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A night with Jose Mari Chan at Festival Mall to mark the start of Christmas
Updated: Jun 16
We had the privilege of attending Jose Mari Chan's concert at Festival Mall in Muntinlupa City to mark the start of Christmas in the Philippines! It was a magical night of music and fireworks, with Chan performing all of his classic hits, including 'Christmas in Our Hearts,' 'A Perfect Christmas,' and 'Give Me Your Heart.' This really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the most iconic Filipino musicians perform his beloved Christmas songs!
The audience was singing along and in wonderful spirits, and it was clear that everyone was having a fantastic time, despite a ferocious deluge of rain that was soaking the crowd. It was the perfect way to start the festive season, and for us, a night where we were able to experience the true passion that the people of the Philippines have for Christmas.
In this post, we give you some background to the charming Mr Chan, show you why you should visit Festival Mall, and finish up with our epic YouTube video highlights of the concert and fireworks show!
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Who is Jose Mari Chan?
Jose Mari Chan, born on March 11, 1945, in Iloilo City, Philippines, is a renowned Filipino singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. His father was an immigrant from Fujian, China who came to the Philippines at age 13 and started a sugar trading company in Bacolod. Chan's mother was the only child of a Chinese-Filipino couple.
Chan was exposed to music in his childhood with his maternal grandmother from Cebu often playing music at their house and his mother being a pianist. Hailing from a musically inclined family, he cultivated his love for music from a young age, mastering instruments like the piano and guitar while refining his vocal talents. Chan's musical journey took off in the 1960s when he began to captivate Filipino audiences with his melodious tunes and smooth singing style. His discography boasts a collection of English and Tagalog songs that have resonated with fans throughout his illustrious career.
One of Chan's most enduring legacies is his influence on Filipino Christmas music. Often referred to as the "Father of Philippine Christmas Music," his 1990 Christmas album, "Christmas in Our Hearts," remains an iconic and beloved part of the country's holiday tradition. The titular track, "Christmas in Our Hearts," is an iconic Filipino Christmas song that plays ubiquitously during the festive season. His contribution to the realm of Christmas music has solidified his position as a cherished cultural figure, and his songs continue to evoke the spirit of Christmas throughout the Philippines.
Chan has won numerous awards for his music, including the Awit Award for Best Male Performer, the Aliw Award for Best Concert Performer, and the Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Songwriter. He was also awarded the Order of Lakandula by the Philippine government for his contributions to the arts.
Beyond music, Jose Mari Chan is a multifaceted individual. He has successfully ventured into the business world, engaging in enterprises such as real estate development and the food industry. He is the chairman and CEO of Binalbagan Isabela Sugar Company, Inc., a sugar milling company in Negros Occidental. He is also the president of Signature Music, Inc., a music publishing company.
Furthermore, Jose Mari Chan's philanthropic endeavors have demonstrated his commitment to social causes. He has utilized his fame and resources to support various charitable and humanitarian initiatives in the Philippines. His impact transcends the boundaries of music, as he has become an influential figure who uses his platform for positive change.
Christmas starts earlier in the Philippines than perhaps anywhere else in the world. Typically September 1st is the opening date, and one in which an avalanche of Chan memes circulate on the web. His songs are synonymous with Christmas in the Philippines, and his image is often used to represent the holiday season.
The memes about Chan are often humorous and play on his image as the "King of Philippine Christmas Carols." Some of the memes show him being "forced" to sing Christmas songs, while others show him being "trapped" in the Christmas season. The memes are a way for Filipinos to poke fun at Chan's popularity and to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
In essence, Jose Mari Chan's enduring musical legacy, particularly his role in shaping the Filipino Christmas tradition, has made him a beloved, cherished and iconic figure in the Philippines. His timeless songs continue to inspire and bring joy to countless generations of Filipinos, particularly during the holiday season, solidifying his place in the hearts of the nation.
Our Jose Mari Chan Festival Mall Concert highlights
We had no idea that the Christmas festivities start in September in the Philippines. Known as the 'Ber' months, the appearance of Jose Mari Chan is always the sign that it has arrived. Indeed his songs are played in stores and malls across the country, along with endless plays on national radio.
When we found out about Christmas starting so soon, we reached out to our Airbnb host to see if there was any kind of event local to us to mark it. We were actually due to leave the Philippines on the first week of September, so we were really lucky to be in a position to try something. Our host caught wind of the concert on Facebook, and kindly sent us the link. We instantly knew that we just had to go to this event!
We were staying in the Azure Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque, just a fifteen minute cab ride away from Festival Mall in Muntinlupa City. We decided to go to the mall early, as we had also booked tickets for the FIBA World Cup match between Philippines and China the following day, and were on the hunt for some Gilas Pilipinas jerseys or merch.
When we arrived at the mall we first picked up our tickets, and then had a wander around to check it out. Honestly, we did not get that far. The mall is absolutely massive! There is so much to see and do here, and we could have easily spent far more time perusing the endless stores and entertainment options.
A tad hungry, we decided to head out to the Water Garden early, to check out some of the food stands and grab a beer and a good seat. There were a good few stalls with lots of different options, and you can take a closer look in our YouTube video! We tried a 'dynamite' spicy deep fried pepper stick, some deep fried noodle and crab sticks, and some chicken pops. All accompanied by a refreshing Heineken beer!
After the food stop and a quick tour of the Water Garden we took to our seats under the tent and were awaiting eagerly for Jose Mari Chan to arrive. The area quickly filled up with the crowd spread across the ground level of the gardens and also on the balconies of the mall itself behind the stage. It was a great site and we could easily see just how popular he is.
With just a few moments to go before Chan was due on stage, it happened. The heavens opened. And boy did they! The rain, later described as a typhoon, absolutely thundered down. It was so intense at one point we were not even sure that the concert would go ahead! But to the absolute credit of the crowd, they not only came prepared with umbrellas, but did not budge an inch. They were not about to miss out on a national icon and neither were we!
So everyone persevered, and when Chan came on stage, the excitement from the crowd reached fever pitch. It really was fantastic! Even though we had some kind of cover, we were playing musical chairs to avoid the sweeping rain where we could. Honestly though, it kind of all added to the atmosphere of the night and we did not mind at all.
Chan is certainly a charming man and we can certainly understand his allure and appeal! His songs are so gentle, he sings them so softly and smoothly, and they are super easy to sing along to. In between songs he would break off into jokes and stories, and we learnt a lot about him just from that alone, especially about his love for his wife, Mary Ann Ansaldo, with whom he has been married to for an incredible 50 years!
Even with the intense rain, the organizers were still able to conduct the firework display, which was a big treat considering we had no idea that was happening! And when we did find out, we were pretty sure the deluge of rain would call it off. But on it went, halfway through the concert, and it was a sparkling success! Really impressive actually (check them out in our YouTube video later). Do you enjoy fireworks? We love them!
Chan saved most of his Christmas songs for the second half of the show, and even invited some of the audience up onto the stage to sing with him! That was such a lovely moment, really endearing, and showed just why he is loved so many. He really made an effort to engage with the crowd and it is really welcomed.
We had an excellent time and we are so happy to have been able to attend this event! Even though we have sadly left the Philippines (at time of writing) we know we will be back, hopefully before the year is out. We are super keen to return to Festival Mall and enjoy more of their future shows. As it happens, this is their 25th anniversary, and they plan to celebrate the run up to Christmas with more concerts and special guest appearances. Let's see what happens!
Recapping an unforgettable year with our highlights from 12 countries in Asia! Also with handy all-you-need-to-know guides for each country!
Festival Mall Alabang - the fifth largest mall in the Philippines
Festival Mall Alabang has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1998. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent shopping and entertainment complex in the southern part of Metro Manila. The mall is managed and operated by Filinvest Land, Inc., a reputable real estate developer in the Philippines with a commitment to delivering quality properties.
Festival Mall is the fifth largest mall in the Philippines, and one of the busiest in Metro Manila. It receives an average of 100,000 visitors per day. However, this number can go up to 200,000 on weekends and holidays. The mall is especially crowded during the Christmas season, when it can get up to 300,000 visitors per day.
This sprawling mall offers a diverse range of amenities to cater to the needs and preferences of its visitors. Shoppers can explore a plethora of retail stores featuring fashion boutiques, electronics shops, bookstores, and more. Food enthusiasts can delight in the wide variety of dining options available, spanning from fast-food favorites to upscale restaurants.
Festival Mall also houses supermarkets and grocery stores for convenient shopping. Entertainment options include state-of-the-art cinemas screening the latest film releases, an ice skating rink for some cool thrills, a bowling alley, and an arcade for gaming enthusiasts. Not only that, but it is also home to not one, but two amusement parks.
Additionally, the mall provides essential services such as banks, salons, and health clinics, making it a one-stop destination for both shopping and leisure. With its array of amenities and activities, Festival Mall Alabang has solidified its reputation as a vibrant and dynamic hub in the bustling Filinvest City.
A luxurious and convenient living space in an ideal location to explore Manila. See the pools, beaches, food and facilities in our review.
How to get to Festival Mall
Festival Mall is located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. The mall is a popular shopping and entertainment destination in the area. To get to Festival Mall Alabang, you can use various modes of transportation, such as a car, public transportation, or a ride-sharing service like Grab.
⪢ By Car
If you're coming from the north (e.g., Makati or Manila), take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and head south. Continue on SLEX until you reach the Alabang Exit.
After exiting SLEX, follow the signs that lead to Alabang-Zapote Road. Festival Mall is located along Alabang-Zapote Road. You should be able to see it on your right-hand side.
There is a parking fee of PHP 40 for the first hour and PHP 20 for every succeeding hour.
⪢ By Public Transportation (Commuter Options)
You can take the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) to the Taft Avenue Station if you're coming from Manila or nearby areas. From Taft Avenue Station, take a jeepney or bus bound for Alabang and inform the driver that you want to go to Festival Mall.
Alabang is a well-known destination, and most drivers will know how to get there. Alternatively, you can take a UV Express van from designated terminals around Metro Manila that go directly to Alabang. Look for vans heading to "Alabang-Zapote."
⪢ By Ride-Sharing Service (e.g., Grab)
Download the Grab app and set your pickup location to your current location. Enter "Festival Mall Alabang" as your destination. Confirm your ride request, and the driver will take you directly to the mall.
Always be sure to check current traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, as traffic congestion can affect travel times. Festival Mall is a well-known landmark in Alabang, so most locals and drivers should be familiar with its location.
Address: Filinvest Corporate City, Commerce Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: retailleasing@filinvestlifemalls.com
Phone: (63) 2 8850 3517 / 2 8846 0278
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday
Watch our Light up the Holidays highlights on YouTube
Join us on YouTube as we explore this incredible shopping mall (another one to add to our Manila collection) and catch front row VIP seats to this awesome concert. We are so blessed to have had this experience and to have attended this event with the local people here in the Philippines! We love Christmas!
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