CHRISTMAS is just around the corner. And whether they are blaring mall-wide from speakers while you plunge into your holiday shopping, or being “sung” by the jiggling Santa that you wish your in-laws never had, once you get into the “ber” months in the Philippines, Christmas carols are inevitable.
There’s no point escaping it so, instead of being a Scrooge, just enjoy the festive season and the songs it brings. Of course at the forefront of these carols is “Christmas in Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan.
I will boldly declare that “Christmas in Our Hearts” is the greatest contemporary original Pilipino music (OPM) yuletide song. It has truly stood the test of time, and just hearing the first bars of the song will instantly transport you to that child-like sense of wonder the season inevitably brings.
But according to Chan, that song almost didn’t happen. His producers were asking him to write another song that speaks more of a romantic holiday, as Chan was known for his love songs.
He wrote “A Perfect Chrsitmas” (another Chan classic actually). But radio picked up “Christmas in Our Hearts” and the rest is OPM history.
He revealed this story in a recent news conference for his upcoming concert with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra happening on December 16 at the Theater at Solaire. The concert will feature the orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Louie Ocampo, performing some of the most memorable music that Chan made. Audiences will get to see live performances of his compositions, such as “Beautiful Girl,” “Please Be Careful With My Heart” and “A Love To Last” as performed by Chan himself and by various guests like Jona, Bituin Escalante, Juris, Markki Stroem, Acapellago, Migz Jaleco and Vocal Synergy.
Tickets to the concert are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.
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ANOTHER much-anticipated concert is for K-pop fans, specifically fans of Kim Jae-joong, as they are in for a treat. He will be holding a special fan-signing event for 300 lucky fans on his fan meeting day.
A special fan-signing session will be held before the fan-meeting event, where fans will get to meet Kim face to face. Aside from the poster that will be given to all attendees, a total of 300 lucky fans will get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Kim Jae-joong face to face and get his signature.
Kim made his debut as a singer in 2003. He has swept the hearts of many with his good looks, coupled with his powerful vocals.
He proves himself to be a truly versatile artist as he has not only built a career as a top singer but has also been making his name known as an actor. Most recently, he finished the drama Manhole, where he played the love-struck Bong Pil who travels through time to keep the love of his life, Soo Jin, from marrying someone else.
The special fan-signing event is a bonus for the fans who will be attending his fan meeting, dubbed the 2017 Kim Jae Joong Asia Tour Fanmeeting in Manila, on November 30 at Smart Araneta Center in Cubao. The event is presented by Unusual Entertainment supported by Fangirlasia and Showtime Thailand. It starts at 6 pm. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or online at www.ticketnet.com.ph.
For inquiries, contact Ticketnet at 911-5555; or Fangirlasia at tickets@fangirlasia.com or 0916-2311512.