Can we just stop and greet Jose mari chan?

Music icon and businessman Joe Mari Chan celebrated his birthday surrounded by family at the Top of the Citi. It also turned out to be a double celebration since it coincided with his 47th wedding anniversary to the lovely Mary Ann Ansaldo. The evening also served to introduce the littlest members of the clan with the appearance of their newest grandchildren, Manolo and Vivi, who are just a few months old.

First appearing on the popular TV show 9 Teeners in the mid 1960s, Joe’s musical career zoomed with songs that started with his first hit Afterglow, reaping musical awards decade after decade, including the ‘90s super hit

Beautiful Girl and the all-time holiday favorite Christmas in Our Hearts.

To start the festivities, holy Mass was officiated by Cardinal Luis Antonio

Tagle, a low-key and humble cleric who is one of our more popular priests to date. Next to the birthday celebrant, His Eminence was the most in-demand person as he acceded to numerous requests for selfies.

Chef Jessie Sincioco prepared a special menu that started with one of the regular mainstays in her restaurants and a most requested dish — the Jose Mari Chan Salad containing tiger prawns, hearts of palm and alugbati leaves.

During the birthday toast from the five Chan children ( Jo, Michael, Franco,

Liza and Gel), they were joined by their father as they rendered a beautiful a cappella song, Two for the Road, with their perfectly blended voices.

The surprise of the evening was the appearance of the Hail

Mary the Queen Children’s Choir composed of approximately 35 youthful members ranging in age from seven to 18 years old from the Quezon City area. As Walter Cheng introduced the choir, we were informed that Joe has helped the choir from the very beginning and they have since been blessed by winning international awards — the most recent a gold medal from the 3rd Choir Olympics in Germany. The additional highlight was a side trip to the Vatican not only for an audience with Pope Francis but to sing for him as well.

A medley of songs brought the house down with the youngsters swaying and moving to the beat, showing faultless teamwork under the musical direction of the husband-and-wife team of

Jude and Teresa Roldan. For comments and ideas, email: jacinto. fa@gmail.com.