I know... Christmas is still a long ways - but for some reason, we can expect malls (at least during non-COVID times) to start selling Christmas themed items in at least one visible place in their stores. - and since Christmas trees are tall... they're definitely noticeable. It doesn't end there.
Few songs, and artists can claim a near claim to immortality in the collective culture - but some can. An example of this would be the triumphant musical tunes of Queen's 'We Are The Champions' during championship games - usually played by the triumphant team. Or Semisonic's Closing Time - a favorite for stores, malls and other establishments, signifying to overstaying patrons that they are, indeed, closing. One artist, however, can claim that not just one song - but several of his, start playing in malls when said 'unofficial Christmas milestone comes.
I, of course, refer to Jose Mari Chan, whose songs of Christmas,, way back when his first Christmas album came out - served as a welcome change to Ray Conniff and Jackson 5 songs that used to be played just as much back then. His songs have passed the test of time... and they were pleasant to the ears back then. So Filipinos of several generations learned to sing them. Now, for some reason, Mr. Chan's face has been a constant meme appearing - not just as September arrived... but even, humorously reminding everyone that September nears... and with it, his presence once again in the airwaves; most malls piped-in music, and believe it or not, YouTube sharings on Facebook and other social media platforms.
This month, for the days of August 31, and September 1, even news media programs have, with some amusement, noticed this 'movement of memes' and dedicated some time to even reporting on it - including an interview with Jose Mari Chan showing his approval of such - so long as the memes were used to spread joy of Christmas. Imagine that.
One of his songs 'Christmas in Our Hearts' includes lyrics that goes 'Let's sing Merry Christmas; And a Happy Holidays!" as part of its catchy reprise. Back then, we hear the song, smile... maybe even quietly sing along - after all, if the song hasn't played for several months, it doesn't come across as tiresome (at least, not yet). It's half expected that we'd hear it... and some people even place bets on who'll last the longest before they finally hear the tune played.
Now, however, it seems many are looking to this song with a slight sense of hope. Will we really be singing a Merry Christmas time time around? Will we experience a Happy Holiday? What used to be an earworm of a song has suddenly shifted to a song for hope... hope out of this long bleak COVID experience.
Earlier on TV, BenHur Abalos, one of the Metro Manila Development Authority personalities, mentioned that he did some number crunching, and that he sees roughly over 85% of the population fully vaccinated - which means that by Christmas time this year, the Metro will have achieve the targeted vaccination goals to achieve Herd Immunity... and with that - finally, the long awaited opening of the city's shops, restaurants, malls... and not just with a reduced workforce at that. Hopefully, in the weeks leading to December, the economy will start recovering and pushing through with a vengeance.
People cooped up will want to go out, visit loved ones, see the great outdoors - depending, of course, on if said vacation place has also beaten the virus' spread. But many will have the itch to go out, shop - or window shop, and feel what has been denied them... the ability to enjoy reunions with friends, and family. Heck, if we celebrated Thanksgiving... this might have been one of the biggest reasons for celebrating it... with no fear of infecting loved ones with a deadly disease in the process.
Prior to that, of course, we will have the opportunity to mourn lost loves who recently fell to said virus. November 1 and 2 are usually set to commemorate our dead... it will give many a time to grieve properly. Then, we can all set that aside... and plan celebrating Christmas with everyone else. You can bet many malls and restaurants will welcome the businesses everyone will give... and many a people, willing to spend a bit more - to once again celebrate with love, life and laughter.
But for now, we hope... that Jose Mari Chan's lyrics carry, not just hope... but this time, a prophecy of what Christmas 2021 will be like.
Addendum (9/4/21):
Yes, this is just a few days since I composed and posted the above... I had to add this as I observed apparently more than I mentioned. Yes,people started playing around with JMC memes, just as I thought so... heck, I myself, playfully posted two as a sort of countdown - but not added to it since September started.
Apparently, I totally forgot one platform,which seems to be making all the noise of these memes highly visible - allowing a voyeuristic and entertainment presentation to mix into the culture (if we can call it that) or movement that is Tik Tok (I don't even know if I spelled that right). After all, I will have to admit I had been dismissive of that social media platform. Hence, I most likely had blinders to the usage of it. Well... because of this available platform, so many people have uploaded - mostly funny videos themed in the JMC christmas idea. It's been in the news for two days - so obviously, it's been going around.
It also validates what I said... people simply needed an outlet, and making these video shorts is a way to release pent up frustrations? Share creative moments? Share a laugh? Or... most likely... all of the above.
Who'd a thought? Certainly not me at that time. But yes... Tik Tok has added a new, expanded angle to sharing ideas. It makes anyone become a video creator. I've seen my wife use it to pick up a lot of ideas for quick cooking, or baking ideas.
I had forgotten that it can also be a platform for entertainment. So... 'ber' months 2021... here's to having more entertaining Jose Mari Chan Christmas inspired videos.
