Christmastime is one of the happiest, most important celebrations of the year in the Philippines. Christmas celebrations in the Philippines, in fact, begin as early as September.
Along with a love for Christmas, Filipinos also have a love for music. And there are dozens if not hundreds of Tagalog Christmas songs, traditional and modern alike, some that even include some English lyrics!
In this guide, we look at the best Tagalog Christmas songs.
“Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” by Levi Celerio
Song year: 1950
You would be hard-pressed to find a Filipino that’s not familiar with the minor-key polka (though the style of the song probably depends on the version) of “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit.”
The song celebrates the arrival of Christmas, starting a new life in a New Year, and makes some obligatory Biblical references too (“Three kings came to visit,” “Of the infant given by heaven,” etc.), a recurring theme in Tagalog Christmas tunes.
“Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang” by The Mabuhay Singers
Song year: 2006
“Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang” is a song that wishes the listener a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Quite revolutionary, don’t you think? (I’m kidding, of course…)
Also included in the lyrics is the expected Biblical reference (“Celebrate the day of our Lord”), but perhaps most interesting is the tradition the song represents.
During the holiday season – especially Christmas – children will kiss or touch their forehead to the hand (“mano”) or their godfather or godmother. Godfathers and godmothers are expected to offer a monetary gift to the children.
“Namamasko (Sa Maybahay ang Aming Bati)” by Bayanihan Phillippine Dance Company
Song year: 1991
“Namamasko” literally means “Christmas.” This Tagalog number is a caroling classic, and its message revolves around going to another’s home to ask for a monetary Christmas gift.
The lyrics literally say, “The reason we have come is to ask for money.”
“Pasko Na Naman” by Ramon “RJ” Jacinto
Song year: 2013
“Pasko Na Naman” is a Christmas favorite, especially among children. It is one of the most popular Tagalog songs you can find.
The lyrics are mostly about how fast time passes, and how last year’s Christmas feels like it was just yesterday.
“Pasko Na Naman” is basically a polka, just like a lot of other Tagalog songs, but this one has a minor (verse) and a major (chorus) section.
“Pasko, Na Sinta Ko” by Gary Valenciano
Song year: 2001
Gary Valenciano’s “Pasko, Na Sinta Ko” is a romantic Christmastime ballad about brokenheartedness and hope. For those who spend time away from their families, the song has practically become an anthem.
“Noche Buena” by Felipe Padilla de León & Levi Celerio
Song year: 1965
“Noche Buena” literally meaning “Christmas Eve,” is a Tagalog Christmas standard. A variety of Filipino artists, like Didith Reyes, Celeste Legaspi, Joey Albert, and many others have recorded their own versions.
The song, however, is mostly about Filipinos’ love for food, and the song describes how Filipinos like to spend their Christmas Eve celebration. If you love Christmas feasts, chances are you will love this song too.
Not surprisingly, the song takes the form of a polka.
“Kumukutikutitap” by Joey Albert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgEVBlcdgyo
Song year: 2014
Joey Albert’s “Kumukutikutitap” may not be the earliest version of the song, but either way, it’s a Tagalog Christmastime classic. With an upbeat polka feel, the song is practically tailor-made for dancing.
The song is popular enough for there to be a rock version via Filipino rock band 6cyclemind as well.
The lyrics are a bit of a tongue-twister (yep, it’s not just you), making it an especially fun song for children to attempt.
The song is mostly about lively and colorful Filipino Christmas celebrations.
“Miss Kita Kung Christmas” by Susan Fuentes
Song year: 1975
We all know that feeling of missing someone during Christmastime (and if you don’t, don’t worry, it’s coming). “Miss Kita Kung Christmas” is a go-to for anyone with a heavy heart during the holiday season.
Fun fact – this is reportedly the first Filipino Christmas song that ever mixed Tagalog with English lyrics.
Compositionally, the song is more of a 70s ballad than a polka (it sounds vaguely like The Carpenters).
“Sana Ngayong Pasko” by Ariel Rivera
Song year: 1993
Ariel Rivera’s “Sana Ngayong Pasko” is yet another ballad about being lonely during Christmastime. The song specifically references the deceased or departed, so for those who’ve experienced loss, it’s an encouraging and hopeful (but sad) tune.
This song has also been heavily adopted by Filipinos who are unable to spend time with their families during Christmas, especially Overseas Filipino Workers (otherwise known as OFWs).
“Himig Ng Pasko” by APO Hiking Society
Song year: 1991
The gentle waltz of “Himig Ng Pasko” has a calming and comforting vibe to it. Lyrically, it paints pictures of a joy-filled Christmas celebration.
The first line in the song refers to a cold breeze, a breeze Filipinos have come to enjoy in the month of December, as it represents the coming of Christmas.
“Boogie Woogie Christmas Day” by VST & Company
Song year: 1979
In the 70s, disco music was at the height of its popularity. No surprise, then, that someone thought to write a Christmas disco song (with shades of Starsky & Hutch).
In this case, it just so happens to have been written by VST & Company, which became one of the most successful bands of the late 1970s.
Appropriately, “Boogie Woogie Christmas Day” is a groovy, danceable tune with Tagalog and English lyrics.
If you’re ready, bust out your favorite bell bottoms and Aviators and head straight to the dancefloor.
“Star ng Pasko” by ABS-CBN
Song year: 2009
Originally created for ABS-CBN’s Christmas TV station ID “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” (“Bro, You Are the Star of Christmas”), “Star ng Pasko” is an encouraging song for those experiencing hardship and difficulty during the holiday season.
The song was released the same year Typhoon Ketsana wreaked havoc in the Philippines. It was the second most devastating tropical cyclone of the 2009 typhoon season.
The song speaks of how warm embraces will heal.
“Payapang Daigdig” by Felipe Padilla de León
Song year: 1941
“Payapang Daigdig” is considered a Filipino Christmas classic. The song is practically tailor-made for caroling, and in addition to being a song of hope, it also has a very calming vibe. Some call it the Filipino “Silent Night.”
Since the song was written around the time World War II was underway, the lyrics are about peace and the end of wars.
The song also made it into the soundtrack for the Filipino version of Miracle in Cell No. 7.
“Tuloy Na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko” by APO Hiking Society
Song year: 1991
APO Hiking Society’s “Tuloy Na Tuloy Par Rin Ang Pasko” is a Christmas jazz song quoting many familiar favorites, like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
The song casually touches on common problems experienced during a Filipino Christmas – not knowing what gifts to give, not having enough money, etc.
The song concludes “Jesus is enough with you.”
Top Tagalog Christmas Songs, Final Thoughts
How do you like to celebrate Christmas? What is your favorite thing about the season? And what is your favorite Tagalog Christmas song? We know there are many more, but we hope you enjoyed this guide. No doubt we’ll see you back here again soon! Merry Christmas!
While you’re here, why not check out these Tagalog karaoke songs?