MANILA, Philippines — Jose Mari Chan and The CompanY (composed of Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos Uy, Sweet Tiongson and OJ Mariano) enchanted audiences throughout their five-city Canada concert tour titled Christmas In Our Hearts — Ilang Tulog Pa Ba? Pasko Na.
Produced by Starmedia Productions of Anna Puno, the success of the tour resonated as most venues, including the spectacular shows in Calgary and Toronto, witnessed sold-out performances.
Commencing on Nov. 10 at Vancouver’s Centennial Theater, the tour gracefully traversed through Edmonton, Calgary’s Southview Alliance Church and Winnipeg’s Petrus Hall. It culminated in a grand finale at Whitby’s Canada Event on Nov. 19.
The meticulously curated repertoire, tailored for the Canadian audience, showcased the seamless harmony of The CompanY and the timeless melodies of Chan.
Highlights included The CompanY’s enchanting renditions of Ilang Tulog Pa Ba? Pasko Na! and Kumukutikutitap, seamlessly blending with their signature hits like Pakisabi Na Lang, Muntik Na Kitang Minahal, and the new releases Gitna, and the revamped versions of Lead Me Lord and Love Revolution, all infused with a festive spirit.
The collaboration between The CompanY and Chan reached its zenith with heartwarming performances like Please Be Careful With My Heart and Love in 30 Thousand Feet, which became Philippine Airlines’ theme song for many decades.
The concert showcased a delightful mix of Chan’s iconic love songs such as Beautiful Girl, Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile, and Tell Me Your Name, creating a nostalgic journey for the audience.
Much to the surprise of many, Chan, a maestro of melodies, also revealed his stand-up prowess, infusing humor and jokes between songs, leaving the audience in stitches. In between the musical notes, he seamlessly transitioned into beautiful Christmas melodies, continuing on with Pagdating Ng Pasko, A Child Again For Christmas, and A Perfect Christmas, dedicated to his wife Mary Anne, who sat in the audience beaming with pride and joy.
Audience participation became a cornerstone during the Back-Up Singers Medley, where classics like Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika, Bongga Ka Day, and Isang Linggong Pag-ibig echoed through the venues, fostering a profound sense of unity and joy.
The pinnacle of the concert was marked by the touching rendition of Let Love Be The Gift and the iconic Christmas in Our Hearts, featuring Chan’s daughter Liza Chan-Parpan, a collaboration that truly embodied the festive spirit, sealing the concert with a resounding sense of the Yuletide spirit.
In essence, The CompanY and Chan’s Canada tour was a musical masterpiece, intricately weaving together the magic of the holiday season, nostalgic love songs, and audience participation. The sold-out shows in Calgary and Toronto stand as a testament to the charm and adoration for this extraordinary collaboration.
On Dec. 9, brace yourselves for an unforgettable evening as Chan and The CompanY grace the Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater for a homecoming concert titled Going Home To Christmas, encapsulating the triumphs of their successful tour in Canada.
Directed by yours truly and featuring the talented Beth Martin as the musical director, it promises to be a magical experience.
(For details, log on to smtickets.com.)