“Nandito na siya.”
This was what Filipinos said on Monday, September 1, as they ushered in the first month of the “-Ber” season that concludes with Christmas in December.
It was a reference to Jose Mari Chan, a crooner who is dubbed the “Father of Philippine Christmas Carols” or “Father of Philippine Christmas Music.”
As soon as the “-Ber” months begin in September, malls and establishments in the country start playing Christmas songs, particularly Jose Mari’s Holiday hits, in anticipation of the merry season.
Jose Mari is known for his bestselling 1990 album “Christmas in Our Hearts” which features Holiday-themed songs such as “Christmas in Our Hearts,” “A Perfect Christmas,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Give Me Your Heart for Christmas” and “Mary’s Boy Child,” among others.
Due to the popularity of his songs that cut across generations, he was later dubbed the “Father of Philippine Christmas Music.”
It has since become a tradition for Filipinos to welcome in the “-Ber” months with memes and other posts referencing Jose Mari.
Among these is Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who shared a photo of herself with the crooner while inside a plane.
“Nandito na siya. Happy start of the ‘ber’ months, mga ka-Christmas in our hearts!” she wrote.
Noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” also joined the hype by inviting the crooner himself on its September 1 episode.
“LUMABAS NA SIYA!” its account said on Monday.
The Malabon City government also shared an old video featuring Jose Mari when the city staged its “Paskong Malabueño 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.”
“Ilang minuto na lang, September na… Ber Months na! Talaga namang kapag -ber months na, hindi mawawala sa ating playlist ang mga awitin ni Jose Mari Chan,” it said on the eve of September 1.
Host-eventologist Tim Yap also shared a video of himself with the renowned musician.
“Wake up, girls and boys. Jose Mari Chan has entered the chat,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
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Host Toni Gonzaga also shared a video featuring Jose Mari, whom she had featured on her talk show “Toni Talks.”
