Cover Jose Mari Chan (Photo: Pampanga’s Best)
Jose Mari Chan (Photo: Pampanga’s Best)
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Tatler sat down with Jose Mari Chan, the King of Philippine Christmas Carols, to explore why Filipino start Christmas early
When the clock strikes twelve on September 1st, the Philippines turns into a Christmas wonderland that contrasts with its tropical climate. Streets display twinkling lights, and department stores get busier than ever. But the most telling sign of an early Christmas comes from Filipino Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan, singing Christmas In Our Hearts.
In other countries, people wait until December to even whistle the tune of a Christmas carol. They sometimes fear bringing bad luck to their households. But in the Philippines, the start of the ‘Ber’ months signals a nationwide immersion in the Christmas spirit. Immediately, Christmas decorations such as the Nativity scene and twinkling Christmas lights emerge.
To better understand this unique phenomenon, Tatler sat down with Filipino Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan, who shared how he decorates his home to herald the yuletide season.
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Above Jose Mari Chan and his wife, Mary Ann Ansaldo putting decorations on the tree for Christmas 2024
Jose Mari Chan and his wife, Mary Ann Ansaldo putting decorations on the tree for Christmas 2024
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A staple of Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas season is the Christmas tree. “It’s one of the most important symbols of Christmas as it represents a family’s togetherness,” he said. Contrary to expectations, he and his wife, Mary Ann Ansaldo, only put the Christmas tree up after All Saints’ Day on November 1st. Instead of using store-bought ornaments, each one has a special meaning.
“That Christmas tree symbolises our family,” said Chan. “For example, my daughter would say, “Oh, I was the one who bought this Christmas ball when I was young.” So she puts it up herself. So there’s a special meaning to each ornament. When I look at the Christmas tree, every ornament reminds me of when we first hung it. So we haven’t bought new Christmas decorations–we’ve collected them over the years.”
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The Philippines is not the only country that has Christmas lanterns, but the phenomenon of putting up Christmas decorations early is unique to this culture. When asked why Filipinos start decorating their homes so early, Jose Mari Chan has some interesting thoughts. “We are a fiesta (party) people–we like festivities. They bring light and colour to our homes. If you go to the provinces on any special occasion, such as the feast day of any saint, they would have their procession as an excuse to celebrate. Christmas is no different.”
Above Jose Mari Chan’s family decorating a Christmas tree
Jose Mari Chan’s family decorating a Christmas tree
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Every time September comes back around, Facebook and Twitter (now X) are immersed in memes of Jose Mari Chan’s face peeking from the side. It’s a reminder that the timeless Christmas classic is about to play.
With 37 platinum records and over two million albums sold, Jose Mari Chan has solidified his status as the King of Philippine Christmas Carols. His career started in 1967, but he is most known for the Christmas carol Christmas In Our Hearts, which he released in 1990.
Since then, he has become a herald of the Christmas season in the Philippines. “I don’t know who started that; everyone still gets into it, even after all these years,” he shared. “I didn’t start it. Still, I feel complimented that after 60 years of being in show business, this is a gift to me from the public.”
Above Jose Mari Chan’s grandchildren by a Belen
Jose Mari Chan’s grandchildren by a Belen
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Filipinos display their Christmas decorations early to enhance the holiday atmosphere further. Jose Mari Chan took on a reflective air when asked why this is the case. “I don’t know my history, but we might have got that from the Spaniards. Spain is a Christian country, and they also have this display when Christmas comes around.”
He also shared fond memories of the parol, a star-shaped lantern that comes in different colours and sizes. One of his fondest memories is waiting for his grandmother to return from Simbang Gabi (devotional masses) with marshmallows and pandesal (bread) as a treat. She would also bring home the parol that guided people to the church in the wee hours of the morning, hanging the lantern on the balcony so it could be viewed from the street.
Jose Mari Chan was correct. In the Spanish era, some villages would place the parol outside their homes. It was a symbol of their readiness to accompany Jesus’s nine months in Mary’s womb by hearing Mass for nine consecutive days before Christmas. The priest would knock on each door, awakening the people so they could join the procession towards the church. Walking with the parol to light their way emulated the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to Jesus’s birth. This would culminate in a Mass celebrating Jesus’s birth on Christmas Day.
Above Jose Mari Chan’s home, featuring Christmas lights
Jose Mari Chan’s home, featuring Christmas lights
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For Jose Mari Chan, the early Christmas season is not just a quirky tidbit. It is a symbol of familial unity and celebration, one that has been passed down from one generation to the next. It is a reminder that we deserve to form and celebrate our deep connections with each other, no matter the season. “I always inject the idea that the spirit of Christmas is giving and sharing,” he emphasised. “I will never tire of pushing for that, for those who have been blessed all their lives should share our blessings with those in need. The little that we can do every day counts.”
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
