Based on Karaoke Machine Logs (Yes, Really): The Top 10 Songs That Dominate Filipino Karaoke nights
Written By Shaina Manlangit
Filipinos don’t just sing at karaoke nights—we perform. Whether at a family gathering, a night out with friends, or a full-on fiesta, the karaoke machine is a non-negotiable centerpiece. It doesn’t even matter if you can actually sing—what matters is the energy and the unspoken rule that everyone must take a turn at the mic.
Karaoke is basically a rite of passage in Filipino culture. If you grew up in a Filipino household, you’ve probably witnessed an Uncle belting out a power ballad after a few San Miguel’s or your favorite Tita hitting those high notes like she’s auditioning for The Voice. It’s no surprise that Filipinos are known for their powerhouse vocals, with global stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Nicole Scherzinger, Bruno Mars, H.E.R., and Lea Salonga all proudly repping their Filipino roots.
Still, I never fully understood just how deeply ingrained karaoke is in Filipino culture. Growing up, people would always say, “Oh, you’re Filipino? That means you can sing, right?” And every time, I’d laugh and say, “No, I didn’t get the singing gene.”
It wasn’t until I visited the Philippines for the first time in March 2023 that I truly grasped the significance of karaoke in Filipino culture. One Sunday evening in Cebu, as our tour bus rolled through the streets, I saw groups of adults gathered outside, sitting on colorful plastic chairs, sharing food, laughter, and—of course—a wired microphone hooked up to an old TV. On the screen, a sunset backdrop played behind scrolling lyrics—a familiar sight in every Filipino karaoke session. At that moment, it all clicked: karaoke wasn’t just a pastime; it was a tradition, a way to bring family and friends together, one song at a time—whether you can sing or not.
So, what exactly are the songs that dominate Filipino karaoke nights? From ‘90s R&B jams to dramatic power ballads, here are 10 hits you know will be sung at least once.
1. "Dancing Queen" – ABBA
The second this song starts, everyone has to get up and sing along. Filipinos love a feel-good anthem, and “Dancing Queen” delivers with its disco vibes and infectious energy. Whether you’re 17 or 70, you will be dancing.
2. "Don't Stop Believin’" – Journey
This song is basically the national anthem of Filipino karaoke nights. From the opening piano notes to the final chorus, expect a room full of people screaming, “Just a small-town girl!”
3. "I Want It That Way" – Backstreet Boys
Filipinos love a good throwback, and this ‘90s boy band classic is the ultimate singalong jam. No one actually knows what “tell me why” means in this song, but we’ll all passionately belt it out like it’s our own heartbreak story.
4. "If I Ain't Got You" – Alicia Keys
This is the song that separates the casuals from the divas. If someone picks this, they’re about to put their whole soul into it. Get ready for dramatic eye-closing and that one friend trying to hit the high note.
5. "Love" – Keyshia Cole
As you know, Filipinos love their R&B—and this song is pure hugot. If someone picks it, they’re either deep in their feelings or just can’t resist the drama of belting out “LOOOOOOVVVEEE” at full volume. Either way, expect a performance packed with soul and emotion.
6. "I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston
A true test of vocal ability. The moment someone picks this, the whole room gets quiet, knowing they’re either about to nail it or completely crash and burn. Either way, we always respect the effort.
7. "No Scrubs" – TLC
A go-to anthem for Pinays on a night out, serving equal parts attitude and empowerment. Whether you're calling out past heartbreaks or just feeling yourself, this song is the ultimate reminder that you don’t need to waste time on someone who doesn’t deserve you.
8. "Wannabe" – Spice Girls
Karaoke isn’t just about singing—it’s about putting on a show. This song brings out the best group performances, complete with dance moves and people fighting over who gets to be Scary Spice.
9. "My Heart Will Go On" – Celine Dion
Filipinos love a dramatic ballad, and nothing screams performance mode more than this Titanic classic.
10. "Firework" – Katy Perry
Filipino karaoke nights thrive on big songs, and while this one is on the newer side, I’ve noticed it’s a favorite—especially with my parents. It’s inspirational, uplifting, and just challenging enough to make anyone feel like they’re headlining their own concert.
Trade talk just got real. The U.S. is setting the stage for a new kind of economic clapback and the Philippines might get caught in the middle with a 17% import tariff coming this July. It sounds like something buried deep in a government PDF, but here’s the thing: this could mess with jobs, prices, military deals, and even how we as Filipino Americans move through the world.
So let’s decode what’s going on, why it matters, and what the ripple effects could look like for all of us navigating life between cultures.