For most Filipinos, September isn’t just the start of the Christmas Season, it’s also a sign (or rather a warning) that singer-composer Jose Mari Chan is about to take over speakers in shopping malls all over the Philippines.
The Filipino King of Christmas Carols dominates the Philippine airwaves from September to December ever since his iconic song “Christmas in Our Hearts” was released in 1990. And that was 30 years ago!
Chan’s most popular single has become a staple during Christmas season that it has been played in different generations of music players including radios, cassette players, karaokes, CD players, MP3 players as well as Spotify playlists for several decades.
But unknown to many, Chan’s popular Christmas song was supposed to be sang by world-renowned singer Lea Salonga. Unfortunately, Salonga’s recording company didn’t allow her to cross over to another label.
Chan, who was tasked to perform the song, then asked former Miss Saigon star Monique Wilson to do a duet with him. Wilson, at the time they were supposed to record the song, suddenly lost her voice. This has left Chan no choice but to sing the song with his 19-year-old daughter, Liza.
A few hours before September begins, Chan has started trending online for an obvious reason. We know you’re as excited as these netizens…
— Mini, The Summit Express
Jose Mari Chan memes trend anew. Photo Credit: Facebook/Jose Mari Gutierrez |
The Filipino King of Christmas Carols dominates the Philippine airwaves from September to December ever since his iconic song “Christmas in Our Hearts” was released in 1990. And that was 30 years ago!
Chan’s most popular single has become a staple during Christmas season that it has been played in different generations of music players including radios, cassette players, karaokes, CD players, MP3 players as well as Spotify playlists for several decades.
But unknown to many, Chan’s popular Christmas song was supposed to be sang by world-renowned singer Lea Salonga. Unfortunately, Salonga’s recording company didn’t allow her to cross over to another label.
Chan, who was tasked to perform the song, then asked former Miss Saigon star Monique Wilson to do a duet with him. Wilson, at the time they were supposed to record the song, suddenly lost her voice. This has left Chan no choice but to sing the song with his 19-year-old daughter, Liza.
A few hours before September begins, Chan has started trending online for an obvious reason. We know you’re as excited as these netizens…
YOUR CUE, JOSE MARI CHAN pic.twitter.com/lL50bITmLj— JP Tanyag (@dumidyeypee) August 31, 2019
— ky 🖌️ ??? (@allonstarry) August 31, 2020
— Hey lance! (@lancedl_) August 31, 2020
Imaginary reaction to Jose Mari Chan. pic.twitter.com/3pY9S7oQjP— Post Box (@sum_quadratum) August 31, 2020
— 𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓓 👯 (@BeautyJunkie__) August 31, 2019
Jose Mari Chan ushering Christmas in the PHL on September 1st like: pic.twitter.com/XBY3punqjr— 酷儿男 (@chinoyqueer) August 31, 2019
— JC (@avenilla_jc) August 31, 2019
— Mini, The Summit Express