‘The Chosen’ star Jonathan Roumie brings Christmas spirit to the Philippines

Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen” | Contributed photo

Jonathan Roumie, known for his portrayal of Jesus in the TV series “The Chosen,” brought holiday cheer to the Philippines after he held a fan meeting aimed at spreading the Christmas spirit to the Filipinos.

On Friday, Nov. 22, the American actor posed for photos, signed autographs, and exchanged heartfelt moments with his Filipino fans at the advanced screening of the holiday special “Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night,” which will premiere exclusively on SM Cinemas on Dec. 11. 

Roumie remarked that Filipinos will enjoy the Christmas special given that they are known to be enjoyers of the holiday season.

“I heard you guys like the Christmas season a little bit; is that true? I think that you’re going to love the way that ‘The Chosen’ tells the story of the nativity and the fact that we do it in a way that we also invite worship music to be a part of the film, to be a part of the experience of the story of the nativity, with so many wonderful artists, including The Feast Worship, playing in the film as well. I think it’s an opportunity to remember what this season is about. It’s about Christ as the reason for the season of Christmas,” he said.

Aside from his fans who cheered and waited for Roumie to grace the red carpet at the screening, local celebrities including Rabiya Mateo, Roxanne Guinoo, Andrea Del Rosario, Wendell Ramos, Betong Sumaya, Camille Prats-Yambao, and Gary Valenciano also graced the event.

Jonathan Roumie and Gary Valenciano

“The Chosen” star Jonathan Roumie interacts with fans in the Philippines

Valenciano commended Roumie’s portrayal of the Lord Jesus, saying that it resonated with him so well.

“I have been a solid Chosen follower since the very beginning, actually during the pandemic. I am really, really blessed that they are here in a nation that has been hungry for the Lord. And the series resonates so well with me because I can’t wait to make Jonathan know this, but ever since I was a child, the way I’ve always felt Jesus talking to me is exactly the way Jonathan portrays Him to be. You know, very tender, but very firm, very loving, but with authority with every word that he says,” he stated.

“You know, Jesus was human, and that’s what you see in The Chosen. Life-changing, there were times I had to pause (when watching) and just realize the goodness of God presented this way for the world. I think it’s great and what the world needs right now. And with social media being so much a part of our mind, I think ‘The Chosen’ can be a part of our hearts,” added the singer.

Ahead of the April 2025 premiere of “The Chosen” season 5, Roumie said that the audience will be blown away when they get to see what they filmed for the season.

“It’s going to be so intense and beautiful and a little bit of heartbreak as well. You can always expect a good cry when you sit down to watch a season of The Chosen. So, Season 5 will be no less intense, no less joyful, and no less heartbreaking than Season 4. Each season, we try to give more than what we gave from the previous season; the show gets a little bit bigger. God just seems to be bringing us through the series in a way that is profound and mysterious, and I really hope you enjoy it this coming Easter,” he said.