Jose Mari Chan, 81, still going strong after making one important health change

• Jose Mari Chan remains highly active at 81 as the “Ber” months begin
• The OPM icon recalled starting to compose songs when he was only 13
• Chan shared how his music career continued alongside his family business responsibilities
• At 81, he avoids pork and beef and exercises for 45 minutes every morning

Jose Mari Chan continues to prove that age has not slowed down his passion for music as he remains active at 81, especially with the arrival of the “Ber” months in the Philippines.

On September 1, the iconic singer-songwriter immediately appeared on several television programs, marking the unofficial start of the country’s holiday season. His classic Christmas song, “Christmas In Our Hearts,” has also once again started playing in shopping malls and various establishments.

During his guest appearance on Melai Cantiveros’ “Kuan On Juan,” Chan looked back on the early years of his music career and revealed that his passion for songwriting began when he was just 13.

“God has blessed me as a songwriter because He gave me my talent. I was only 13 years old when I started composing,” he said in Bisaya.

Despite being involved in their family businesses, Chan continued pursuing music and eventually found opportunities to perform. He admitted that he never formally learned how to read or write musical notes.

“You know I cannot read notes, I cannot write notes because I never learned,” he said.

Chan also recalled volunteering to perform on a radio program during his teenage years and joining school programs where he often sang songs by The Platters.

In 1965, ABS-CBN approached him after seeing him perform and emcee at school concerts.

“They saw me emceeing and singing in school concerts, they approached me and said, ‘We would like to do a TV show, would you like to host it?’”

Although he was still in college, Chan accepted the opportunity and became part of the television program “9 Teeners.” Two years later, he released his first record, “Afterglow.”

“In 1967, they produced my first-ever record ‘Afterglow.’ Well, it did not really become a hit, but it was an original song that created a stir,” he recalled.

His career later took him abroad for work before he returned to the Philippines in 1986. He eventually released several successful songs, including “Tell Me Your Name,” “Beautiful Girl,” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart,” his duet with Regine Velasquez.

Chan also became closely associated with “Christmas In Our Hearts,” which he recorded with his daughter Liza Chan and co-wrote with songwriter Rina Cañiza.

Now 81, Chan is also paying greater attention to his health. He shared that he has changed his diet and maintains a regular exercise routine.

“I don’t eat pork anymore, I don’t eat beef, and I exercise every morning, 45 minutes. It’s important for your health. Nobody lives forever but you try to protect and preserve your health for your children and your grandchildren,” he said.

For Chan, staying healthy also allows him to continue sharing the gift he has treasured throughout his life.

“Every day I thank God for the gift of music that He has gifted me with. So the songs that I’ve written they bring joy to people, that’s my gift back to God,” he said.

Jose Mari Chan, born Jose Mari Ledesma Chan, is a veteran Filipino singer-songwriter and prominent sugar industry executive who first entered television as the host of 9 Teeners in 1966. A self-taught musician who cannot read or write formal musical notation, he began composing as a teenager and went on to produce classic commercial jingles alongside multi-platinum OPM records.

In another report, Jose Mari Chan appealed to Filipinos to extend help to communities affected by flooding during his September 1 appearance on “Unang Hirit.” The OPM icon also spoke about his deep connection to Christmas music, describing it as a blessing he believes came from God. As the holiday season approaches, Jose Mari said his greatest wish is for Filipinos across the country to enjoy good health and happiness.

Meanwhile, Toni Gonzaga previously interviewed Jose Mari Chan, widely regarded as the “King of Christmas carols in the Philippines,” where he shared an interesting story behind “Christmas in Our Hearts.” Jose Mari revealed that Lea Salonga was initially the first artist he wanted to invite as his duet partner for the beloved Christmas song. However, the popular singer’s producer did not approve of the collaboration. The song still became especially meaningful when Jose Mari’s own daughter, Lisa, ultimately joined him for the duet that would become a favorite among Filipinos during the Christmas season.

Source: KAMI.com.gh