Dannyka Manangan

ON THIS DAY: Celebrating Kitchie Nadal’s birthday and her timeless music

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758023541559OTD-Sep_16-KitchieNadal.png" style="width:300px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Filipina singer-songwriter Kitchie Nadal marks her birthday today, September 16. She is known not only for her soulful voice but also for the timeless hits that have cemented her place in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, Kitchie captured the hearts of listeners with her raw, heartfelt lyrics and melodies that speak of love, longing, and life’s deeper meanings.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:527px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758022174854kitchie-nadal.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">airmusicph IG</span></span></span></div><div> </div><p>As fans celebrate her special day, here are some of Kitchie Nadal’s most iconic songs that continue to define her legacy in the local music scene:</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>“Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The song that defined her career, “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” became a karaoke anthem. Its infectious chorus and emotional depth made it an OPM staple, cementing Kitchie as one of the defining voices of her era. It remains a favorite at concerts, karaoke sessions, and jam nights which became a true testament to its lasting impact.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="540" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NyU3aEnkAac" title="KITCHIE NADAL – Wag Na Wag Mong Sasabihin (MYX Live! Performance)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“Same Ground”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>This track captures the heartbreak of seeing a relationship change irreversibly. With its melancholic melody and lyrics about emotional distance, “Same Ground” reflects Kitchie’s ability to channel vulnerability into powerful music that resonates with anyone who has struggled with letting go.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2J2_bkJ_UG4" title="Same Ground" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“Bulong”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A song that explores inner struggles and unspoken words, “Bulong” is an introspective piece showcasing Kitchie’s emotional delivery. Its message about breaking free from stagnation and overcoming the odds makes it both empowering and relatable. Its rawness and lyrical honesty highlight her strength as a storyteller, turning personal sentiment into a universally embraced anthem.</p><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6COGA54h0RA" title="Bulong !!!" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“Tadhana”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Carrying the weight of destiny and fate in its lyrics, “Tadhana” adds another dimension to Kitchie’s discography. The track evokes both hope and inevitability, exploring the mysteries of love and life’s unexpected turns. Its poetic storytelling mirrors the strength of the OPM icon’s artistry, proving her ability to capture the nuances of human experience.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q6zh_0msqYQ" title="Tadhana" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/6/22/kitchie-nadal-steps-foot-on-new-ground-with-new-gen-artists-in-solo-concert-0058"><strong>READ: Kitchie Nadal steps foot on new ground with new-gen artists in solo concert</strong></a></div><div><strong></strong><strong><br/></strong><strong>“Majika”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Written for the fantasy series of the same name, “Majika” showcased Kitchie’s versatility. Its mystical tone and sweeping arrangement blended well with her signature sound, proving that her artistry could seamlessly extend beyond albums and into pop culture.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hvl7AYWi8Pg" title="Kitchie Nadal performs &quot;Majika&quot; LIVE on the Wish USA Bus" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/6/14/exclusive-kitchie-nadal-thankful-as-her-songs-remain-relevant-i-don-t-take-it-for-granted-1014"><strong>READ: EXCLUSIVE: Kitchie Nadal thankful as her songs remain relevant: ‘I don’t take it for granted’</strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“Iniibig Kita”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A tender declaration of love, “Iniibig Kita” highlights Kitchie’s gentle, emotional side. Its simplicity and sincerity make it one of her most heartfelt songs, resonating with listeners who long for pure and honest expressions of affection. The song’s directness adds to its charm, offering a quiet yet powerful confession of love.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/106TCfuS6Do" title="Kitchie Nadal -  Iniibig Kita (Audio) 🎵 | i Star" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“Makulay Na Buhay”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>One of Kitchie’s more vibrant tracks, “Makulay na Buhay” celebrates the beauty of meeting someone who changes the way you see life. With its upbeat arrangement and optimistic message, the song reminds listeners to embrace life’s colors, joys, and even its struggles. It shows how she can inspire not only through melancholy but also through uplifting, spirited music.  </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7YhNXVRSCFM" title="Makulay Na Buhay" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“TALINGHAGA”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The song marked the first single of the Pinoy rock queens — Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac — following their Tanaw sold-out concert. “TALINGHAGA” is an attempt to describe the manifold glory of the Holy Creator, weaving together the group’s individual artistry and collective strength as singer-songwriters.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pEtl4ZTF8gg" title="TALINGHAGA" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>“Bakit”</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A song filled with questions and quiet longing, “Bakit” embodies the feeling of a love story that suddenly ends and leaves behind an unanswered quest. Kitchie’s restrained yet emotional performance underscores the universal ache of searching for closure in matters of the heart.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Evkj_iL6uJ8" title="Kitchie Nadal - Bakit" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/music/2025/6/16/exclusive-kitchie-nadal-sees-eldest-son-s-potential-in-music-at-an-early-age-1715"><strong>READ: EXCLUSIVE: Kitchie Nadal sees eldest son’s potential in music at an early age</strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/6/9/kitchie-nadal-shares-reason-behind-her-break-from-the-music-scene-0948"><strong>READ: Kitchie Nadal shares reason behind her break from the music scene</strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_urEpsrsk48" title="Kitchie Nadal sings her hits on ASAP 19" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div> </div><p>As one of true OPM gems whose music continues to inspire generations, Kitchie’s body of work continues to stand the test of time, her songs still being played on radios, streamed online, and sung in karaoke bars across the country.</p>