(From left) Jose Mari Chan, Vice Ganda, and Kim Chiu sit down with members of the media as Shopee ambassadors. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
Vice Ganda, Kim Chiu, and Jose Mari Chan have come together for the holiday campaign of an e-commerce platform, and the three superstars are beyond thrilled to celebrate a new milestone as brand ambassadors.
While Vice Ganda and Chiu regularly see each other as hosts of ABS-CBN's "It's Showtime," this is the first time that they have joined forces for an endorsement campaign. And both are honored to have the chance to work with Chan, dubbed the Philippines' "Mr. Christmas" for his iconic holiday tunes which were turned into a musical last year.
On the sidelines of their campaign shoot, ABS-CBN News and select media had a quick chat with the three Shopee endorsers who happily talked about all things Christmas -- from their shopping habits to what they like to put on the Christmas tree.
Chiu began by saying her Christmas decor changes every year and is inspired by what she is most grateful for. "Every year kasi iba-iba 'yung mood ko, depende kung ano 'yung pinapasalamat ko talaga. Siguro this time, ang gusto kong Christmas tree is color white. Gusto ko talaga ay tahimik, payapa, and more peace and contentment," she shared.
Vice Ganda then teased the actress, who has been romantically linked to her on-screen partner, Paulo Avelino. "Feeling ko hindi star ang nasa tuktok, feeling ko heart," he said, prompting Chiu to giggle as she attempts to change the subject.
Kim Chiu (right) bursts into laughter after being teased by Vice Ganda, her co-host on "It's Showtime." Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
Chan for his part shared that for him, the Christmas tree has always been synonymous to family: "We have five children and nine grandchildren. So we start shopping November pa lang, even October. And we put the gifts underneath the Christmas tree. So my kids and my grandkids, they're all looking at it, hoping for December 24 to come so they'll open the gifts."
"So that's something to look forward to, and I encourage families out there to do the same -- make your Christmas tree your family tree," the singer continued. "Make it truly special and meaningful, that Christmas belongs to family."
Chan is best known for "Christmas in Our Hearts," undoubtedly one of the most played songs in the Philippines during the "ber" months. Naturally, music has been an important part of his life, especially during the holiday season.
"Music is God's gift to me, and I'm very, very blessed that for the last 60+ years, I've been in the recording industry and my songs have become part of Filipino lives," he said.
For Jose Mari Chan, Christmas is about family. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN NewsKnown for incorporating social and political commentary into his jokes, Vice Ganda spoke of constantly revising his Christmas shopping budget, drawing laughter from his fellow endorsers and the media.
"May budget naman, magsisimula sa maliit na budget. Pero unti-unti lumalaki kasi may mga insertions," he said with a wide grin, alluding to the controversy on the government's flood control projects. "So naa-amend din naman 'yung budget list namin minsan-minsan kasi may mga nadadagdag. 'Ay, lalakihan ko na nga ito kasi di ko yata siya nabigyan last year.'"
The comedian went on to admit that he has limited time to shop for holiday gifts given his busy schedule. On top of his regular shows, Vice Ganda has been a mainstay at the December Metro Manila Film Festival, with his movies featured almost every year.
"Wala kaming luxury of time to really shop kasi ang dami naming ginagawa. Lalo na film fest month ang December so sabay-sabay. So 'yung limited time ko na makapag-shopping, idine-devote ko na 'yon for my family, immediate family ko. Inuuna ko talaga sila," he shared.
"The rest, sanay na silang di ko sila nareregaluhan on time on their birthdays, Christmas. Pero nareregaluhan ko sila sa mga random na pagkakataon kaya okay lang din sa kanila," he explained. "So 'yung Christmas list ko talaga puro pamilya lang muna."
(From left) Jose Mari Chan, Vice Ganda, and Kim Chiu star in Shopee's holiday campaign, which also marks the 10th year of the e-commerce platform in the Philippines. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
When it was Chiu's turn to share how she shops for Christmas gifts, the Kapamilya star said she likes looking for promos and discounts to make the most out of her hard-earned money: "Inaabangan ko 'yung 10.10, 11.11 bago ko i-check out. Kasi ang laki ng discount."
But as she beamed with pride for being a smart spender, Vice Ganda dropped the bomb again on his "It's Showtime" co-host, saying she likes giving expensive gifts.
"Pero mahal siya mag-gift. Oo, generous siya. Mamahalin 'yung gift niya lagi. Masarap siya maging friend, masarap maging friend si Kim," he said, causing Chiu to blush.
The actress was then quick to clarify: "Masarap lang magregalo. Parang ang sarap lang bigyan ang isang tao ng galing sa 'yo, parang naiisip mo talaga kung ano 'yung babagay sa kanya."