Pressing play on a romance playlist is classical conditioning waiting to happen—an influx of goosebumps, memories, and that vague sensation that we’re in the rom-com of our dreams. And our solution to fuel the fire? The V-Day mixtape, freshly picked by our fave artists.

For this special edition of Friday Picks, we ask local musicians—from the boys of IV of Spades to Scout cover girl Kiana V—about the most romantic track on their personal playlists, that’s bound to give those V-Day feels.

Jason Dhakal: “Underneath the Stars” by Mariah Carey

“I don’t have favorites, but honestly, If I had to, I’d pick this one. Love songs of all love songs!!”

Zild Benitez of IV of Spades: “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes

“This is currently my favorite love song. I think the lyric ‘I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you…’ sums up the weight of the emotion with one line.”

Jess Connelly: “In Your Eyes” by badbadnotgood ft. Charlotte Day Wilson

“I just think it’s so smooth and timeless. I can listen to it always.”

Badjao De Castro of IV of Spades: “My Love” by Paul McCartney and Wings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmjN1O1ejS4

“’Nung bata ako, naglalaro ako ng online games with my crush, tapos si Tatay naririnig ko kinakanta ’yan sa kubo namin. Sa sobrang nagandahan ako sa song, hinanap ko sa YouTube. Ayun, ang ganda pala ng kanta.”

Alex Bruce: “Get You” by Daniel Caesar ft. Kali Uchis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQFVqltOXRg

“I actually have a lot of fave love songs but if I were to choose, it’s gonna be this one. I love everything about the song—the beat, lyrics, delivery, flow, the writer. It’s just so simple yet so good.”

Kiana V: “All” by Cherub ft. Natalie Prass

“I don’t know if this is considered a love song, but it’s a favorite because it’s so simple. ‘All I wanna do is be with you’ is such a straightforward and simple phrase but it’s not always easy to say.”

Naara Joacueza of Leanne and Naara: “Love Is Easy” by McFly

“Because loving is easy if it’s with the right person. LOL! Kidding aside, I love the lyrics, and the melody of the song is so light that it makes you want to fall in love.”

Leanne Mamonong of Leanne and Naara: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COiIC3A0ROM

“It’s timeless and I always find myself singing it when I’m in love.”

August Wahh: “Supernatural” (Extended Mix) by We Are King

“I find falling in love to be a magical thing.”

Stef Aranas of Stef and Euge: “How Deep is Your Love” by Bee Gees

“This is the quintessential classic love song for me. It paints a beautiful picture of love by mixing just the right amount of fluff with sweet, earnest sentiment.”

Pikoy: “I Really Like You” by Carly Rae Jepsen

“I love a lot of love songs from Carly Rae Jepsen, but this is my go-to song. Tamang landi lang from Santa Carly.”

Ena Mori: “I Know a Place” by Muna

“It gives me confidence whenever I don’t feel like myself.”

Kio Priest: “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer

“For people like me who take a while to feel things, this song makes it easier to dream about nice things that happen in a relationship.”

Ruru: “Glass in the Park” by Alex Turner

“I’m not one for love songs but ‘Glass in the Park’ really gets me like mashed potatoes. The words are picturesque and beat around the bush of affection. Digressing, never once mentioning love but painting it perfectly poignant.”

Listen to these tracks on our Spotify playlist below:

Art by Yel Sayo