Jose Mari Chan Urges Moderation in Christmas Memes
JOSE MARI CHAN – Veteran singer Jose Mari Chan appreciates Christmas memes but cautions against overdoing them
Although “flattered” by the Christmas memes portraying him as the herald of the “Ber-months,” veteran singer Jose Mari Chan urged people not to overdo the humorous posts on social media. He warned that too many memes could lead to “negative reactions.”
“They’re using the same picture every year,” the singer said with a smile. “I’m complimented but I don’t want them to overdo it because it could create negative reactions to it instead of being nice and positive but it could create a ‘Sus, siya na naman.’”
Jose Mari Chan stressed that the memes featuring him should not overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. “I felt flattered and complimented,” he said when recalling his first reaction to the memes. “But I always remind people not to let that distract from the real symbol of Christmas — not Santa Claus, but the birth of baby Jesus.”
The 79-year-old celebrity expressed his gratitude for being considered a Christmas symbol in the Philippines but emphasized that Jesus remains the true essence of the holiday.
“Well, thank God, but I should not be the symbol of Christmas,” Chan said. “Because there’s really only one symbol of Christmas and that’s the baby Jesus, His birth. It should not be anybody else but our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jose Mari Chan also thanked his followers for their encouragement, stating he’s happy that his music has had an impact on people’s lives.
The musician recently made news when he broke down in tears while singing “Christmas in Our Hearts” at a function, touching the hearts of online fans. Some, however, expressed alarm as well because of his strong ties to the Filipino Christmas season.
Chan has become known as the “Father of Philippine Christmas music” over the years because of his classic successes, which include “A Perfect Christmas,” “Christmas in Our Hearts,” “Beautiful Girl,” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart.”
Best Christmas Recording, Album of the Year, and Best Jazz Recording are just a few of the Awit Awards that Chan has won since the publication of his debut album, “Deep in My Heart,” in 1969.