Filipino netizens have been clamoring for a collaboration between the Chinese action star Jackie Chan and the Filipino "King of Christmas Carols" Jose Mari Chan.
It started in mid-August 2021 after Jackie was announced as ambassador of the Shopee 9.9 sale, which Jose Mari previously had endorsed.
The announcement was timed with the advent of the Christmas season in the country, otherwise known as the "BER" months.
The "BER" months, which start in September, also mark the return of Jose Mari's iconic Christmas songs on the radio, in malls, in karaoke bars, and many other public places.
Netizens have taken to Twitter to express their wish to see the two Chans in one commercial.
One netizen tweeted, "ber months na niyan,,,, i need a jackie chan x jose mari chan collab"
Another one wrote, "Jackie Chan x Jose Mari Chan = the only collab that matters."
In its exclusive interview on September 1, 2021 with the "Christmas in Our Hearts" singer, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked Jose Mari about his reaction to the requested collaboration.
Jose Mari said he is very much open to the idea, and added a wish of his own.
"I'm hoping that Shopee would renew my contract so that I can do [the jingle]... It was fun doing commercials."
What about the possibility of doing action scenes with the Chinese superstar?
Jose Mari gamely said martial art is not in his expertise, but he's willing to try.
He also cited an earier conversation with his good friend, Yvette Fernandez, the editorial director of Summit Media, wherein he expressed his admiration for Jackie Chan.
He told PEP.ph, "I don't know if we can get together because of the lockdown.
"And, you know, I was watching his steps, I was telling Yvette earlier, I don't know if I can do those steps, if I can duplicate them. Ang galing-galing niya, o.
"I guess, it's many years of Taekwondo or Karate or Judo. I don't have that gift. But I can always try. I can always try.
"So Shopee, if you're listening, I'm waiting for your call."
JOSE MARI CHAN AND JACKIE CHAN: COUSINS?
One fan asked the million-dollar question: "magpinsan ba sina jackie chan at jose mari chan?"
It seems Jose Mari was asked this questioni even before.
During the Zoom interview, the singer clarified that athough he and Jackie bear the same surname, they come from different lineages.
Their surnames, if spelled in Chinese characters, are also different.
He explained, "You know, I know he's Cantonese. And in Cantonese, Chan is not the same Chan as my Hokkien Chan... We may not have the same Chinese characters."
Use these MetroMart promo codes when you shop or order online. Marami pang ibang coupons dito.