Jose Mari Chan explains why he got emotional while singing 'Christmas in Our Hearts' at event

One of Jose Mari Chan’s recent performances at an event made the rounds online, where he could be seen tearing up while he was singing his iconic song, "Christmas in Our Hearts."

In his interview with Nelson Canlas on “24 Oras,” Friday, he narrated that the clips were taken during a mall’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony last month and he was invited there to sing.

Because it wasn't the "Ber" months yet, he sang his other songs at the event, but the guests requested for him to sing "Christmas in Our Hearts."

“Sabi ko, ‘It’s only July!’ Buti na lang, I had my minus one, and when I began to sing, the whole audience sang along, so I was deeply touched and moved by the spontaneity of the people, young and old alike,” Tito Joe said.

“They were singing 'Christmas in Our Hearts' with me. It was a touching moment,” he continued. "Napa-teary-eyed ako that afternoon."

Tito Joe added that he has no need for the titles that have been bestowed on him, such as "Father of Christmas Carols" and "King of Christmas Carols."

"I don't like that. I'm just your regular Filipino singer-songwriter who happened to write a song, a Christmas song, that our people both young and old love, so it's a blessing to me and I thank God for that gift," he said.

"Christmas in Our Hearts" has been a staple in the country's celebration of Christmas for decades.

In a previous interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Tito Joe said that Lea Salonga almost became part of the hit holiday song.

— Carby Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News