Jose Mari Chan, may mensaheng puno ng malasakit sa simula ng “Ber” months

• Jose Mari Chan called on Filipinos to help those affected by flooding
• He delivered his message during a September 1 appearance on Unang Hirit
• Chan described his connection to Christmas music as a blessing from God
• His Christmas wish centered on good health and happiness for the entire country

Jose Mari Chan marked the beginning of the “Ber” months with a heartfelt appeal for Filipinos to extend help to those struggling with the effects of flooding across the country.

The veteran singer appeared on the September 1 episode of GMA’s Unang Hirit, where he performed his beloved Christmas song “Christmas In Our Hearts.” He later joined hosts Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, and Ivan Mayrina for a conversation about the Christmas season and the challenges many Filipinos are currently facing.

With several communities dealing with persistent rains and flooding, Chan was asked what message he wanted to share with those experiencing difficulties.

He encouraged Filipinos who have enough resources to share their blessings with people in need.

“God has blessed us with enough property and wealth. We should help those who are in need. There are so many brother and sister Filipinos out there who need help,” he said.

Chan followed the statement with another reminder about the importance of extending assistance to others.

“We should always reach out and help them.”

His appeal came as the country entered the “Ber” months, a period traditionally associated with the beginning of the long Christmas season in the Philippines.

Chan also reflected on his longstanding association with Christmas music and the role his songs have played in bringing the holiday spirit to Filipino households.

“It’s God’s gift to me. God’s gift of love, family, and music. Because of my songs the Christmas spirit is brought into the country,” Chan said.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the start of the Christmas season this year, Chan said he continues to view Christmas mainly as a time for family.

When asked about his Christmas wish, the singer kept his message straightforward, expressing hope for the well-being and happiness of Filipinos across the country.

“Good health for all of you and most of all happiness in our hearts for the entire country.”

Chan’s appearance offered a familiar start to the “Ber” months while also drawing attention to the struggles of Filipinos affected by flooding. His message emphasized generosity and compassion at a time when many communities continue to recover from the effects of heavy rains.

Jose Mari Chan, born Jose Mari Ledesma Chan, is an acclaimed Filipino singer-songwriter, businessman, and iconic figure in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Widely regarded as the "King of Philippine Christmas Carols," he achieved massive success with evergreen hits like "Christmas in Our Hearts" and "A Perfect Christmas," while also heading a successful sugar trading company.

In another report, Jose Mari Chan is set to lead “Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart” at the PICC Plenary Hall on July 11, a concert celebrating his more than six decades in the music industry. The veteran singer expressed appreciation for having his beloved classics performed alongside a new generation of promising artists. Jose Mari also made it clear that retirement is not yet part of his plans, saying he wants to keep singing for as long as people continue to listen. Despite remembering a past concert when he nearly lost his voice, the OPM icon remains determined to perform all 12 songs prepared for the upcoming show.

Meanwhile, Jose Mari Chan previously opened up to Nelson Canlas about the emotional moment captured in a viral video that gained more than 1.8 million views. The Filipino-Chinese balladeer explained that the footage was recorded during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. He later shared the reason behind his tears, offering a personal explanation that touched many Filipinos who came across the widely circulated clip.

Source: KAMI.com.gh