Nostalgia Overload: Manilyn Reynes reveals why Christmas songs always bring her to tears
• Manilyn Reynes revealed that Christmas songs make her cry because they remind her of her simple and happy childhood in Cebu
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• She cherishes memories of Christmas Eve gifts in their modest home, particularly a photo of her father giving her a present
• The actress admits to tearing up even in public places, like malls, with her family having to check on her when holiday music begins
• The iconic Filipino Christmas song, Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas in Our Hearts," once caused her to cry while talking to a baffled salesman
Filipino singer and veteran actress Manilyn Reynes has confessed the surprisingly simple yet deeply emotional reason why she often finds herself tearing up whenever she hears Christmas music.
Source: Instagram
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The star of the long-running sitcom Pepito Manaloto shared that the festive tunes immediately transport her back to the uncomplicated joy of her childhood Christmases in Cebu, a memory so pure it consistently moves her to tears, even in public.
During a guest appearance on the vodcast Your Honor!, Reynes was candid about her highly emotional reaction, explaining that the waterworks are triggered by vivid recollections of a much simpler life.
"Ang naaalala ko kasi kapag Pasko, 'yung ang simple-simple ng buhay namin sa Cebu," she shared. "So, 'yun lagi. Kaya ako naiiyak… Tuwing Pasko kasi, the eve, so andiyan ang regalo. Sa simpleng bahay mo, sa simpleng maliit na tree mo, gano'n."
The actress grew especially sentimental as she recalled a specific photograph—a treasured image of her father giving her a present.
This memory highlighted the modest but heartfelt traditions they upheld.
"Bubuksan namin 'yung gift namin. Hindi namin sisirain 'yung wrapper niya," she recounted. "Kinabukasan kasi, magpi-picture kami. So, I have a picture of my dad na binibigyan ako ng regalo, na picture 'yun. 'Yung gano'n kasimple. So, naaalala ko lang lagi."
For Reynes, the magic of the holiday was never about extravagance, but about the profound connection and genuine happiness found in those small moments.
This deep well of nostalgia means Reynes can’t always keep her composure. She admitted that her emotional response can strike anywhere, leading to funny and awkward public moments that her family is already accustomed to.
The actress recounted a particularly memorable incident at a mall during the "Ber" months (September to December), the official start of the holiday music season in the Philippines.
While she was shopping with her family and looking at decorations, the quintessential Filipino holiday anthem, Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas in Our Hearts," began to play.
Engaging with a salesman about holiday ornaments, Reynes found herself unexpectedly overcome with emotion.
"Sa mall na. Eh 'di Ber [months] na, 'di ba? Simula na 'yung mga tugtog. So kasama ko 'yung mga bata. Alam din ng mga bata 'to, siyempre tsaka ni Kuya Aljon mo [na mister ko]. 'Di eto na. Tumitingin ako ng mga bubbles, 'yung mga ball. Ganda, so, naghahanap ako ng a bit bigger'" she narrated, mimicking the way her voice cracked and her eyes welled up while talking to the store employee. The sudden change in her demeanor prompted the salesman to ask if she was okay.
"Lumapit ako. 'Kuya meron pa pong mas malaking…'?'" Reynes said, eliciting laughter from the studio audience as she demonstrated the moment she tried to mask her tears with a businesslike question.
Her husband, Aljon, and children have learned to anticipate her emotional cues. When Christmas music starts playing while they are pushing a cart through a store, her kids often look at her and exclaim, "Oh no, Mom!"
Even her castmates on Pepito Manaloto have picked up on her sensitivity. Reynes revealed that her colleagues playfully 'bully' her by deliberately playing Christmas songs on set, knowing it will trigger her affectionate tears, an indication of the warm and close-knit environment they share off-camera.
Manilyn Reynes is a multi-awarded Filipina actress, singer, and television host, widely regarded as one of the most versatile entertainers of her generation. She began her career as a child star in the 1980s and quickly rose to fame with her acting talent and powerful singing voice, earning the title “Star of All Decades.” Over the years, she has starred in hit television shows, movies, and stage productions, and has also made her mark in comedy as part of the long-running Kapuso sitcom Pepito Manaloto. Beyond her successful career, she is admired for her enduring marriage to fellow actor Aljon Jimenez and her dedication as a mother, balancing family life with her work in the entertainment industry.
During the same interview, Manilyn also shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, recalling her love, strength, and sacrifices. She expressed gratitude for her mother’s guidance, saying her values continue to shape her life today. Fellow celebrities and fans flooded the comments with messages of comfort and support. Reynes emphasized that her mother’s legacy of love will remain alive in her heart and family.
She previously shared a heartfelt post dedicated to Ricky Davao, who recently passed away at the age 63. In her tribute, Manilyn recollected her precious memories of the late veteran actor. The “Pepito Manaloto” star also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Ricky. The actress likewise stressed that the actor-director will surely be missed.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
