Remember December by Side A: A Warm Holiday Hug from 1969
Let’s talk about Remember December—a hidden gem of a Christmas album that feels like sipping hot cocoa on a rainy Manila night. Released in 1969 under Warner Music Philippines, this record is pure nostalgia wrapped up in pop and easy listening vibes. It’s not just another holiday album; it's an emotional time machine back to simpler days when love was all you needed (and maybe some bibingka).
The team behind this project clearly poured their hearts into it. Producer Joey Benin, mixed by Dante Tanedo, and the rest of the crew made sure every note hit your soul like a gentle hug. And can we take a moment for Kevin Sabino’s artwork? Simple yet so evocative—it screams “Christmas” without being over-the-top flashy.
Now let me tell ya, two tracks stand out for me personally: "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" and "Remember December."
“Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” oh man, where do I even start? This track isn’t just music—it’s feels. The melody wraps around you like a cozy blanket while the lyrics remind you of those bittersweet holiday memories. You know, the kind where you’re staring at old family photos and suddenly miss everyone all at once? Yeah, that vibe. When they sing “Pasko na, sinta ko,” it hits different because deep down, we’ve all been there—missing someone special during the most sentimental season of the year.
Then there’s “Remember December.” Oh boy, does this one stick with you. There’s something magical about how smooth and mellow it feels, almost like reading letters from years past. Every chord progression tugs at your heartstrings, making you reflect on Decembers gone by. Whether it’s thinking about childhood Noche Buena feasts or first loves under fairy lights, this song makes you wanna hold onto these moments tighter than ever.
Side A didn’t just throw together random carols here—they crafted stories. Even covers like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” get a fresh twist, but honestly, it’s the original songs that shine brightest. They’re raw, real, and unapologetically Filipino—a perfect blend of local flavor and universal holiday spirit.
But hey, here’s the kicker—the album ends with “Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas,” which sounds like the musical equivalent of hugging your lola goodbye after New Year’s Eve dinner. It leaves you smiling but also kinda wishing life could stay this warm forever.
So yeah, if you haven’t listened to Remember December, go find it somewhere—streaming platforms, vinyl shops, wherever! Because trust me, this isn’t just background noise for wrapping gifts. It’s a reminder that no matter how chaotic life gets, December will always have its own kind of magic. And who knows? Maybe Side A knew way back then that their music would still resonate over fifty years later. Or maybe they were just as clueless as us, trying to figure out what makes Christmas so damn special. Either way, they nailed it.
