Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical highlights Paskong Pinoy and spreads the joyous spirit of Christmas.

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photo courtesy of Repertory Philippines
December 25, 2024

Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. It’s a time filled with unique sights, sounds, and, of course, the iconic music of Jose Mari Chan, which perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the season.

This year, Repertory Philippines transformed Chan’s most beloved songs into a musical, showcasing the true essence of Paskong Pinoy that resonates deeply with everyone. In celebration of this festive production, we’ve curated a special list of songs from the musical that we absolutely loved!

A Perfect Christmas

Set in an airport where the characters unexpectedly cross paths, “A Perfect Christmas” embodies the hopefulness and warmth that define the holiday season. The song captures the spirit of a perfect Christmas—where wishes come true, and we can spend time with loved ones, creating lasting memories. It’s a beautiful reminder of the joy that fills our hearts when we’re with the people who matter most.

Please Be Careful With My Heart

Christmas isn’t just about family—it’s also about the love that surrounds us, including the romantic bonds we cherish. Josie (Neomi Gonzales) and Arnie (Lorenz Martinez) delivered a heartfelt and tender rendition of “Please Be Careful With My Heart,” expressing both familial love and the warmth that romantic relationships can bring. Their performance highlighted the healing power of love, showing how Christmas has the ability to mend even the deepest of quarrels.

Hahanapin Ko

One of the most emotionally charged moments of the musical was “Hahanapin Ko,” sung by Pat (Carla Laforteza) and Richard (Noel Rayos), a couple separated by long-distance due to their careers. Laforteza’s powerful vocals stirred the audience, conveying the drama and longing of being apart from a loved one, while also embodying the hope to reunite. The song perfectly captured the bittersweet emotions of love, distance, and the anticipation of being together for the holidays.

Going Home to Christmas

No Christmas musical would be complete without a tribute to the joy of returning home for the holidays. “Going Home to Christmas” is the heart of the musical, reminding everyone that the true essence of the season lies in the warmth and love found in our homes. The setting itself amplifies this desire to be home for Christmas, a place where we feel the true magic of the holiday season.

Christmas In Our Hearts

To cap off the evening, “Christmas In Our Hearts” filled the theater with the spirit of the season, reminding everyone of the real meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. This iconic song brought the entire production to a beautiful close, leaving the audience with a sense of hope, love, and the true spirit of the holidays.

Jose Mari Chan remains true to his title as “The Father of Philippine Christmas Music.” Even after all these years, his music remains timeless, with a legacy that will continue to resonate with generations to come. Whether in a musical or in a traditional holiday setting, his songs will always amplify the message that the real meaning of Christmas is found in our hearts.