02/09/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ช? ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ข
When Filipinos hear โChristmas in Our Hearts,โ many immediately think of the ber months and the unmistakable voice of Jose Mari Chan.
But hereโs a fact that many may not know: the beloved singer-songwriter is an Ilonggo, born and raised in Iloilo.
Jose Mari Chan was born Josรฉ Mari Lim Chan on March 11, 1945, in Iloilo City. His connection to Iloilo goes beyond being his birthplaceโhe spent his childhood in the city, where his love for music began to flourish.
In interviews, Chan has recalled his early years in Iloilo, including appearing on a local radio program at just 11 years old and becoming a radio DJ at 13.
He also grew up speaking Hiligaynon, a language he remained fluent in because of his Iloilo roots.
Chan discovered his passion for songwriting at a remarkably young age. By the time he was 13, he had already written his first song.
He later became a television host and singer on ABS-CBN's 9 Teeners and released his first record in 1967. His official biography documents his decades-long career in television, recording, and live performances.
Chan attended St. Clement's Academy in Iloilo, where he continued to develop his musical talent. Despite taking his career across the Philippines and abroad, his connection to Iloilo remained strong.
He has also described Iloilo as his hometown and fondly recalled Christmas memories from the city, including hearing traditional Ilonggo carols while growing up.
While proudly associated with Iloilo, Chan's family heritage reflects the Philippines' diverse cultural roots. His father, Antonio Chan, was a Chinese immigrant from Fujian, while his mother, Florencia Lim, had Chinese-Filipino and Cebuano roots.
For millions of Filipinos, Jose Mari Chan has become synonymous with Christmas. But for Ilonggos, his story carries an added sense of pride.
Before he became the voice of Christmas for generations of Filipinos, Jose Mari Chan was an Iloilo boy whose love for music began in the city he called home.
So the next time โChristmas in Our Heartsโ starts playing and the ber months officially begin, remember:
The man behind one of the Philippinesโ most beloved Christmas songs is an Ilonggo, born and raised in Iloilo.
Sources: Jose Mari Chan's official website, Philstar, SunStar Bacolod, Daily Tribune, Smart Parenting, and Esquire Philippines.
