Why Jose Mari Chan Doesn't Want To Be Called The King Of Philippine Christmas Carols | Toni Talks

Summary

The video features an in-depth interview with Joe, a celebrated Filipino composer and singer, often called the 'King of Christmas Carols.' He shares heartfelt memories of Christmas, emphasizing faith, family, and the birth of Jesus as the true essence of the season. Joe recounts his songwriting journey, including the creation of iconic songs like 'Christmas in Our Hearts,' 'Beautiful Girl,' and 'Please Be Careful With My Heart,' highlighting collaborations, inspirations, and his musical legacy. He reflects on personal milestones, family traditions, and the enduring impact of music to bring joy and inspire future generations, celebrating love, devotion, and the spirit of Christmas.

Takeaways

• 🎄 Observing children selling lanterns reminds the speaker of the true meaning of Christmas, centered on the birth of Jesus and giving from the heart.
• 🎶 He is humbly recognized as the 'king of Christmas carols' but acknowledges the many predecessors in the Philippines.
• ✍️ The iconic song 'Christmas in Our Hearts' was created in 1988–1990, inspired by a melody for a conservation campaign and guided by prayer and collaboration with Reena Caniza and his daughter Lisa.
• 💿 'Christmas in Our Hearts' achieved quintuple diamond status, making it one of the most successful Christmas songs in the Philippines.
• 🌟 Other notable hits include 'Mamo,' 'Please Be Careful With My Heart,' 'A Love to Last a Lifetime,' and 'Beautiful Girl,' some of which were adapted internationally.
• 🌏 His music reached global audiences, including collaborations with international artists like the Manhattan Transfer on 'The Manhattan Connection.'
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and love are central to his work; he has written songs for his wife and children, celebrating important life events through music.
• 🎹 His songwriting process typically starts with a melody, followed by lyrics, and he emphasizes that music is a gift from God meant to bring joy and inspiration.
• 🏆 He achieved numerous milestones including diamond record status and influenced other songwriters, highlighting his enduring legacy in music.
• ✨ He believes Christmas should be celebrated as a family and spiritual occasion, with traditions like decorating meaningful Christmas tree ornaments, emphasizing love, unity, and faith.
• ❤️ Ultimately, his goal is for listeners to feel the intensity of love and joy in his songs, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in their hearts year-round.

Q & A

What inspired the creation of the song 'Christmas in Our Hearts'?

The song was inspired by a prayer to the Holy Spirit to write about the true reason for Christmas—the birth of Jesus—rather than focusing on Santa Claus. Omar Chan collaborated with Reena Caniza to complete the song.

Who performed 'Christmas in Our Hearts' as a duet, and why was this choice significant?

Omar Chan performed the song as a duet with his daughter, Lisa Chan. This father-daughter pairing was significant because it reflected a personal connection and was guided by his inspiration from the Holy Spirit.

Which other notable songs did Omar Chan write that became hits in the Philippines?

Some of his other notable songs include 'Beautiful Girl,' 'Please Be Careful With My Heart,' 'A Love to Last a Lifetime,' 'No Rewind No Replay,' and 'Sing Me Your Song Again, Daddy.'

How did Omar Chan's early life influence his music career?

Born and raised in Iloilo, he started writing songs at age 13, inspired by artists like Neil Sedaka and Paul Anka. His father encouraged him to pursue music as a hobby while learning the family business to ensure financial stability.

What international recognition did Omar Chan achieve for his music?

He produced the album 'The Manhattan Connection,' featuring American singers interpreting his songs. Additionally, he was the first Filipino artist to receive Diamond Record status for 'Beautiful Girl,' and 'Christmas in Our Hearts' achieved quintuple platinum.

How does Omar Chan view music in relation to his faith?

He considers music a gift from God, meant to bring joy to people. He believes songwriting is a way to use his talents for good and to inspire others.

How did Omar Chan balance his music career with family and business responsibilities?

He continued managing the family business while performing and writing music. His children are involved in various aspects of the business, allowing him to balance both passions effectively.

What is the personal significance of the songs Omar Chan wrote for his wife and children?

His songs for his wife, like 'Refrain,' express deep personal love and shared memories, while songs for his children, like 'No Rewind No Replay' and 'Sing Me Your Song Again, Daddy,' celebrate family milestones and emotional moments.

What are some of Omar Chan's cherished Christmas memories?

He remembers being woken up as a child in Iloilo for midnight mass, decorating Christmas trees with his family, and the tradition of making the Christmas tree a family tree where each ornament has special meaning.

What message does Omar Chan want listeners to take from his songs?

He wants listeners to feel the intensity of love he experienced while writing his songs, celebrate the true essence of Christmas, and appreciate the joy, faith, and family connections music can bring.

What is Omar Chan's approach to songwriting, especially for Tagalog songs?

He usually composes the melody first, as it takes longer to create, and then collaborates with other lyricists for the words, especially for Tagalog songs since he is more fluent in English.

How did Omar Chan's song 'Beautiful Girl' expand internationally?

The song was adapted into Japanese and Chinese versions, allowing it to reach audiences in other countries and gain international popularity.