Jologs, baduy, pang-masa. Novelty songs have such unfavorable reputation, yet they make it big in the local music industry. Their popularity is always felt, and demonstrated virtually everywhere. You often hear them during your jeepney ride to work or school. The TV set of a local cafeteria shows a show host and the entire audience dancing to these songs. Christmas parties – corporate or otherwise – are assaulted by novelty song-inspired performance (no corporate position is safe). Some of these ditties you might find funny and amusing; others could be downright annoying.
Novelty songs are a part of Filipino pop culture and an expression of unique Pinoy humor. Irrelevant and nonsensical as they may seem, novelty songs reflect a solid, persistent, and irrepressible culture that cannot be tuned out.
But what makes these songs click? Their catchy and upbeat melodies provide you with your daily dose of LSS (last song syndrome) moments; so do their witty lyrics that are easy to remember and sing along to. The last few years are said to be the golden years of Filipino novelty songs, that at one point in our life, they never failed to play over and over in our heads. Whether we like it or not.
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“The Spageti Song”
Who would’ve thought that ditty titled with a pasta dish could be such a nationwide hit? Soon after this hit single was released in 2003, it practically became an official dance craze of kids in the streets. On the other hand, concerned parents and conservative groups slammed it for its sexual undertones, not to mention the Sexbomb Dancers’ skimpy outfits and gyrating hips that highlighted every performance.
But the real inspiration behind the song is neither the pasta nor sex, but a doll. The Spaghetti Song’s composer Lito Camo revealed in one interview that he bought his niece a Betty Spaghetti doll and noticed its spaghetti straps that can be moved up and down. And the rest was history.
LSS-worthy lines: Apir tayo sumakit ang ulo ko / Sumakit ang bewang ko / Sexbomb, sexbomb, sexbomb / Spaghetting pababa, pababa ng pababa / Spaghetting pataas, spaghetting bababa at pataas! / Aw! makinig kayo…
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“Otso-Otso”
Remember the backbreaking dance craze that instantly made comedian Bayani Agbayani a household name? Yes, that was Otso-Otso, also penned by Camo. The number 8 seemed to work its lucky charm and made Agbayani’s hit one of the most memorable novelty songs of the past decade.
LSS-worthy lines: Tayo`y mag-otso-otso (otso-otso) / Otso-otso (otso-otso) / Otso-otso (otso- otso) / Otso-otso na…
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“Boom-Tarat-Tarat”
“Boom-Tarat-Tarat” became a nationwide sensation at the end of 2006 and in early 2007. Basically a Christmas carol, this Willie Revillame hit enjoyed heavy airplay in radio stations and of course, the noontime show that the singer himself hosted. Kids and adults went gaga over this song because of its unique yet easy-to-follow dance steps.
LSS-worthy lines: Boom tarat tarat / Boom tarat tarat / Tara-rat tara-rat / Boom boom boom!
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Bakit Papa
Laban o bawi and Get get awww became very popular catchphrases in 2001, thanks to the phenomenal hit “Bakit Papa”. This Sexbomb ditty takes the credit for popularizing the Filipino novelty genre in the 21st century.
LSS-worthy lines: Bakit papa, binawi mo pa / Ang pag-ibig mo sa akin / Ayaw na ba sa aking beauty / Kaya ngayon ako’y sawi, aaaw!
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“Itaktak Mo”
Written and sung by TV host and comedian Joey de Leon, “Itaktak Mo” had a dance move that’s equally popular and simple as its tune. You dance it as though you’re dribbling a ball. That easy. No wonder, it was one of the most requested dance tunes in 2007.
LSS-worthy lines: Itaktak mo, itaktak mo / Itak itak itaktak mo…
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“Mr. Suave”
In a strange but funny way, “Mr. Suave” conjures an image of a mustached guy surrounded by women. The song, composed and sung by rock band Parokya ni Edgar, was used as a campaign jingle by Mar Roxas in 2004 for his senatorial bid. Its appeal to the masa helped the candidate land the top spot in the elections.
LSS-worthy lines: Ako si Mr. Suave / Oohhh grabe / Habulin ng babae / Araw man o gabe / Hoy, hoy, hoy, hoy, hoy, hoy…
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“Totoy Bibo”
This 2004 hit earned comedian-recording artist Vhong Navarro the moniker from its title. Since then, boys seen dancing energetically have been fondly called “Totoy Bibo”.
LSS-worthy lines: O ang galing kong sumayaw / Galing kong gumalaw / Galing kong sumayaw / Galing kong gumalaw / Galing kong sumayaw / Bibong bibo gumalaw…
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“In or Out”
Despite her mangled Tagalog and perceived lack of talent, former local teen star Sandara Park charmed millions of Pinoy fans with her delicate chinita look and wits. Her 2004 novelty hit “In or Out” is one solid proof that Filipinos adored her at some point. “In or Out” was a parody of her experience as a contestant in the reality TV show Star Circle Quest.
LSS-worthy lines: In or out / Am I in or out? (Am I in or out?) / In or out sana’y okay sa ‘yo at ‘di ako magtatampo / Kung in ako or out sa puso mo…
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“Bulaklak”
Widely interpreted—or misinterpreted—as an allusion to the female sex organ, “Bulaklak” drew flak from conservative groups because of its sexual innuendos. It didn’t help that the novelty song was popularized by a sexy female group. Regardless, the song that was actually based on a Tagalog nursery rhyme became instant LSS material for many Pinoys.
LSS-worthy lines: Ang bango-bango, ang bango-bango / Ang bango-bango ng bulaklak…
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“Jumbo Hotdog”
Yet another sexually suggestive song whose title is ironically a favorite food among kids, “Jumbo Hotdog” was one of the major hits of the Masculados, a song-and-dance group composed of buffed men.
LSS-worthy lines: Jumbo hotdog / Kaya mo ba ‘to? / Hindi kami bato / Para magpatalo / Jumbo hotdog / Kaya mo ba ‘to?Watch the Cebu Dancing Inmates’ dance performance of “Jumbo Hotdog”!
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