lim pickings is how I would once more describe the Christmas music output this year. Producers just don't feel like doing Christmas albums anymore. But I must also say that the two-volume Pasko by the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Chorale led by Ryan Cayabyab more than makes up for the lack. Besides, if you want something else, there are always the memory-filled old albums to go back to like Jose Mari Chan's timeless Christmas in our Hearts.

Jose Mari has composed a lot of beautiful songs but they all pale beside Christmas in our Hearts . Although written in English, I see it as the song that fully captures the spirit of a Filipino Christmas. You can almost feel the cold during the simbang gabi, smell the bibingka and puto bumbong and see the twinkling parol lights at the onset of the first few notes.

I also like it because it is not infected with what I call the You're All I Want for Christmas syndrome. This is the case when a carol becomes an ordinary love song and Christmas becomes a time to be lonely because of a broken heart. Think Pasko Na Sinta Ko, Miss Kita Kung Christmas, Sana Sa Pasko, Christmas Won't Be the Same Without You, Parang Hindi Pasko, etc. Not right. So bless Christmas in our Hearts for its true message.

The album Christmas in our Hearts is now a holiday staple. It sets just the right Christmas atmosphere. I have already worn out two CDs and a tape. Aside from the title cut, the other originals like A Perfect Christmas and the well-chosen covers Count Your Blessings, A Christmas Carol, Do You Hear What I Hear and other cuts will see you through the season in the right frame of mind.

Of course, if you want variety and feel like emoting to the tune of those lovelorn Christmas songs, you might want to try listening to the OPM Superstar Christmas Collection made up of 14 cuts by some of the biggest OPM artists. Jose Mari's Christmas in our Hearts with his daughter Liza leads the line-up.

Other cuts are Pasko Na Sinta Ko by Gary Valenciano; Sana Ngayong Pasko by Jed Madela; Himig Pasko by Regine Velasquez; Can't Stop Christmas by Martin Nievera; Kumukutikutitap by Joey Albert; Nakaraang Pasko by Kuh Ledesma; Simbang Gabi by Parokya ni Edgar; Lata Lang ang Aming Tambol by the Apo Hiking Society; My Grown Up Christmas List by David Pomeranz; Christmas Won't Be the Same Without You by Pops Fernandez; Miss Kita Kung Christmas by Karylle; Christmas Past by Jose Mari Chan; and Hele ni Inay by Gary Valenciano.

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