In this day and age, only a handful of OPM artists can claim that, after more than five decades in showbiz, they are just as well-loved and active in their careers. Such is the charisma of singer and songwriter Jose Mari Chan, who began his career with the release of his debut album, Deep in My Heart, in 1969. Since then, he has become known for timeless songs like “Please Be Careful With My Heart,” “Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile,” and one of the country’s holiday anthems, “Christmas in Our Hearts.”
This month, Jose Mari prepares for a unique kind of celebration with “Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart” concert, which has a younger generation of talented singers like Kolette Madelo of Pinoy BIg Brother Gen 11, Tawag ng Tanghalan alumni like Lyka Estrella and recent Your Face Sounds Familiar champions JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano interpreting his favorite compositions.
READ: Jose Mari Chan has no plans to retire at the age of 81: ‘Music is God’s gift to me'
During the presscon for his concert, the talented singer-songwriter revealed that he had an opportunity to run for public office in the late '80s, but declined the offer because he had no aspirations to get into politics.
“One time, I was invited to run for the Senate. This was at the time of President Cory Aquino. She asked me if I could run for the Senate, but I had to respectfully decline because I said that I’m helping my dad in the business, and so he needs me, so I’m sorry. I don’t get involved in politics. If they approach me, I’m willing to share my feelings and help, but I try not to get involved,” he admitted.
EXCLUSIVE: Jose Mari Chan shares the story behind his hit song ‘Christmas in Our Hearts’
Staying true to his songwriting style throughout the decades, Jose Mari’s signature nostalgic lyricism and relaxing tempo have made him into the OPM icon he is today. The Afterglow concert performer talked about why it was important to him to always stay true to this kind of classic Pinoy musical style.
“It’s very important. That’s why I encourage singers to sing also the kundiman and that the songs that were written long before we were born. Because they are beautiful. If you listen to songs like 'Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig,' it’s a beautiful song. Even 'Dahil Sa ‘Yo' is beautiful. Those are beautiful classic Filipino songs that I would like our people to never forget these songs because they were written by composers who are no longer around. They are long gone, but they wrote that for generations to come. We should be proud of those songs. It will love long after we are gone. Cebu is also a source of beautiful melodies,” he said.
READ: Jose Mari Chan expresses frustration over not receiving royalty earnings
Last month, the OPM singer made headlines when he shared his frustrations over not receiving royalty payments for his compositions from the sales of CDs and cassettes, mainly due to streaming technology. When he does receive royalties, he said they are not as large as people may expect. “Meron naman. Enough to buy a sandwich (laughs). No, no, I’m not putting down the (companies), I’m just making patawa! I like to joke. I like to make the moments lighter,” he clarified.
Watch Jose Mari Chan in the Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart concert happening on July 11 at the PICC Plenary Hall in the CCP Complex in Manila. Tickets are now available online via Ticketworld. For inquiries and bulk ticket purchases, please contact QR Events Solution Inc. through their official Facebook page.