Today’s the first of September, aka the start of the Christmas season for Pinoys. It’s also the time of the year when people’s feeds get flooded by hilarious Jose Mari Chan memes, which is why September 1 is now known as Jose Mari Chan Day. But beyond the amusing posts, there are interesting facts about him you might not be aware of. Take a look:

He’s an Ilonggo!

Born in Ilonggo, Chan was the first-born child of Antonio Chan (an immigrant from Fujian, China) and Florencia Lim. He worked as a radio DJ on weekends while he was still in elementary school, and continued honing his musical talent when he attended high school at St. Clement’s Academy in Iloilo.

Chan’s birthday is on March 11, 1945, which makes him a Pisces. People under this zodiac sign are known to be compassionate, artistic, deeply emotional, and empathetic. They’re also very caring! He joins the tribe of other known Pisceans like Rebel Wilson, Rihanna, and Emily Blunt. 

His favorite comfort food is chicken noodle soup

In an Inquirer interview, the 78-year-old singer-songwriter revealed he enjoys simple food like chicken noodle soup. Chan also shared he prefers indulging in a hearty breakfast and loves red wine. 

He met his wife at a Christmas party

It’s so apt that this Christmas icon would have such a significant event happen during the Yuletide season. Chan met his wife Mary Ann Ansaldo in 1965, after he was invited by her sister (who was the student council president of Maryknoll at the time) to go to a Christmas party at their home. He rang the doorbell at their home, and Mary Ann opened the gate, and sparks flew. Five years later, 1970, they were married.

He’s a devoted family man

Chan and his wife Mary Ann have five children together. Music clearly runs in their family because the OPM icon recorded “Christmas in Our Hearts” with his daughter, Liza Chan-Parpan.

On the other hand, Chan’s sons, Joe and Mike, released their first-ever album under ABS-CBN’s Star Music in 2019. 

He’s also a businessman

Chan isn’t just a singer. He’s an Ateneo de Manila alum with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. There’s even a space dedicated to him at Areté Ateneo, the university’s creativity and innovation hub. Known as the Jose Mari Chan Lobby, this space is used for pre- or post-event gatherings and gallery receptions.

ICYDK, Chan runs a sugar business based in Negros Occidental. He inherited it from his father, whom he considers as the person who taught him everything he knows in business. 

He represented the country at the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo

Chan was one of the first artists to put the Philippines on the global music map following his stint at the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo in 1973. He performed the romantic ballad song “Can We Just Stop And Talk Awhile” in front of a large audience. Although he didn’t bag the grand prize, he was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines for the Arts a year later. 

His song “Christmas in Our Hearts” was originally a song about water

Whenever people think of classic holiday tunes, “Christmas in Our Hearts” is probably the first that comes to mind. But did you know it was originally based on a Filipino poem entitled “Ang Tubig ay Buhay”? He was asked by a high school class celebrating their Silver Jubilee to set the poem to music. The most impressive part? He composed the melody in less than a day!

He actually doesn’t like the moniker “Mr. Christmas”

Despite his significant contributions to the OPM scene and widely recognized influence on Filipino Christmas culture, Chan doesn’t like being referred to as “Mr. Christmas”. In an interview with CNN, he explained why:

“Please don’t call me Mr. Christmas. There is only one Mr. Christmas — baby Jesus. I suggest call me the little drummer boy that heralds the advent of the season.”