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Pinoy international singer and Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda gets into the holiday spirit as he is set to release a redo and remastered version of his 2015 Christmas single, "This Christmas,'' from his Sounds of Christmas EP.

He co-produced the song with Sanre' Entertainment and Imagen Records.

"Ngayon ire-release ko siya with a new twist and mas direct 'yung arrangement niya. And naisip kong isali 'yung anak ko dito sa end part ng song," the 53-year-old singer told GMANetwork.com in an exclusive Zoom interview on Wednesday, October 14.

According to Arnel, he decided to revamp "This Christmas" to send light and hope to Filipinos facing many challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. And this is especially relevant this holiday season.

The Pinoy Pride said, "Binago ko 'yung arrangement niya and I changed a few lyrics para mas connected siya. Meron siyang relevance kung ano 'yung nangyayari ngayon sa 'tin."

He also said, "Ito 'yung song na I need to send a message to everybody na meron tayong common responsibility sa kapwa natin, lalo na sa kapwa nating Pilipino. Na kapag nahihirapan or they're really having a hard time with their lives, kung ano 'yung makakaya nating itulong sa kanila ibibigay natin. Na sana parang Christmas every day."

As COVID-19 cases grow significantly every day, Arnel added that his remastered single is especially dedicated to frontliners to boost their morale.

"I really praise them at saka talagang bilib na bilib ako sa sa kanila, sa tapang nila harapin 'yung virus. Sumugod diyan sa labas para lang, alam mo 'yun, mapakain 'yung pamilya nila [at] may maiuwi sila sa pamilya nila kahit papaano," he further shared.

Arnel also looked back at that one moving moment that inspired him to write "This Christmas" seven years ago.

"I was doing a corporate gig, mga 2013 or 2014, tapos nakita ko 'yung mga bata ang galing nilang kumanta and to think na parang galing sila sa isang squatters area, lumilibot sila to sing for this corporate event," he recounted.

"I was so moved kasi ang galing nila tapos Christmas song 'yung kinanta nila. Kahit hikahos sila, kapos sila sa guidance, alam mo na angat na angat 'yung talent nila. While they're singing, nabuo na sa 'kin 'yung melody ng 'This Christmas.'"

When asked if Arnel is willing to make Christmas songs a yearly tradition, he said with fondness, "Hopefully. Sana maging parte na rin 'to ng Pasko ng mga Pilipino. Na kapag Pasko napapakinggan kapag gusto nila, sa radyo, to be inspired."

The redo and remastered version of "This Christmas" will be available on various digital platforms soon.

Right now, Arnel keeps himself busy by writing songs for his upcoming solo album this quarantine. As for Journey, the legendary rock band cancelled their North American tour with the Pretenders.

Aside from his Sounds of Christmas EP, Arnel has also released two self-titled albums and two studio albums with Journey.