Music is considered a universal language because it can transcend barriers such as race and language. In the Philippines, it is evident that songs bridge the gap between two different cultures, the Filipino and Chinese communities.
Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon, both Chinoys, are household names in the music industry, and every Filipino has likely heard their songs, especially on special occasions. Christmas in the Philippines wouldn’t be complete without hearing “Christmas in Our Hearts.” Surely, you can hear this music while strolling in the mall with your family.
On your way to work, you may even catch the soulful voice of Richard Poon on the radio, reminiscent of Michael Buble. With their contributions, music has become an important bridge to the hearts of Filipinos.
Jose Mari Chan’s Passion For Music
Hailing from an artistic family, Jose Mari Chan knew he was meant to follow his passion for music. And thanks to his creative talent, Chan’s hit songs have become part of the Filipino consciousness.
“So it was mostly radio where I got my sources of music. And I was always attracted to them. You know, I associate myself with music, and I could sometimes dream of floating, with the clouds as a little boy and the harmony, the chord progression. Not so much the words yet, because I couldn’t understand many of the words that I was hearing at that time,” shared the FIlipino-Chinese composer.
Because of his childhood passion, Chan is adamant about writing his music. He guested in An Evening with Pilita Corales on ABS-CBN as a head start. His father even told him not to get paid because money could take away his passion for music.
“And after 57 years, I’m still at it. So it’s God’s blessing. And I always give thanks to God Almighty for this wonderful gift of music that He has gifted me with. And I always tell my children that, yes, it’s God’s gift, and whatever you do with that gift is your gift back to God,” shared Jose Mari Chan.
Balance Between Music And Business
However, being part of the Filipino-Chinese community, Chan’s father wanted him to do business. He even took economics in Ateneo to continue his father’s business. With this challenge, Chan learned how to be practical. His father told him to pursue music as a hobby while maintaining a stable business career as a full-time job.
“It was very rewarding because I was writing more songs and I was becoming known nationwide, but I’m always reminded of keeping a balance of what’s more important, because this music, I realized that this music career could fade, it could disappear in an instant. You know, somebody new, somebody better looking. Somebody with a better voice would come up, you know? So I was always aware of how temporary this could be.”
Although pursuing a music career is uncertain, Jose Mari Chan still committed to his purpose and produced many hit songs, making him one of the Pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Through his iconic songs, Chan has become Mr. Christmas, and during ber months, memes will circulate on social media bearing his image and songs.
How Richard Poon Developed His Musical Talent
Unlike Jose Mari Chan, Richard Poon had a rocky road to music. He became a chef and a college basketball player before becoming a professional singer. But one thing is for sure, Poon was meant to become a singer. It started when his mom encouraged him to take piano lessons.
“When I was young hindi ko naintindihan na syempre pag bata ka you just played around… [But] my mom. I don’t think she felt it. I felt it. Na parang I was forced to take piano lessons and all these things.”
Poon’s mom was a big influence on developing his musical passion, while her sister, Eva Marie Poon, is his biggest supporter. His family has been his foundation, and through their undying support, the Philippines has earned its own Michael Buble.
“And then she would sing along wala naman ako masyadong iniisip but getting older lalo na nung pumasok ako sa music industry seriously, I realized that my mom was truly a professional ni-research ko kung ilang albums sya sa Taiwan more than 12… She won a national competition sa Taiwan when she was 16. Champion sya So when I started asking her, I realized na kaya pala matalas ang tenga ko is because of her,” Poon shared.
Rekindling His Love For Music
Richard Poon’s father was not fully supportive of his musical career at first. His father wanted Poon to stay in their restaurant business and become a chef.
However, Poon was brave enough to pursue his passion and leave their home to find his true self. He started with the band U-Turn, where he played gigs and earned unstable incomes. Poon even shared that he had financial difficulties while becoming a full-time singer in a band.
“I found myself suddenly into music na, nag gigitara na ako, halos every night five nights a week, acoustic yun, yung kainitan ng acoustic nung early 2000s and then from there after four years nagkawatak kami,” Poon remembering his early career days.
But destiny can be full of surprises. One of his managers told him to embrace his soulful voice like Michael Buble. With this image change, everything followed until he became part of the ASAP Sessionistas in 2008.
Despite his hardships, from band breakups to his father’s disapproval, Poon stayed true to his passion. Through this, the Filipino music industry has earned another iconic singer that will leave an impact on our culture.
Kathleen Dy-Go: Honing Musical Talents
The third guest in this episode is Kathleen Dy-Go, the Managing Director of Universal Entertainment Corporation. Kathleen Dy-Go may not be a household name like Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon, but she has definitely contributed to the music industry by honing musical talents and managing their careers.
“The Chinese value that has made a meaningful influence in my life and my career would probably be my deep value for innovation as an adult. I’m strongly influenced by the work started by both my father, Dr James Dy, and my late sister Bella Dy Tan, and their work was grounded in discipline and innovation. This no-fear attitude is how I approach the ever-changing new formats that are to navigate the company to a stronger position.”
The managing director also believes that merging two cultures can produce exceptional talent and remarkable artists that can become influential.
“So I think the marrying of those two cultures is what makes a CHINOY, you know, exceptional, also as a musician and as a person. So marrying two cultures, being Chinese by blood and Pinoy by heart for a Chinoy musician, when a Chinoy enters the music industry, our job is really to hone their skills and to create their image, finesse their talent, and, of course, open the doors for them to become, you know, a successful musician as well in this industry.”
With her managing skills, we can hopefully see talents from the Filipino-Chinese community that can leave an impact on the musical industry.
Catch Kathleen Dy-Go, Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon’s episodes this coming July 9, 2023, on CNN Philippines! You can also follow CHiNOYTV’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for episode replays and the latest updates.
