In the Philippines, September 1st is the start of the holiday season. “Ber” months as we call it means that Christmas decors, wish lists, plans are already on the roll. One of the most significant signs that Christmas is starting is when Jose Mari Chan peeking memes start to trend on the internet.
His Christmas songs, especially Christmas in our Hearts envelopes the streets of the country, the malls, other business centers and even the corners of the Filipino-Catholic homes.
He is undeniably a Christmas icon. This morning, as ninth month opens, Iloilo is surprised not by the tune of “Whenever I see girls and boys…” but rather by an encouragement message to get vaccinated by no other than Jose Mari Chan himself.
Here is a transcription of his message for the Ilonggos:
Hello. Maayong aga, maayong hapon, maayong gab-i sa inyo nga tanan mga pinalangga ko nga kauturan sa Iloilo.
We are living in an unprecedented period in the history of our country. Our existence on this planet is being seriously threatened by an unseen enemy, a terrible virus. We all need to protect ourselves, our families, our countrymen.
We urge everyone, I personally urge you to take this virus seriously; for our own sake and for those we love. I asked myself, “Is it enough to wear a mask, a face shield and what they call social distancing?” Perhaps. But we are not sure. Thank God that the vaccine is coming. The vaccine for our protection against this unseen enemy, against this virus.
For our own health, and that of our love ones, please have yourselves vaccinated. Do it for the people you love, do it for yourself, do it for your love ones. I urge you, my pinalangga nga kasimanwa, mga kauturan, do it for Iloilo, do it for the people you love. Kabay pa nga magrasyahan kita sang Mahal nga Diyos with continued good health, not only for ourselves but for our neighbors.
Maayong aga sa inyo nga tanan, madamo guid nga salamat.
Here is the full video:
Merry Christmas!
