Parent's Choice

Repertory Philippines’ “Going Home to Christmas” is a Heartwarming Tribute to Musical Legend Jose Mari Chan

by Paulyne Fermin
December 9, 2024

Going Home to Christmas warms hearts this Christmas season with a musical dedicated to Jose Mari Chan.

Perhaps the most awaited production of the season, Repertory Philippines’ gala presentation of “Going Home to Christmas” left the audience bewitched and charmed. A project that was five years in the making, the show features interwoven stories of characters who find themselves tackling different life issues and aptly expressing them (and resolving them) as they sing to Jose Mari Chan’s (JMC) songs.

With a limited run from November 29 to December 15 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, the production showcases 22 of JMC’s most beloved hits such as Beautiful Girl, Constant Change, and of course, the iconic Christmas in our Hearts –all newly arranged by the fantastic musical director Ejay Yatco.

Noel Rayos and Carla Guevara-Laforteza play husband and
wife struggling with being in a long distance relationship.

An authentically Filipino Christmas story

The stories take place in Manila’s busy airport. The able cast gives life to relatable characters who are traversing their particular journeys – a father and son travelling to attend a reunion, a chance encounter between that son and his childhood crush, that crush who happens to be accompanying an aunt, a pilot and his wife, a husband and wife going on their second honeymoon, an old couple and their Am-boy grandson, a singing quarter, and two Hurly Burly coffee shop employees and their stewardess love interests. All the stories vividly depict familial love, friendship, marriage, and touching moments filled with what could have been and what is. Hats off to writers Luna Griño-Inocian, Robbie Guevara and Joel Trinidad for this solid anthology.

Outstanding performances belong to seasoned actors Carla Guevara-Laforteza (who gave a phenomenal rendition of Hahanapin Ko) and Noel Rayos (as her savvy husband’s pilot). Notable, too, is Lorenz Martinez’ sensitive portrayal of a grumpy husband who rediscovers his poetic side.

Jose Mari Chan sings Christmas In Our Hearts

Timely for the Christmas season

Jose Mari Chan who graced the opening night took the stage after the curtain call and told the cast, “Congratulations to you all! You gave wings to my songs. I had tears in my eyes all the time I was watching.”

Meanwhile, director Jeremy Domingo shared, “Jose Mari Chan’s music adds that heartwarming Filipino touch to this season. It’s an honor that REP has received his full blessing to bring his celebrated compositions to the stage, allowing audiences of all ages to experience his music in a new and dynamic way.”

A most enjoyable and nostalgic watch for the whole family, Going Home to Christmas is a must-watch for all Filipinos.