Dahil ikaw Bro, ang Star ng Pasko

You didn’t think I’d miss the chance to write about Christmas here, did you?

This song doesn’t need any introduction. I’m sure you’ve heard it way too many times in the streets, from the carolers and even at the Christmas parties you’ve attended. “Star ng Pasko” is probably ABS-CBN’s best Christmas Station ID song. I’ve been in love with the song since it premiered on TV Patrol last month. I’m not ashamed to admit that it almost brought me to tears the first time I saw it.

I knew this would be a sure-fire hit so this has been my jam for a few weeks. I was a bit hesitant to play it loudly before for fear of my neighbors thinking that we’re ABS-CBN fanatics. But now, I’m glad to see the song has literally become the new official song of Filipinos around the world this year. Proof of that is the fact that there are so many people looking for the karaoke or instrumental version of this song to download for their parties. Sadly, ABS-CBN didn’t release it to the public. 

The one I posted above is actually the second version of the music video which is like the extended version of the song. And here’s a behind the scenes look at how ABS-CBN’s Christmas station ID for 2009 was created.

Think about it. If not for typhoon Ondoy, we would have never gotten such a beautiful Pinoy Christmas song! Truly, God can make a seemingly tragic situation into a great and fruitful experience. In the words of May Bukas Pa’s Santino: “Iba ka talaga Bro!”

Lastly, I’d like to share with you the “recording sessions” video of the song.

In many ways, I actually prefer this version of the song. It’s like a demo version and therefore doesn’t sound as polished like the final version. I like how the voices of the singers here are more prominent. I like how the second chorus only features male voices. That was a nice touch. I also like the piano parts in the last chorus. Okay, I really like this version more than the original! There, I said it. With less vocals, it’s a more subdued and calm version of “Star ng Pasko”.

I hope you all had a great and happy Christmas with your loved ones. May we all face the new year with even a stronger faith in Bro.

P.S. I used to take issue with people now calling Jesus Christ as “Bro”. At first, I felt it was a cheap excuse for Catholics not to use His real name. Now, I’m actually really happy about it. We are not changing His name, rather, I view it as another way of making Him more accessible to the “masang Pilipino”. Not that He’s not easily accessible but I really believe in the saying: different strokes for different folks!