We’re hoping these song choices do not reveal our real age. Although these tunes may be a bit dated, it is a fact (according to us) that these are some of the most popular songs that Filipinos croon and belt out to on the karaoke. We’re talking birthdays, fiestas, Noche Buena, and New Year’s Eve, up until the morning hours. Filipinos love their karaoke, and maybe even that is an understatement.

To kick up your New Year’s Eve celebrations this 2024, make sure to test your mettle with at least one of these songs on the karaoke (regardless if you’re drunk or sober!)

‘Tala’ - Sarah Geronimo

Is it obvious we’re popsters? A karaoke session is not complete without singing along to Sarah G’s “Tala,” with matching dance moves, of course!

This song is perfect for when the night is still young, possibly prior New Year’s Eve dinner or in the middle of it (while holding a paper plate filled with lumpiang shanghai and kare-kare), just before your competitive spirit kicks in.

‘Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

We admit this is a tito song, but who does not love singing along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin?” We love this song for its optimism, which suits being sung on New Year’s Eve as we look forward to what awaits us in the next year. In these pandemic times, it’s crucial to have hope.

‘Livin' on a Prayer’ - Bon Jovi

Ooh, this is a tough one to sing, and something that your titos and father probably love to belt out to, whether it’s on the karaoke set or in the shower. Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a known birit song, so if you have the lungs to show off, we suggest going for this one.

‘Narda’ - Kamikazee

This is a great song to jam to with your friends because it isn't that hard to follow, plus everyone seems to know its lyrics. "Narda" was used as a song in Mars Ravelo's "Darna" reboot in GMA back in 2009, but it was first released in 2006 and has pretty much imperiously taken over every karaoke set since then.

‘I Will Always Love You’ - Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston! Need we say more? Only recommended for the actual biriteros and biriteras.

‘Spoliarium’ – Eraserheads

We cannot resist adding an Eheads song to this list. While it was difficult to choose which song to include, we decided on the hauntingly beautiful “Spoliarium” from the band’s fifth studio album “Sticker Happy” for its slowness that makes it a good choice for anyone hesitant to take over the karaoke mic.

‘Torete’ – Moonstar88

Do you know what “torete” means? It translates to being head over heels in love, so it’s obvious who this song’s fit for. The bittersweet “Torete” was released in 2000 by Moonstar88 and has gone on to become one of the classic songs to sing on the karaoke set (probably because of all the heartbroken individuals who dedicate this song to that special someone).

‘Luha’ - Aegis

If you’ve had a few drinks and just decided to sing this song on the karaoke, we cannot promise it would end well. For whatever reason you chose to sing “Luha,” we can only hope that you have a shoulder to cry on afterwards.

‘Alone’ - Heart

A birit tune that also hints at the emotional turmoil of whoever chooses to sing it, Heart’s “Alone” is definitely up there as one of the most famous songs to belt out to on the karaoke. If you’re a member of the SMBT – otherwise known as the Samahan ng Malamig ang Bagong Taon (a collective of those having a cold and lonely New Year) – then we would like to advise you to put down your drink and sing this song, as it is obviously for you.