Jose Mari Chan. MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — OPM legend and music icon Jose Mari Chan on Tuesday expressed his frustration over allegedly not receiving royalty earnings from the songs he wrote.
During the media conference for his upcoming concert, “Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart”, the “Christmas in Our Hearts” singer was asked how much he has earned from the classic OPM songs he has written through the years. To everyone's surprise, he said that he has earned none anymore.
“I don't exactly remember, but I haven’t exactly been receiving royalties anymore from the recording companies,” said Chan.
“I feel frustrated, but more so, I feel frustrated for the young singer-songwriters of this country. What kind of future can they look forward to? You know what I mean? Where can they get their income?” he added.
He said he had to call the record labels and ask if he could get a share.
But more than himself, he is concerned about the young and upcoming songwriters of today.
“I feel bad for the young songwriters of our country. ’Cause how can they support their families? They have to look for other jobs. How frustrating, no?” he said.
Chan did say that he gets plenty of joy in seeing his music become part of people's lives. "That's more than any checks that I can receive," he said.
"Music is God’s gift to me. And the joy that I give to people, that’s worth more than any amount on a check," he stressed.
Chan also finds joy in writing jingles for brands, working in his corporate job, and sharing the stage with young and fresh talents such as Your Face Sounds Familiar champions Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna, Kolette Madelo, and TNT champion Lyka Estrella.
They are all part of Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart, which will take place on July 11 at the PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City.