Celebs’ choice of carols vivifies glorious ‘reasons for the season’

(Conclusion)

Music, as they say, is the ultimate form of self-expression. For Christmas this year, we asked some of the entertainment biz’s biggest and brightest stars to spread some Yuletide cheer by answering a common question: If you could sing a carol to anyone on Christmas day, who would you sing it to and why?

Here’s Part 2 of our forum:

Janine Gutierrez

Loved ones behind Janine Gutierrez’s banner year

She is as lovely as she is principled, but Janine Gutierrez has also parlayed her indefatigable outspokenness and grit into committed, career-defining performances—from Joel Ferrer’s “Elise” to Rae Red’s “Babae at Baril.”

The lovely actress has been winning much-deserved best actress awards (Urian, Famas and QCinema) for “Babae at Baril,” but she says she couldn’t have accomplished this feat without her parents’ unconditional love and affection.“My Christmas carol would be for them,” she said. “I’m so grateful to my parents, and I am so blessed to have them in my life.”

Nonoy Zuñiga

Nonoy Zuñiga’s Yuletide serenade

There are simply too many songs that make Nonoy Zuñiga the OPM icon he is, among them “Doon Lang,” “Kumusta Ka,” “Love Without Time” and “Never Ever Say Goodbye.” But the seasoned balladeer with the precious baritone has a special song for everyone this holiday season.

“When I was a kid, I would always sing this song (in Filipino) during our caroling nights: ‘Joy to the World,’ a song that speaks for itself. It’s a constant reminder for all of us of the essence of Jesus’ birth more than 2,000 years ago. It has consistently brought joy into our Christmas merry-making … because with it comes the assurance of salvation and peace, no matter what the situation or circumstance you’re in. I would always love to sing this carol to everyone!”

Gerphil Flores

True meaning of Christmas for Gerphil Flores

Gerphil Flores, dubbed Asia’s Golden Girl after appearing in “Asia’s Got Talent,” is spending the holidays with her hubby, Brad Libanan, in Samar. For this forum, here’s Gerphil’s pick: “Christmas is a season of love and giving,” she said. ‘I would sing ‘Christmas In Our Hearts’ and dedicate it to all children. We should teach them the true meaning of Christmas, which is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s gift of love to everyone!”

Carla Abellana

Webchats not good enough for Carla Abellana

Better safe than sorry. That’s what lovely actress Carla Abellana keeps in mind, especially where her grandma is concerned. “If I could, I would sing to my Lola in person,” she said. “I haven’t seen her in almost a year now, and the entire family is taking extra precaution keeping her safe from COVID-19, given her age, condition and health. We all miss her so much and seeing her online just isn’t enough. I would love to sing her a Christmas carol or two.”

Christian Bautista

Christian Bautista’s advocacy

For seasoned balladeer Christian Bautista, there’s nothing more fulfilling than spending some time and much-needed resources for kids in need.

“I’d sing ‘Little Drummer Boy,’” he said. “And I would sing it to the kids we’re supporting at Rise against Hunger. That even through trying times, their lives and their talents are still seen and enjoyed by Jesus.” INQ