MANILA – For the first time, Lea Salonga joined Jose Mari Chan in singing what is considered the most popular Christmas tune in the Philippines.
The two performed a duet of Chan’s “Christmas in Our Hearts” on Tuesday as they reunited for an event organized by Uniqlo, where they serve as brand ambassadors.
Video by Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
“It’s our first time to sing that song ever, together,” quipped Salonga, who referred to Chan as the “King of Christmas in the Philippines.”
For his part, Chan replied: “I hope this is not going to be the last time [we sing that song].”
The duet was part of Uniqlo’s holiday event for children of Bantay Bata and SOS Children’s Villages Philippines. More than 100 kids from both organizations were treated to a holiday shopping spree from the brand’s array of LifeWear essentials.
Aside from “Christmas in Our Hearts,” Chan and Salonga also sang “Let Love be the Gift” and Uniqlo’s Christmas theme song together, on top of their respective solo numbers.
Video by Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
In a previous interview, Chan revealed that he originally wanted Salonga to record “Christmas in Our Hearts.”
“At that time, Lea Salonga was very popular because of ‘Miss Saigon.’ I called her up, I let her hear the melody, and she liked it. She said okay, except that her recording company, they would not allow her to record with me,” he recalled.
In the end, Chan recorded the track with his daughter.