Jose Mari Chan: ‘I thought Christmas in our Hearts would only last for 2-3 years’

Even Jose Mari Chan is surprised by the success of “Christmas in Our Hearts.”

“I never thought it would last this long! When I came out with the song 30 years ago, I thought it would only last 2, 3 years,” the legendary singer told GMA News Online after his Monday morning appearance on Unang Hirit.

According to Jose Mari, he thought it was “Perfect Christmas,” another cut off the Christmas In Our Hearts album that was released in the ‘90s, that would be the bigger hit.

“Because it’s romantic! I thought that would be the one that would go on year after year. So it’s a very pleasant surprise that Christmas in Our Hearts, after 30 years, remains a yearly song.”

Jose Mari actually released a Christmas album five years ago. The 22 songs it contains, Jose Mari said, were meant to complement "Christmas in Our Hearts."

“But radio stations now, I guess the styles have changed so it’s become difficult. Fortunately, Christmas In Our Hearts remain. It’s a blessing.”

In case anybody’s wondering: Jose Mari doesn’t get tired of singing and hearing Christmas In Our Hearts. “I really get into the song and feel the spirit of Christmas,” he said, adding the spirit of Christmas was what inspired him to write it in the first place.

Also: “Oh Holy Night” is his favorite Christmas carol. “It  gives you the image of that morning when the Baby Jesus is born,” he explains. — with reports from Edu Riparip/LA, GMA News