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The Top 5 Catchiest Christmas Songs in the Philippines

Ah, Last Song Syndrome. Hardly anybody can deny falling prey to the catchy and brain-infecting nature of a lot of music we tend to hear on a regular basis. Whether it’s on the radio, on the TV, on the computer or in smart phones, these are the songs that you just can’t seem to escape no matter what you do.

Called “ear worm” elsewhere in the world, these tunes are known be inescapable and are capable of invading people’s thought processes in the most inopportune of times. Indeed, many can relate to the experience of having to recall important information during an exam (math equation, chemistry formula, etc.), only to recall a catchy song instead.

Usually shortened to L.S.S., these songs range from TV Show theme songs, to product jingles, to pop music, and most especially, novelty tracks.

As if it wasn’t infectious enough, the Christmas version of LSS music are even more aggressively unforgettable.

With Christmas songs being blared out as loud as tolerable and repeated endlessly by a lot of shopping facilities across the country, it is practically impossible not to sing along (or at least hum along) to these catchy tunes.

Compunding the issue is their particularly sing-songy melodies which make erasing them from your memories a gargantuan task (if not outright unachievable).

So, here we present our top pick for the five most L.S.S. inducing songs in the country (in no particular order)

5. Chrismas in our Hearts
This 1990 song by singer-songwriter (and businessman) Jose Mari Chan is a quintessential track to any Filipino Christmas playlist. It’s popularity has even led to people declaring Chan to be the “Father of Philippine Christmas Music”.

4. Feliz Navidad
This song from Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Jose Feliciano from his album of the same name has pervaded the local scene since it was published in the 1970s. For some reason, it has been closely associated with dance performances during Christmas parties in the countries and seems to remain so in the future.

3. Jingle Bells
Usually heard being mispronounced by overzealous carolers all Christmas season long, this classic Yuletide song holds the distinction of being the first song to be played in outer space (it was played in harmonica and bells by NASA astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra). Interestingly, the song was initially written for Thanksgiving and had no connection with Christmas.

2. Pasko na Sinta Ko
While a good majority of Christmas songs in the country are about the merriment and warm feelings, this enduring classic from Gary Valenciano proves that even melancholia has its place in the Philippine media subconscious. Unsurprisingly, this track is considered to be the anthem of the SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko, “Fellowship of Christmas Blues-inflicted”), an informal group for single people during the holiday season.

1. Pasko Na Naman
This Yuletide classic was written by legendary musicians Levi Celerio and Feipe de Leon and has become a staple for carolers. With its very easy to remember melody and simple lyrics, it’s the type of music that easily comes to mind on a moment’s notice.

So what do you think? Do you agree with our list or did we miss including your favorite LSS-inducing Christmas song? Leave your comments below and join in on the discussion!