MANILA, Philippines — Singer Jose Mari Chan urged Filipinos with enough resources to help people affected by flooding as the country welcomed the start of the “Ber” months on Sept. 1.
Chan delivered the message during his appearance on GMA’s “Unang Hirit,” where he performed his Christmas classic “Christmas in Our Hearts” before speaking with hosts Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez and Ivan Mayrina.
“God has blessed us with enough property and wealth. We should help those who are in need. There are so many brother and sister Filipinos out there who need help,” Chan said. “We should always reach out and help them.”
Several parts of the Philippines continued to deal with persistent rains and flooding as the Christmas season traditionally begins with the arrival of September.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported that tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, along with the southwest monsoon or habagat, had affected about 7.5 million people, or roughly 2.1 million families, across 10 regions.
Chan also reflected on his long association with the start of the Christmas season, saying he considers his music’s role in bringing Christmas spirit to Filipinos a blessing.
“It’s God’s gift to me. God’s gift of love, family, and music. Because of my songs the Christmas spirit is brought into the country,” he said.
Despite the challenges facing Filipinos this year, Chan said he continues to view Christmas primarily as a family occasion.
He also shared a simple Christmas wish for Filipinos: “Good health for all of you and most of all happiness in our hearts for the entire country.”
Chan, 81, has earned the nickname “Father of Philippine Christmas music” as his holiday songs, including “Christmas in Our Hearts” and “A Perfect Christmas,” have become staples of the country’s Christmas season.
His other popular songs include “Beautiful Girl” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart.”
Universal Records Philippines, which manages Chan’s digital records and streaming catalog, also marked the start of the “Ber” months with a social media post featuring the singer and the message, “It’s time!”
The flooding has also renewed public attention on investigations into alleged irregularities involving flood-control projects.