Classic Filipino Songs in Funerals

From the time I was born and until now, part of our big neighborhood are the two well-known funeral homes in the city center. It so happened that some of the owner's family members of these funeral homes were my friends. We often talk about on what they do inside the funeral homes, from the process of embalming up to the burial service in the cemetery. Part of our conversation is cracking jokes on our personal death wishes. It may sound weird to some who had heard us, but that is the reality, we all come to that point in our lifetime.

The Filipino traditions of honoring our departed loved ones are truly remarkable and unique. We learned all these different custom and traditions from generation to generation, regardless of tribe and beliefs one may have.

Part of the practice of honoring our dead involves the playing of music, whether be it western modern love songs, religious songs or an original Filipino music. The love of music runs in the blood of every Filipino, I think, because music is always there until the time of death. I believed that music is an effective way to show our emotions as well as to find relief in an hour of sorrow. The song selection can either be the favorite of the departed loved ones or the request of the family.

Let me mention some of the popular Filipino songs played during the funeral service. The hearse carrying the coffin played the selected songs during the funeral march going to the cemetery.

1. Hindi Kita Malilimutan
This is the top of the list. An Original Pilipino Music (OPM) popularized by Basil Valdez. I always heard this song during funeral march.

2. Paglisan
An original music by Color it Redd. Usually played for teenagers who lost their lives early.

3. Maalala Mo Kaya
Usually played to honor the departed grandparents.

4. Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo
Another emotional song played during funeral, again by Basil Valdez

5. Magpakailanman Man
A heartfelt song popularized by Wendy Cornejo. The powerful rendition will surely weeps everyone.

6. Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggang
A song by Didith Reyes. The meaning of the title itself, till the end of time, will truly full your tears.

7. Pangako
The song meant to convey the promise of an endless love. The artist of the song is Ogie Alcasid.

8. Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin
The artist was Rodeo Naval, who died at the peak of his career.

9. Kanlungan
The song famoused by Noel Cabangon. The song meant to recollect memories.

10. Malayo Pa Ang Umaga
A meaningful song popularized by Rey Valera. The song meant to convey hope and joy, as the saying that goes there is a rainbow after the rain.

In case you haven't heard any of the songs listed above, better check them out over the internet to experience hearing these music masterpieces.

When my dear father died last Dec 2010, I choose "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross. It was fitting to honor a dedicated father like mine. It is now the favorite song of the family. Every time I played it on some family occasions, everyone is rushing away to every corner of the house to hide their tears.

Truly, music brings magic into our life.