Popular Songs Played In A Funeral Service in the Philippines

Picking songs for a special celebration is never easy. Whether you choose the songs for yourself or be given the opportunity to decide for another person, it is a tough decision. 

Flowers, clothes to wear and songs to play is part of pre-deciding and planning the funeral service in the Philippines. It is one of the advantages – you get to tailor everything according to your taste. But music, being an expression to our soul, is not an easy choice, much less for a funeral. 

Narrowing it down to three, here are some points to consider in choosing songs for a funeral:

• Personal Favourites – Songs remind us of somebody. Making sure that the song chosen to mean something to the departed is important. Also, note the lyrics when adding songs to the playlist. 
• Church and Family-Approved – Gone are the days when funeral songs are but hymns and classical music. Modern and alternative music can be heard playing in the procession sometimes. But if the burial still involves the church, it is best to meet halfway and be sensitive to tradition. 
• The Ambience you want to set – When choosing the songs for a loved one who departed, it is best to decide the ambiance. Classical and calm. Happy and uplifting. Sad and mourning. 

Technology has made this decision quick somehow. Unless songs are pre-chosen and included in the will, here are some popular songs Filipinos choose to play on a funeral of a loved one: 

• Hindi Kita Malilimutan – Basil Valdez
• The Warrior Is A Child – Gary Valenciano
• Kanlungan – Noel Cabangon
• Ikaw Lamang – Gary Valenciano
• Paglisan – Color It Red
• Magpakailanman – Wency Cornejo
• Maalaala Mo Kaya 
• My Love Will See You Through – Marco Sison
• Lupa – Asin
• Tanging Yaman – Carol Banawa

Classical Songs: 

• Gabriel Faure – “In Paradisum” from Requiem
• Giuseppe Verdi – “Ave Maria” from Otello
• Maurice Durufle – Ubi caritas
• Anton Dvorak – Symphony No. 9, Largo, 2nd Mvmt.
• Edward Elgar – Variation IX, Nimrod 
• Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending
• Andrew Lloyd Webber – Pie Jesu
• Edward Elgar – Angel’s Farewell

Religious Hymns:

• Psalm 23 The Lord Is My Shepherd
• The Old Rugged Cross 
• Amazing Grace
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• Jerusalem
• Morning Has Broken
• I Am The Bread Of Life
• Lead, Kindly Light

Modern and Non Traditional songs:

• The Show Must Go On – Queen
• I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
• See You Again – Wiz Khalifa
• Courtney’s Song – James Blunt
• My Way – Frank Sinatra
• Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
• Angels – Robbie Williams
• Angel – Sarah McLachlan
• Thank You – Johnny Reid
• Wind Beneath My Wings

Songs are the best way to pay tribute to a loved one. Music has healing powers,  and it speaks to everyone attending in a peaceful and calming way. It affects the mood and evokes emotions, but choosing one or creating a list to celebrate the life of a special person in is not easy. Don’t make the decision alone. 

Hope the pointers and list above make the deciding of songs somehow smooth and helpful.

Photo credits: Pixabay, FreePix

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