LSS: 8 Songs You Always Hear in Cabs in the Philippines

For commuters who prefer not to have their day ruined by taking the MRT, or prefer to not be crammed in buses and jeeps (conductors screaming “maluwag pa!” while your personal space is already being violated), cabs are an awesome blessing. Except when they’re being complete dicks during rush hour, pay days, and rainy days.

But have you ever noticed how we always hear the same songs in every taxi? And there are some songs that seem to pop up more often than others. If you take a cab during the work week, chances are you’ve heard the same song enough times to make you question your sanity. Why is that? Do the people at radio stations have the same taste in music? Is this the way radio stations are trying to control us, by playing the same music over and over to transform us into mindless, monotonous drones? Why does saying “shwelve” never get old?

After taking countless cab rides (and dealing with countless drivers saying “boss, plus 20 ha. Traffic e”) in the name of research (and convenience), here’s a list of songs you ALWAYS hear in cabs. Let’s start with…

Once you hear the whistle, you know it’s on. You suddenly feel the need to stare out of the taxi’s window and internalize. It’s time to go down to Donkey Park (?) and listen to the wind of change.

It’s one of those songs that’s perfect for you whenever you want to reflect on your life. The song rules so hard that it’s even the highest selling song in Germany!

Cue the drums and that piano intro. Whatever it was you’re feeling during this song, it’s over now.

The song rose in popularity thanks to the 1990 movie Pretty Woman. Needless to say, the movie was a ginormous hit and so was its soundtrack. Cabs have been fans of the song ever since. Damn you, Julia Roberts! Damn you and your enduring appeal!

This is one of those songs that you don’t know the exact title of but still can’t help singing along to.

The song was actually the main theme to the 1981 flick Arthur (hence the title) starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli. The song became a top ten hit internationally.

Because of the song, we know now that whenever we get caught between the moon and New York City, the best that we can do is fall in love.

Michael Learns to Rock’s 2nd album Colours propelled the band to superstardom, selling over 1.1 million copies. The album also gave us the gift that is 25 Minutes. The band even got the “Best Performing Act of the Year” award from the South East Asian Grammys for their performance of the song.

One question still remains: who is Michael and how did he learn to rock? Was he a Danish gentleman who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for chart-topping singles? We’ll never know.

Apparently, the devil also likes cheesy rock ballads.

Arguably one of the go-to picks for many videoke sessions, Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart made her the only Welsh singer to top the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, and the first female to top the UK charts.

The video is also one of the most epic things you’ll ever see, complete with a gothic castle, ninjas (!!!) and dancing schoolboys. Because every powerballad needs ninjas and half-naked schoolboys.

Turn around, bright eyes!

“I Want to Know What Love Is” is Foreigner’s biggest hit to date, hitting number 1 in the UK and US. Rolling Stone even named it as one of the greatest songs of all time at #479. And what’s not to like? It talks about failed relationships and the frustration of finding a lasting one. It’s dreamy, hypnotic, and the chorus is one of the best to sing along to.

Following “We Built This City” and “Sara”, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” was Starship’s 3rd chart-topping single, hitting number 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and in the UK Singles Chart in 1987. A rock ballad proudly proclaiming love and unity, the track was even nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 60th Academy Awards!

The song was also the theme to the 1987 romantic comedy Mannequin. Remember that movie? Congratulations, you’re old!

Seriously. Where do we even begin? Cabs in the Philippines practically play Air Supply’s discography.

There you go then. Cabs in the Philippines love power ballads.

These are just some of the songs we constantly hear in taxis. There’s a lot more (we’re looking at you Ed Sheeran and John Legend)! How about you? What are your favorites? What are the tracks that make you want to stab your ears with an icepick? Sound off in the comments section!