Flonique Guimary

Jose Mari Chan has no plans to retire at the age of 81

Article (news)

Rhea Manila Santos

Push Team

<p>Beloved OPM balladeer and songwriter Jose Mari Chan is excited about the chance to showcase the iconic love songs he has written for himself and other artists throughout his illustrious career in the upcoming <em>Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart </em>concert happening on July 11 at the PICC Plenary Hall in Manila. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ6_hSNGpe1/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A542453.2000000477%2C%22ls%22%3A256377.90000009537%2C%22le%22%3A256636.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="967" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>“I’m really deeply honored to be spotlighted on this concert and after being a singer-songwriter for more than 60 years, this is a glorious event for me. And also to be singing with our young talents, you know, the Filipino talents will never disappear on the planet. Filipinos are really known for their love and talent for music.</p><div><br/></div><p>&quot;This show is going to take you back to 1967 when I first came out with my recording of &#x27;Afterglow,&#x27; which was followed by 1969’s &#x27;Deep in My Heart.&#x27; Then in 1972, &#x27;Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile,&#x27; 1974 &#x27;Refrain.&#x27; But I can go on and on and on (laughs). Thank you very much for this honor that you’re giving me, and I’m going to do my very best in performing this night,” he shared during the concert presscon held last June 23 in Pasay City.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfKZcWCXT8/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A542460.5%2C%22ls%22%3A256377.90000009537%2C%22le%22%3A256636.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="920" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>READ: https://www.abs-cbn.com/2018/10/27/fresh-scoops/exclusive-jose-mari-chan-shares-the-story-behind-49727 </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ6_hSNGpe1/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A542473.5%2C%22ls%22%3A256377.90000009537%2C%22le%22%3A256636.10000014305%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="967" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>When he was first approached to do a concert halfway through the year, the talented artist shared why he was happy with the concept. Joining him onstage in the show are Kolette Madelo of <em>Pinoy BIg Brother Gen 11, </em>Tawag ng Tanghalan alum Lyka Estrella, and and recent <em>Your Face Sounds Familiar</em> champions JM Dela Serna and Marielle Montellano</p><div><br/></div><p>“When I talk about my songs, parang they’re like my children. So I’m proud of each and every one of them. Even if they did not achieve so much in life, but I still love them. I was complimented that they’re going to feature my songs in July. I’m very honored talaga. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but I’m deeply honored that my songs are given the spotlight by these young artists, and I was talking to them earlier, and I wish them that their journey will be long and gratifying and adventurous, romantic, and fulfilling. Their journey towards stardom,” he explained. </p><div><br/></div><p>During the presscon, the singer also clarified why he has no immediate plans of retiring from singing and performing even at the age of 81. “I’m not in a hurry (laughs). No, I think for as long as the audience is there, I’m happy to sing for them. God willing. Because music is God’s gift to me and expressing my songs and giving joy to people, that’s my gift back to God.”</p><div><br/></div><p>For<em> Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart</em> concert, Jose Mari said he has no plans of holding back when it comes to making his new and loyal fans happy at the show. “They have given me 12 songs and I’ve decided to sing all 12 songs (laughs). You know, one time in a concert, all of a sudden, I had a cold about three days before. So, wow, I got worried because I could not sustain my voice. Buti na lang, gargling with warm salt and water bumalik (boses ko), but I had to lower the key. But you know, performance has to be done. I hope that doesn’t happen (laughs)!” </p><div><br/></div><p>Tickets for <em>Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart concert</em> are now available online via Ticketworld. For inquiries and bulk ticket purchases, please contact QR Events Solution Inc. through their official Facebook page. </p>

<p>Jose Mari Chan shares the stage with a younger generation of singers who will interpret his most popular love songs from over the years in a one-night-only concert.</p>

Jose Mari Chan shares the stage with a younger generation of singers who will interpret his most popular love songs from over the years in a one-night-only concert.

Jose Mari Chan has no plans to retire at the age of 81: ‘Music is God’s gift to me'

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Jose Mari Chan has no plans to retire at the age of 81: ‘Music is God’s gift to me'

Rhea Manila Santos,

Push Team

Published June 26, 2026 09:40 AM PHT

Read More:

Jose Mari Chan

OPM

Afterglow concert

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