As the Southwest monsoon rains fall over the Philippines today, the weather perfectly complements the feelings of longing and nostalgia evoked by songs about rain. These Seven Habagat Songs, both Filipino and international, tap into the powerful emotions that the rainy season brings: love, heartbreak, and resilience.

Seven Habagat Songs

“Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour captures the ache of missing friends who’ve moved abroad. “It’s about missing them and wishing them happiness… despite not keeping in touch anymore,” the band shared. The rain becomes a soft echo of unspoken goodbyes.

“Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka” by Regine Velasquez is a timeless classic composed by Ryan Cayabyab. The line “Pag-ibig ko’y umaapaw, damdamin ko’y humihiyaw, tuwing umuulan at kapiling ka” translates to “My love is overflowing, my emotions are shouting, whenever it rains and I’m with you.” It captures the warmth of being with someone you love during a downpour.

“Ulan” by Rivermaya, written by Rico Blanco, is about choosing to laugh instead of cry through pain. “Tatawa na lamang… sinon’g di mababaliw sa ulan? Ako!” speaks to facing emotional storms with quiet strength. The rain becomes a space to survive—and even thrive.

“Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele, written by Fraser T. Smith, Adele Adkins and Rosie Danvers, is about letting go. “I set fire to the rain and I threw us into the flames…” reflects a painful but final decision to end a relationship, knowing it’s the only way to move forward.

“Basang-Basa sa Ulan” by Aegis, written by Celso Abenoja, is often seen as a heartbreak anthem, but it’s also a song of resilience. “Heto, bumangon pa rin. Heto ako, basang-basa sa ulan.” (“Here I am, still rising. Here I am, drenched in the rain.”) Despite the sorrow, the subject chooses to stand again—soaked but unbroken.

“Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande is a survival anthem. “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive” is a reminder that strength comes from enduring, even when it pours.

“Salbabida” written by Jungee Marcelo and originally performed by Kyla, offers a message of hope. “Sa rumaragasang alon, ikaw ang salbabida, ’di ba?… Kapit ka lang, sinta” reminds us that sometimes, love is what keeps us afloat.

Which of these rain-soaked songs speaks to you most today? As skies stay grey, may you stay high and dry—and more importantly, be a salbabida to someone who needs it.

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