (Spanish for "Good Night") - Composed by Felipe Padilla de Leon, this song is about the feast Filipino families share at midnight after hearing mass on Christmas Eve.

8. Kumukutikutitap (Sparkling) - An upbeat tune that describes the beautiful lights and decorations that can be seen during Christmas time.

9. Christmas in Our Hearts - This song by singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan, reminds us what Christmas is really all about.

10.A Perfect Christmas - Another Jose Mari Chan hit, this love song speaks of longing to be with the one you love during Christmas.

May we all have a meaningful Christmas. Maligayang Pasko (Merry Christmas) to all!