As the ‘ber’ months approach, an outburst of Christmas songs are now expected to be heard on radios and mall speakers and this includes the classic Christmas carol “Christmas in Our Hearts” of Jose Mari Chan.
Memes about the singer and his iconic songs also make the rounds on the internet during the yuletide season.
The popular song, which has become part of Pinoy Christmases, has just marked its 30th anniversary.
Amid the pandemic and the various crisis in the country, Chan said he felt blessed as his song still remains in the hearts of Filipinos.
“It’s a sad time now but I feel blessed that a Christmas song I wrote three decades ago continues to be loved and sung today,” Chan told ABS-CBN News.
The song, which has the lyrics, “Whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns on the street, I remember the child in the manger as he sleeps”, was a collaboration between Chan and songwriter Rina Cañiza. It was recorded by Chan and his daughter Liza.
The hit OPM song was first written by Chan as a high school reunion theme song with different lyrics. It remains one of the most played songs in public places all over the Philippines from September to early January.
Chan said the song will always be a constant reminder of the meaning of Christmas celebrations.
He said, “Christmas is a season of joy, a season of gratefulness that God Almighty sent His only Son to grant us eternal life with Him.”
Chan hopes that the viral outbreak will soon be over as Christmas neara. He also said that these trying times are an opportunity for others to share their blessings.
“Our people today are suffering and I earnestly pray that they will not lose hope that this virus gets dissipated soon and bring us all back to good health,” he said.
“It is my hope that Christmas will bring us comfort and healing. For many who have been blessed with sufficiency, God is giving this opportunity to share your blessings and bring joy to our brothers in need and make this Christmas happy and meaningful for all.”
Here are some reactions from netizens on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Estrada21Karla/status/1293936836394459137
https://twitter.com/EREISER_/status/1292761038392160260?s=20
https://twitter.com/billionsoo/status/1293170964855808001?s=20
https://twitter.com/vnllbeaan/status/1293212724617338882?s=20
https://twitter.com/JCAdlawan/status/1292007882070917122?s=20
