Becoming a staple name and a meme during the holiday season, OPM icon Jose Mari Chan opens up about how he feels about being a Philippine Christmas icon.
During the media conference for "YuleStars Christmas Concert Series" at the Philippine Air Force Museum in Pasay City on Nov. 3, Chan mentioned that he does not want to be called the "Father of Filipino Christmas Songs."
"Again, let me repeat. I don't want to be called the Father of Filipino Christmas Songs because I'm not," he said.
Chan further explained that the reason why he didn't like the term was because long before he was born, other Pinoy singers had done a lot of Christmas songs in the past.
Although he does not want the name the Father of Filipino Christmas Songs, Jose shared that the younger generation calls him "Chantaclaus."
"Long before I was born, there were already many Christmas songs composed by Filipino artists. You know, some kids now don't want to call me Christmas King; they call me "Chantaclaus," he added.
With his new name, Chan also mentioned that more and more kids are asking for "pamasko" from him.
"Yes, a lot of kids now are asking for pamasko. But for me, I like sharing my blessings with people, especially during holiday season," he said.
Chan earned the title of Father of Filipino Christmas Songs following the massive success of his holiday album "Christas In Our Hearts" released under Universal Records on Nov. 17, 1990.
Another Christmas album?
From doing a lot of commercials, endorsements, and concerts, one thing keeps the fans curious: will Chan record another holiday album?
With the success of his album Christmas in Our Hearts, Chan dropped another holiday album entitled "Going Home to Christmas" in 2012.
Chan revealed during the media conference that he wanted to record more albums, but due to the constant changing of musical platforms, he would say that "Going Home to Christmas" is his last one.
"Well, I would like to come up with more albums, except that the platform has changed. Now, nobody buys CDs anymore. Tower Records is gone. They go to YouTube, they download the songs for free, and what I get from YouTube is enough to buy a cup of coffee," he said.
Music lovers will experience the holiday season three times merrier as Chan, Christian Bautista, and Roselle Nava serenade music lovers with classic Yuletide carols and OPM hits on Day 2 of the "YuleStars Christmas Concert Series" to be held on Dec. 1, 2023, 8:30 pm at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
The event will be significant, especially for the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI), which is the beneficiary of the entire YuleStars Christmas Concert Series.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the concert series is aimed at raising funds for poor members of PMAAI. "(It is)... to raise funds for PMAAI's less fortunate members, their dependents and families, and for other corporate social governance projects that the association's leadership has in mind."
Nava commended the PMAAI for the endeavor. She said, "I truly admire their desire and efforts to help people in need through their charitable projects. More power to the PMAAA!!"
Bautista said he is happy to be among YuleStars' lineup of top caliber artists that also includes Joey G. and Angeline Quinto (performing on the Nov. 30, 2023 show of YuleStars) and Ogie Alcasid and Nina (performing on Dec. 2, 2023). Ice Seguerra will be the special guest at both shows.
"We are thankful that the PMAAAI invited us to be part of this wonderful charity project," said Bautista. Addressing the concertgoers, Asia's Romantic Balladeeer said, "We hope the people will be inspired to give more this Christmas."
The YuleStars Christmas Concert is indeed a perfect showcase for Chan or Joe Mari, as he is fondly called, who, last year, was described by Time Magazine as the "face and voice of the holiday season in the Philippines."
A live band will accompany Chan, Bautista, and Nava. An added treat: the singer-songwriter will be singing several of his songs that he has not performed live for some time.
