Christmas feels extra special in the Philippines, thanks to the beloved singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan and his famous Christmas carols. Known as the "King of Philippine Christmas Carols," his songs are heard everywhere as early as September, marking the country’s long holiday season.
Jose Mari Chan began his music career in 1966 and has achieved many milestones since then. By the 1980s, he became a household name, creating some of the most famous Christmas songs that we still sing today. But his talent isn’t limited to holiday music—he also wrote songs for movies and even built a successful business in the Philippine sugar industry. In 2008, he started his own music publishing company, Signature Music Inc., to manage his songs.
With all his achievements, what makes Jose Mari Chan so special? Let’s take a closer look at his life and music to find out.
THE JOYFUL HISTORY BEHIND THE KING OF PHILIPPINE CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Jose Mari Chan, often called JMC, was born in Iloilo City on March 11, 1945. His musical journey began at 21 when he became a host and singer on the TV show 9 Teeners. He gained attention in 1967 with his first single, Afterglow, which became a hit in the Philippines.
Two years later, he released his first album, Deep in My Heart. In 1973, JMC represented the Philippines at the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo with his song Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile.
From 1970 to 1975, he wrote over 20 theme songs for Filipino movies. His work earned him nominations from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences and appearances in TV specials that showcased his talent. In 1975, he took a break from the spotlight and moved to the United States for personal reasons.
In 1986, he made a big comeback with a compilation album featuring his hit Tell Me Your Name. This connected him with a new, younger audience. Then in 1989, he released Constant Change, an album that won Album of the Year at the Awit Awards. One of its songs, Beautiful Girl, became a hit across Asia, covered by famous artists like Aaron Kwok and Paula Tsui.
JMC’s music took him around the world, performing in places like New York, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C. With such a rich history, it’s no surprise that he’s become a big part of Christmas celebrations.
ENCHANTING SUCCESS AS THE FESTIVE SINGER
Jose Mari Chan earned his title as the "King of Philippine Christmas Carols" with his first holiday album, Christmas in Our Hearts, in 1990. This album included 16 heartfelt songs, such as A Perfect Christmas, Mary’s Boy Child, and the iconic Christmas in Our Hearts.
The album was a huge success, selling over 800,000 copies. It became a holiday classic, making JMC a symbol of Christmas joy in the Philippines and earning him another nickname: "The Father of Philippine Christmas Music."
In 2012, JMC released another Christmas album, Going Home to Christmas, featuring 22 new songs. Hits like Pagdating ng Pasko, A Christmas Song for You, and Going Home to Christmas added to his collection of holiday favorites.
This album even inspired a stage musical about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning home to celebrate Christmas. It showed how JMC’s music brings families closer and spreads the joy of the season.
This season may we never forget, indeed. With Chan's songs, the Christmas spirit is always lighten up and is appreciated along with the warmth of our beloved ones and a simple celebration.
With his undying success and legacy, JMC was able to bring families closer and inspire his co-artists constantly. He is truly and inspiration and a reminder of the comfort that his masterpieces and even kindness bring us.
JOSE MARI CHAN AS A TIMELESS INSPIRATION
Jose Mari Chan isn’t just known for his music—he’s also admired for his kind and humble personality.
“He writes songs straight from the heart, which is why they resonate with so many people,” says Kitchie Molina, describing his unique style.
Archie Castillo highlights how JMC has a distinct sound, while Eddie Mercado, the "Frank Sinatra of the Philippines," praises him as a natural performer and a great friend.
Many of his colleagues, like Angie Magbanua and Moy Ortiz, also describe him as sweet, humble, and down-to-earth. Despite his success, JMC remains approachable and kind to everyone he meets.
Gary Lising and Lindsay Custodio agree, calling him one of the most genuine and kind-hearted artists in the industry.
Beyond his musical success, Jose Mari Chan is also a kind person, friend, family, and a colleague. His kindness is truly heartwarming. This warmth that he shares to everyone every "Ber" months is something that we should cherish and serve as a reminder to be kind everyday and to enjoy the luminous event with the people that we love, and maybe sing along with his music.
For over 58 years, Jose Mari Chan has achieved great success while staying humble and grounded. His songs bring people together, especially during the Christmas season.
As we enjoy the holidays, his music reminds us to cherish our loved ones and share kindness with others. JMC’s story shows that no matter how successful we become, staying humble and kind makes us truly special.
With his timeless music and inspiring personality, Jose Mari Chan continues to bring warmth and joy to the Christmas season, making him a true icon of the holidays.
Just as what Jose Mari Chan continues in his legacy, let us share the kindness in our hearts and celebrate the holidays as the season we'll surely never forget.
REFERENCES:
[1] Jose Mari Chan age, hometown, biography | Last.fm. (n.d.). Last.fm. https://www.last.fm/music/Jose+Mari+Chan/+wiki
[2] Interesting facts about “Christmas In Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan. (2021, September 1). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/01/11-interesting-facts-christmas-in-our-hearts-by-jose-mari-chan/
[3] Magazine, A. (2024, November 8 ). A Perfect Christmas with Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas Musical — Art+ Magazine. Art+ Magazine. https://artplus.ph/features/a-perfect-christmas-with-jose-mari-chans-going-home-to-christmas-musical
[4] Grefal, L. B. (2017, April 17). Jose Mari Chan through the years. Manila Standard. https://manilastandard.net/?p=234306
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