How Jose Mari Chan celebrates Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — Every time someone sings Christmas In Our Hearts, it gives wing to the song and brings the spirit of Christmas close to the heart and home, remarked Jose Mari Chan, who’s also dubbed as the “father of Philippine Christmas music.”

The veteran singer-songwriter and businessman serenaded the audience with the holiday anthem during Uniqlo’s event held recently at the Glorietta 4, Dolphin Park.

“That song was composed in 1990,” he recalled the making of the enduring Filipino Christmas carol, a new version of which was recorded this year by Lea Salonga and American a cappella group Pentatonix.

“I’m so blessed that every year, year after year, young and old people alike, they sing that song and it gives meaning to (it). Every time you sing that song, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you give wing to the song and you bring the spirit of Christmas into your heart and into your home,” he added.

Known for his iconic Christmas songs, Jose Mari would usually usher in the yuletide season by decorating and trimming the Christmas tree with his loved ones. He would spend time with his five children, in-laws and nine grandchildren.

“We will gather together, we will have food that they love and we’re gonna trim the Christmas tree. What makes the Christmas tree interesting? It’s because we have had that tree since my children were kids. And so each of them has their special décor ornaments,” he shared.

Jose Mari shared that his children would tell him, “‘I remember this, Dad, when I was five years old.’ My grandchildren would also bring their own ornaments and say, ‘May I join the Christmas tree?’ So, it’s really the Chan family tree. That’s really putting the meaning of Christmas in context.”

During the same event, Jose Mari shared the stage with the local pop-rock band The Juans as they performed their hit songs and Uniqlo’s holiday jingle.

The band, which consists of Carl Guevarra, Japs Mendoza, Chael Adriano and RJ Cruz, will spend Christmas with their loved ones, enjoy the traditional noche buena and exchange gifts.

Japs shared, “Kumain ng sama-sama. Mag-catch up. Kasi siyempre sobrang busy ng mga family members. Laging wala sa bahay so yun yung perfect time na mag-catch up and yes, kwentuhan with parents.”

“Meron kaming ginagawa sa family, we play games. We play card games, board games. Sinisimulan namin maglaro. (We) play together,” added Carl.

The quintet from Bulacan will also attend church together on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, as they always do.

The Japanese global apparel retailer’s Christmas campaign “Celebrate Together” seems fitting for this year’s celebration, said Carl.

“I love the idea of encouraging everyone to finally celebrate together. ‘Cause during the two years of the pandemic, we were all apart. This is one thing that we always prayed for na parang I hope I get to see my cousins, yung mga malalayong kamag-anak. So, I love that Uniqlo is echoing that anthem to everybody and now is the perfect time to celebrate together. And we are just glad to be a part of that,” he noted.

“Two years ago, when we were celebrating Christmas in pandemic, this is one thing that we always wanted to do — to encourage everybody to celebrate Christmas. This time, it’s worth-celebrating and we are glad to be at the forefront of this,” he furthered.

Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia, meanwhile, stated, “One of the most enduring Christmas traditions in the Philippines is gift-giving. It is the perfect way to show our love and care for each other. When we give to each other, we celebrate togetherness this holiday season. We hope that our special offers, promotions, and events in the coming weeks can add more warmth and comfort to everyone’s lives.”