Jose marie Chan

Jose Mari Chan: The Man Who Starts Christmas in September! 🎄

September 1 signals the unofficial start of Christmas in the Philippines, and no one embodies that spirit quite like Jose Mari Chan! 🎶

As soon as the clock strikes midnight on September 1, you can practically hear the jingle bells ringing in every Filipino household. It's an annual tradition in the Philippines to kick-start the "BER" months—with September marking the countdown to Christmas! And you know what that means; it’s time for Jose Mari Chan to trend online yet again! This beloved balladeer has become synonymous with the holiday season, bringing joy and nostalgia with his timeless classic, "Christmas in Our Hearts." It’s like he has a magic wand that instantly transforms everyone’s mood just with a few tender notes.

This year, as billboards along EDSA remind us of the festive season, it was almost dramatic to see how unsure folks were about Chan’s magical ability to usher in pre-holiday cheer amid rising challenges. But let's face it, as soon as the clock struck twelve, nothing could dampen the Filipino spirit. From social media posts showcasing Christmas trees going up as early as September 1 to the sounds of Jose Mari Chan’s iconic melodies filling the airwaves, the atmosphere shifts to one of warmth, joy, and, yes, even a touch of early holiday shopping madness.

For many, the arrival of the "BER" months means it’s also time to reminisce—the memories of family gatherings, the scent of bibingka and puto bumbong wafting through the air, and the joy of exchanging gifts all flood back as Chan’s songs tickle our ears. There’s a certain magic to this season that makes Filipinos everywhere—whether you’re at home in the Philippines or living abroad—feel a little closer to their roots. Singing along to "A Christmas in Our Hearts" is basically a rite of passage for anyone who considers themselves a true Filipino holiday enthusiast!

Did you know that Jose Mari Chan’s holiday anthem first came out in 1990? Nearly over three decades later, it’s still as iconic as ever! And here’s a fun tidbit: the Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season globally, stretching from September all the way until January—not a record we take lightly! So, whether you love him or loathe that early Christmas cheer, you can’t argue that Jose Mari Chan has become our festive ambassador!