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Bro, Ikaw ang star ng Pasko

Holidays / by

Every year during the Christmas Season, the Philippine Television Network, ABS-CBN always seems to come up with an original Christmas song to play on it’s various stations.  Each year, the song is sang by all of the stars that appear on ABS-CBN.  Not just actors, but the newscasters and other personalities on the network, and yes, including the actors in various network TV shows.

This year, the network has been featureing an original song called “Bro, Ikaw ang star ng Pasko.”  Since it is in Tagalog, I don’t understand it word for word, but because of the amount of cross-over between Bisaya and Tagalog, I have a general understanding of the song.  The title, as I would translate it would mean:  “Brother, you are the Christmas Star.”

This year, this is a song that I have really enjoyed whenever I see it on TV.  Even though I don’t understand it word for word, it does have a special meaning for me, and because of that, I decided to share it with you.

I hope you enjoyed the song, as I have.  Merry Christmas to all of you!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Of course. The pretty tisays and handsome tisoys, with perfect teeth, light complexion and beautiful smile. They are pleasing to the eye but the reality is, this glamour and glitz represent a miniscule percentage of Filipinos with mixed European ancestry and with whom the impoverished bakya crowd hopelessly identify in a world of make believe. They all look well-fed, don’t they? One boy looked too well-fed even – in the Philippines that’s a misplaced sign of wealth.

    Nothing wrong with projecting an image of feigned prosperity and acquired beauty for all the world to see, but is this really a realistic representation of Filipinos and the Philippines?

    Maybe I’m just being a grinch, but ABS-CBN, in my opinion, could have done a better Christmas presentation by emphasizing the diversity of Filipino ancestry and not projecting a false image of Filipinos to the world if they had included in the group some brown-skinned Filipinos with Malay features, instead of fielding a group consisting exclusively of tisays and tisoys who do not look Filipino.

    Shame on you ABS-CBN!

    • I sure didn’t think that the kid who started off the whole video or the soldiers whom he saluted had much European blood. A lot of those stars don’t either. Yes, some do, but what’s the problem? Shame on ABS-CBN for offering a celebratory song for Filipinos for Christmas? Merry Christmas to you too, John.

      • Hi, Bob- I believe this board solicits honest opinions from the readers, does it not? It asks, “Speak your mind, tell us what you’re thinking”. I have spoken my mind, why is that a problem?

        • Hi John – You gave your opinion, I gave mine. I have no problem with that. I just re-read my reply to you, and I see nothing nasty or mean about it. I even wished you a merry Christmas. Did you feel that I said something nasty to you, because that certainly was not intended, nor do I see anything when I re-read the comment. Is there some problem?

            • Exactly, John. I see no problem with showing some mixed race people in the video. In fact, I like it. I feel that it shows inclusion of people like my children. I celebrate that. So, like I say, why is there a problem? For me, there is none.

              • I didn’t say there is a problem in showing mixed race in the video; I said there should have been some brown-skinned Filipinos with Malay features included along with the tisays and tisoys to provide a more accurate portrayal of the diversity of Filipino ancestry. Hey, my kids are tisays and tisoys too, and they don’t look a bit Filipino. I am not knocking that.

              • OK, John. It’s really no problem for me. I had no idea your kids were mixed race until you just said that (how could I possibly know that?). I went back and re-viewed the video to see if I am missing something. Frankly, I would say that 70% of those in the video are brown-skinned Filipinos (honestly, it gives me the creeps just typing that, because I really don’t care about skin color, I am only addressing your concern, though). I personally just don’t see any problem with the video. If you don’t like it, I’m sorry for you, John. It seems like it is a major concern for you, and if so, I hope that you can just look beyond your concerns and enjoy the season.

              • It’s only a comment, Bob. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Of course I’ll enjoy the season with or without the video. It’ not a major concern for me, as you put it. Again, I’ll have to go back to what I said earlier: I’ve spoken my mind, exactly as you want readers to do. Isn’t that what you want to hear – honest opinions, or do you want people to lie and just march in lockstep with everyone, and agreeing with everything that’s posted?

  2. Have to agree with you John but the truth is its like that in almost every Country. Even in the USA you see more and more hispanic american mix, as the old saying goes “thats Hollywood!” , nice song Bob I can see why you enjoy it, think I’ll download it on my ipod.

    • Hi Brian – Yesterday, when I was putting this together for today’s column, I listened to the song a number of times. I really enjoy the song a lot, and it makes me feel like it’s Christmas!

  3. John Reyes, yes you are being a grinch! Have you really watched the video? I don’t see everyone in the video as mestizos… and even muslims were represented though it was a Christmas video. The video has a wonderful Christmas message, and it’s quite annoying to read a comment, a first comment at that, oozing with negativism.

    Hi Bob, Merry Christmas to you and you’re family!

    • Hi Dex – Thanks for your comment! I’m glad that you enjoyed the song, as I did. I find the song and the video to be very inclusive, and it is also very Filipino, IMHO. Merry Christmas!

    • Merry Christmas to you, too, Dex. You missed my point entirely. Why would my comment “ooze of negativism” when the main point of my comment was the inadequate portrayal of the diversity of Filipino ancestry?

      • john,

        you must realize that the people in the video are all work for abs-cbn, i can see many faces and many of them are brown, it is a television john, you can’t really tell who is who in the video by just looking at them unless if you have a previous knowledge aboput the person’s ancestry. abs-cbn’s previous Christmas video has one thing in common, they always use their own stars and once in a while they will include the families of their people too. you are spoiling it john, hey it’s christmas. merry christmass to you!

        Merry Christmas to Bob and to the entire LiP reader!

      • John,
        I don’t have any issues with the video. You have your opinion and those who have seen the video have formulated their own opinions. Leave it at that. I personally don’t have any issues whether everyone was all black, all mestizos, or all white. The important point is that these people took the time to rehearse and produce this video for us to enjoy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

  4. Nice video – I showed it to Rose, she enjoyed it and sang along. I did not show her this article, or the comments, but the first thing she said was “the AmerAsians are so handsome…” Then started pointing out different celebrities and saying things like, “she’s Spanish, that ones father’s from Oklahoma…”. I just thought it interesting considering the comments, and she had no pre-knowledge 🙂

    • Hi Gary – Hey, Merry Christmas! Nice to hear from you. I hope you and Rose are doing well, and have a Merry Christmas.

      Yes, there are a number of mixed-race people in the video, but the majority are not. But, for me, who cares? As long as it furthers the Christmas enjoyment, everybody wins!

      • Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. I agree, I really wouldn’t have brought it up, just found her unsolicited reaction interesting in relation to John’s comments. Half of her time was singing along with the song, the other half was specifically pointing out those of mixed race.

        Her translation of the title is the same as yours, except Bro in this context is Jesus.

        • Hi Gary – Interesting… I had never heard of it before that Jesus would be “bro” or anything like that! I learn something new every day, or try to! 😉

  5. Well Bob, Being a Kapamilya and pround to say I can name about 85 percent of many of my favorite teleserya stars, singers, and newspeople from ABS-CBN, I really enjoyed the song, and seeing the parol is my favorite symbol of Christmas in any language. Thanks for sharing, and Merry Christmas to all!

    • Hi Queenie – Merry Christmas! For me… for sure I can’t name that many of those stars! Mostly who I can name are the more news-related ones, though. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!

  6. In reality what is a filipino? Is it a racial/ethnic label or a citizenship label. Are we going to say the Ayalas or Zobels are not filipino? The Aeta are not filipino? This is a multicultural and multiracial country and filipinos of malay descent should stop trying to claim that they are the “true” or “real” filipinos.
    That being said, I am all for mixing the races — for whatever reason the kids are invariably handsome or beautiful. A whole nation of those can’t be a bad thing 🙂

    • I am with you 100%, Miguk. I often hear Filipinos tell me that certain people are not Filipino, they are Chinese… because their family came from China generations ago. The guy was born in the Philippines, and he was raised here, and is a Filipino Citizen. That’s good enough for me.

  7. Hello Bob,

    a better translation of “Bro,ikaw ang star ng pasko” is “brother, you are the star of Christmas” – which depicts someone’s heroic acts contributed to one’s family, community or to the country.

    Merry Christmas.

  8. merry Christmas to all

    bob

    i think its a great video and song .been looking on the abs-cbn Internet store but unable to find it for sell .is it not being released as a Xmas charity single ?

  10. Miguk, we’re not talking about who or what Filipinos are. Don’t twist my words.

    For this discussion, it’s simply this, and I will repeat it for your benefit in case you had trouble comprehending my first comment. In my comment, I said, “ABS-CBN could have done a better Christmas presentation BY EMPHASIZING THE DIVERSITY OF FILIPINO ANCESTRY and not projecting a false image of Filipinos to the world IF THEY HAD INCLUDED IN THE GROUP SOME BROWN-SKINNED FILIPINOS WITH MALAY FEATURES, instead of fielding a group consisting exclusively of tisays and tisoys who do not look [the average] Filipino.” I’ve capitalized the key phrases in that statement for your benefit.

    Now, did that statement imply that Filipinos of Malay descent are the “true” or “real” Filipinos, and mestizos are not? Note also that I never used the words “true” or “real” Filipinos because that, to me, is an idiotic thing to say about Filipinos or any nationality. They are your words.

    • You didn’t say it, but it is implied none the less. And that is the common mentality here. I have a friend who was born here, grew up here and has lived his entire life here (he is now 50). His parents were born here as well as his grandparents. But because they are Spanish he still get the “he’s not really filipino” thing. Crazy wouldn’t you agree?

    • john,

      Filipinos nowadays evolved into different kind of species, more and more filipinos are now mixed with other blood from western world, maybe because more and more pinays are marrying white people producing tisoy and tisay, The way i see it john, just because the people in the video has more looks of european you assumed they are not of MALAY origin. john filipino people evolved many times, My wife is truly from batangas and she has a mixed blood of spanish but her ancestors are from the mountains a real native of the philippines, I am from manila, I have a mixed blood of Portuguese and Chinese BUT my ancestors has a VERY STRONG Malay blood, somehow I evolved with european feature than with a malay feature.

      my daughter DO NOT LOOKED like a filipino at all, many people mistaken her as a european, does that mean because of my looks and the looks of my family does not resemble the TYPICAL brown people with MALAY FEATURE does it mean I am more of european than a malay?

      The food we eat also plays a big part changing the color of the skin and that is scientifically proven.

      • Dans, I’m assuming nothing. I am talking about features that are discernible by the naked eye, not an in-depth examination of the mestizo bloodlines that go back a hundred years. I am only saying that ABS-CBN could have done a better job – in my opinion anyway – in presenting a more accurate portrayal of the diversity of Filipino ancestry by including individuals who have distinct European and Malay features. To balance the presentation, so to speak.

        • john, The idea of tv commercial is to present a nice video to the public, it is similar to tv commercial of any product, they look nice and taste good in tv but in reality it taste awful and looks bad, you want to emphasize about the diversity of the country and abs-cbn must show it to the public, it is similar to “why only show McDonalds commercial?” why not show the “adobo or Sinigang commerical?” after all it is the average filipino food?

          everyone knows how tv commercial works, I don’t think a tv station such as abs-cbn would put someone in their commercial and let the unknown and untalented people sing, T.V is all about presenting the good stuff to the viewer, it is all about the ratings after all it comes down to running a business, it is sad but true.

          • Dans, that Christmas presentation was a commercial? It’s entertainment with a clear Christmas message. We don’t know if they have ABS-CBN staffers who have Malay features that can sing and dance, do we? I don’t know it, you don’t know it, but if I were the producer of that entertainment, I would make every effort to include all the distinct features that make up the Filipino. In fact, I happen to know a brilliant investigative journalist who used to work for PCIJ but now works for ABS-CBN. Now, she is undeniably Malay from head to foot. They could have at least given her at least a token cameo appearance in the show to balance the playing field, so to speak.

            • john,

              not all people can face the camera and most of them would chose to be behind it, the video is a commercial to me although it does not endorsed any product, however, it endorses the stars of the station, why abs-cbn did that kind of presentation is beyond my knowledge, who knows why they put all the star in that video and not someone from the mountain or someone who have brown-skin flat nose and curly hair? perhaps there’s a significant effect if they use faces that are well known to the filipinos, perhaps, showing their stars while singing a christmas song with a nice message would bring more viewer than the other station? or mayb that video is a career builder for the stars and also to increase tv ratings?

              as I said it is all about TV ratings. nothing more nothing less. for sure abs-cbn would not spend millions of pesos for nothing? what do you think?

              • I’m sure it’s all about TV ratings, afterall what TV network would pass up the chance to improve their ratings given the chance? The combination of the spirit of the holiday season and the recent calamity that struck the country was the perfect setting for just the type of opportunity to corner the lucrative TV commercials by producing the Christmas program.

                However, I feel that we are going round and round in this conversation and straying away from the thrust of my original comment, which was, basically, if ABS-CBN really want to attract more viewers, IN MY OPINION, they should in the future be more inclusive in their presentation of all types of Filipino facial features; afterall, the European look is a small minority in the Philippines. The impoverished bakya crowd meanwhile is left with nothing to identify with but the European look, which most of them must admit is quite delusionary. That’s what I think.

              • Hi John – You have freely posted your opinion about this issue. I think anybody who reads this will know where you stand. Maybe we could just move on? I don’t think anything you post further will enhance the understanding of where you stand. Maybe we could just enjoy the video, or not watch it if we don’t like it? It sure would make me happy if we could move on. Would it be possible? I don’t know how to ask you any nicer than this, I hope you don’t feel that I am against your being able to post your opinion, because you have been sharing your thoughts all day long now.

  11. Hi Bob,

    Thanks for sharing the video. I really enjoyed it. I think this song is dedicated to all those who helped the victims of typhoon Ondoy. It is a song of gratitude and hope.

    Wishing you, Feyma and the kids Peace, Joy and Love during this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.

    Merry Christmas to all!!!

    • Kumusta ka, Tina? Malipayong pasko sa imo ug imong tanan!

      You know.. it makes sense that this is dedicated to those who helped with relief from Onday, and other typhoons. At the beginning of the video, it shows the young boy picking up the parol from a storm ravaged area….. thanks for tying that together for me!

      • Hi Bob,

        I don’t think you’ll have a full appreciation of the song unless you understand the lyrics. So, my Christmas present to you is an attempt at translating the song to English. Enjoy!

        Bob, daghang salamat sa imong mga maayong binuhatan para sa atong isig-katawo. Kining kantaha alang usab kanimo. Maayong Pasko sa inyong tanan. Hinaut magpadayon ang maayong dagan niining LiP.

        Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko translation:

        In times of darkness
        The stars shine brighter
        No matter how cloudy it may be
        Behind these clouds is brightness

        This brightness
        Is within all of us
        Every open heart shines

        In the warmth of every hug/embrace
        All wounds will heal

        The one who lit this light
        Is no one else but you
        Thank you for your brightness
        Christmas will be colorful again

        We are the light in the darkest paths
        Let’s pull closer together
        We may pass a powerful wave
        All of us will survive

        Hope will shine
        On everyone
        Because you, Bro
        Are the star of Christmas

  12. TO ALL:

    Naragsak a Paskua ken Nagasat a Baro a Tawen! – Ilocano

    {Malipayong Pasko ug Bulahang Bag-ong Tuig!} – Bisayan

    (Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!) – Filipino

    [Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!] – English

    Peace to all the Christmas Season, and may Bro’ provide us wisdom, understanding and, above all, the ability not to “test with our feet that which we smell with our nose”! 😉 😉 😉

    • Hi Paul – Hmm.. I might need to study a bit more… but I’ve never heard the word “bulahang” before….

      But, no matter.. Merry Christmas to you! 😉

          • Hi, Bob and Paul- If I may butt in, I don’t know Cebuano, but from what it appears, “bulahang”, meaning “Blessed”, according to Paul, is an adjective derived from the word, “bulahan,” that modifies the Cebuano noun for year, “Tuig”. Beebe could perhaps confirm this.

  13. I’m sure it’s all about TV ratings, afterall what TV network would pass up the chance to improve their ratings given the chance? The combination of the spirit of the holiday season and the recent calamity that struck the country was the perfect setting for just the type of opportunity to corner the lucrative TV commercials by producing the Christmas program.

    However, I feel that we are going round and round in this conversation and straying away from the thrust of my original comment, which was, basically, if ABS-CBN really want to attract more viewers, IN MY OPINION, they should in the future be more inclusive in their presentation of all types of Filipino facial features; afterall, the European look is a small minority in the Philippines. The impoverished bakya crowd meanwhile is left with nothing to identify with but the European look, which most of them must admit is quite delusionary. That’s what I think.

  14. Geez!

    It was a lovely video – aimed to lighten the hearts and souls of all alike and invoke seasonal good will. The merriest of Christmases to all! (Even that argumentative dude)!

    • Hi Jim – I sure did enjoy the video, and have actually seen it many times over the season. I don’t know, I just don’t understand some of the hate of the thing that has shown up here! But, oh well… I still like it and enjoy it.

      Merry Christmas to you, Jim! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

      • Yeah – going to Bergen. Don’t know if I can get acclimatized to the cold and very short days. But have to visit the family … it is freezing there now. I will miss all the food here, that’s for sure. 🙂

          • Thanks Bob. And sure, we have to get together one day. You’ve been talking so much of coffee – got to try that!! Anyway, make sure you eat a few more kilos of lechon for me. I think we are having salted fish (Lutefisk in Norwegian) for new year. hehe.

  16. PaulK mentioned Santino, who is a character in one of the teleserye. A child who talks/prays to Jesus and calls Him Bro. So I believe the Bro in this song is in reference to Jesus as someone already mentioned.

    Here’s my very literal translation of the part of the song:

    Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw, walang iba kundi ikaw
    (The one lit the light, no one else but you)
    Salamat sa liwanag mo, muling magkakakulay ang pasko
    (Thanks for your light, Christmas again is colorful)
    Dahil ikaw Bro ang star ng Pasko
    (Because Bro, you are the star of Christmas)

    I hope the Philippines would stay this way, where people could still freely say Merry Christmas, talk about Jesus, without being sued or something.

  17. Bob
    Thanks for sharing the video. As a big snow storm moves towards the midwest section of the USA, I wish I was in the Philippines right now.
    Wishing you and your family and all LIP members a Merry Christmas.
    As a note, there is a version on Youtube with subtitles in english, and I believe the “Bro” they are talking about is Jesus. The real reason that we celebrate Christmas.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvg1f6DX6eY

  18. Thank you Bob for the video. I didn’t understand a word of it but it made me smile and it brought a tear to my eye. When my wife wakes today I will share it with her as she is always a little home sick this time of year. I hope you and your family have a very special Christmas season and thank you for all the joy and happy videos and messages over the last number of years. May the light of the latern shine brightly uoon you.

    • Thank you very much, don m for your nice comment! I understand about your wife, because when we were in the States, Feyma always had times when she would be homesick too. Especially during the holidays.

      Merry Christmas to you and all of your family!

  19. Merry Christmas to Bob, Feyma and Family. Also to all of the ” LIP ” contributors, commentors and readers.

    I, as well as I am sure many others, will be looking forward to this years ” Adventure of Minda-Claus ” . It is such a wonderful thing you and your family are doing for others on Christmas, Bob, and taking all of us with you via camera / video, and your forthcomming article of that day !

    And a Merry Christmas shout out to all of my friends in Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro who may be reading this too. Your friendship and Hospitality is one of the best gifts from The Philippines I could ever have.

    Merry Christmas Everyone !

    • Thank you, Bob. Feyma and I have been making plans and preparations all day for our Minda Claus adventure coming up later. It will be a busy day for us today!

    • I mustn’t forget, to all the staff writers of LiP who contribute so much valuable information not only for the benefit of expats and foreigners living in the Philippines, but also for Filipinos overseas who think they know everything about the Philippines. 🙂 To all of you, I tip my hat for a job well done and look forward to learning more from you in the coming year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

  21. Hi Bob,

    I really enjoyed the song. I have emailed several friends with the LIP link here in the USA.

    Malipayong Pasko to you, your family and all my new friends here on LIP. I wish everyone peace and happiness during the Christmas holidays.

    PS .. I showed Bebe the snow from the blizzard here in Maryland during my last lesson. It would have been fun to have a snowball fight.

  22. Merry Christmas to all!

    I have enjoyed getting to know everyone a little in the few months I’ve been reading LiP. Bob Martin has assembled a group of delightfully zany and big hearted people. You all seldom fail to amuse, inform and inspire.

    At our house, we always have a traditional Filipino Noche Buena followed by a traditional Roast Goose in Port Wine for Christmas Day. East is east, and west is west, and ever the twain shall meet.

  23. My favorite part of the video is in the 1:32 segment. The song said something about “you heal all wounds, you the are the light of Christmas”, and the singer looked up as giving praise to Jesus, which is what Christmas is all about. But I think the message of the song doesn’t imply that though because it doesn’t use the formal “you” for God when they sing it.

    Still enjoyable though.
    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Heidi

  24. Peter- Roast Goose in Port Wine sounds straight out of Gourmet Magazine to me. How elegant for Christmas dinner. And you must be the Chef after all that work shoveling 20″ of snow in Rockville over the weekend? Somehow the blizzard of ’09 missed us here on Fenwick Island/Ocean City. Just curious, where can one find goose in the Alexandria area. Wegman’s? I know Giant or Safeway does not carry it. Bon apetit, and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.

      • Hi, Peter- Thanks for the Roast Goose in Port Wine recipe, I’ll pass it on to my wife. I’ve had roasted quail and the so-called Magnum Steak at my sister’s restaurant some years back, but never roasted goose. I’d like to try it. As for the ‘Skins, I’ve already written them off way before that embarassing loss to the Giants last Monday night on national TV. Thank you also for the heads up on the book about Filipinos in Washington, D.C. I just ordered it.

  25. Hi Bob, Merry Christmas to you and your family, and to all on LiP. That video is sweet, very fitting. I like the fact that they showed cross section of the Filipino community/society, including the military, who I believe need some cheer and support as well. Good Christmas post! Alex

    • Hi AlexB – Thank you so much, and Merry Christmas to you as well! I also liked it that the Military was included in the video, and I thought it was great that virtually every part of Philippine society had a role in the video too!

  26. Hi Bob
    I love watching videos and listening to music from the Phils,no matter which way you look at life nothing ever is quite so relaxing as listening to good music, when it is festive it seems even more relaxing ( maybe cos i’m living in stressful UK) I honestly dont think anyone can sing quite as good as filapina/o’s
    Taking the topic a bit further I have a task for you in the New year Bob, “it will be good for your cebuano lessons lol” translate Bebot by the Black Eyed Peas, I would love to know what they sing about in it. If you do that Bob you become a Bro,Ikaw Ang Star Ng Pasko hehehe.

    Merry christmas and best wishes for the New Year to you your family and everyone else concerned with the LIP site and its reader’s
    Special thoughts go to anyone who suffered in the typhoons or the recent evacuation’s around Mnt Mayon lets hope she settles down again.

    • Hi Dave – I also really enjoy this video. The video and the song itself are very nice. I agree, listening to good music is a great way to relax and take away some stress!

      I am not familiar with the song Bebot. Is it in Bisaya, or Tagalog?

      Watch tomorrow for a special video here on LiP, if you are wanting to seem some Bisaya speaking in action! 😉

      • Hi Bob
        bebot is a Hip-hop song from the american group Black eyed peas, I think it is in tagalog though I am not that good at the language yet hehehe.I think you will know the song but you dont realise it hahaha you can hear it almost anywhere in the phils.
        ” now here is he part where you praise the lord you havent got audio reply here” so i will just put the lyrics in for you
        Once again Have a good christmas Bob and all the very best wishes for the coming year.

        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Ikaw ang aking
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Ikaw ang aking
        Ikaw ang aking
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Ikaw ay

        Filipino! – Filipino! – Filipino! – Filipino!

        Hoy pare, pakinggan n’yo ako
        Heto na ang tunay na Pilipino
        Galing sa baryo Sapang Bato
        Pumunta ng L.A. nagtrabaho
        Para makatulong sa Nanay
        Dahil sa hirap ng buhay
        Pero masaya pa rin ang kulay
        Pag kumain – nagkakamay
        ‘yung kanin – *chicken ado
        ‘yung balot – binibenta sa kanto
        Tagay mo na nga ang baso
        Pare ko, inuman na tayo

        Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!!

        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Ikaw ang aking
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Ikaw ang aking
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Bebot bebot bet
        Ikaw ay

        Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!!

        Masdan mo ang magagandang dalaga
        Nakakagigil ang beauty mo talaga
        Lambing na hindi nakakasawa
        Ikaw lang and gustong makasama
        ‘yung bahay o kubo
        Pag-ibig mo ay totoo
        Puso ko’y laging kumikibo
        Wala kang katulad sa mundo

        Pinoy ka sigaw na sige
        Kung maganda ka sigaw na sige
        Kung buhay mo’y mahalaga – sige
        Salamat sa ‘yong suporta

        Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!!
        Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!! Filipino!!!

        • Hi Dave – Ha ha.. well, my bisaya lessons won’t help me in translating that, because it’s in Tagalog! Different language, my friend! 🙂

          Thanks for sharing it, though, and Merry Christmas to you!

  27. Bob
    Just wanted to take a second to wish you and all your family a
    “Merry Christmas”

    Neal&Linda

  28. Hi, Bob!

    Every Monday when I wake up at around 4:00 am, I turn on the TV and this song greets me-and just like you, I love the song! In my understanding, “Bro” here actually refers to Jesus Christ, the very reason of our celebration. He is after all, the original Star of Christmas. Don’t fret, Bob, even if you don’t understand each word of the song (yet one reason to learn Tagalog? :grin:), I’m glad you love the song. The video itself may not please everyone, but the lyrics and the meaning of the song are all that matters (at least in my opinion). I especially like the chorus, which I also think is the most important part of the song:

    “Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
    Walang iba kundi ikaw
    Salamat sa liwanag mo
    Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko

    Dahil ikaw Bro,
    Ang star ng Pasko!”

    (A literal translation: Nobody provided me light but you, and thanks to your (shining) light, Christmas will once again be colorful (and merry), because (after all), you are the Star of Christmas!)

    But I also think, Bro here can refer to your neighbor (or even a stranger) who has helped or consoled you in some way, especially in times of despair, tragedy or hopelessness-something Jesus would inspire us to do. “Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat”…(All wounds will (eventually) heal…), the song also says. So this song, I believe is all about hope and (unconditional) love for your neighbor-to serve as light to someone in need. (and because of that, I think, Bob, you serve as a star of Christmas for those who are needy there in Mindanao! 😉

    Pointing to his disciples, he [Jesus] said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:49-50)

    Merry Christmas Everyone!

    • Hi JR – I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas! I think that Bro has a dual meaning – Jesus, and also anybody who helped their fellow men. That’s just my take on it!

  29. Hi Bob,

    Nice song.

    I think I saw some fish vendors from Bankerohan starting in frames 4:59 and also starting in frames 5:56.

    Rosa Rosal, Susan Roces and most of all Dolphy… it’s a miracle that these movie icons are still alive and looking great.

    At this joyous season my hero, Oddball, reminds us to avoid the negative waves and try to say something righteous and hopeful for a change.

    youtube.com/watch?v=KuStsFW4EmQ

    Cheers.

  30. Hi,

    Merry christmas to all of you! I have always enjoyed this site!

    Just want to clarify about the whole tisoy/tisay thing after watching the video, and I can understand the whole malay thing, but a lot of people here in the video are fair skinned (brown), it’s just because of the lighting and the powders.

    Of course some of them have mix bloods… but when it comes to entertainment, its always about glamour and add some minorities.

    Happy holidays!
    Sonny

    • Hi, Sonny- Is this just a coincidence, or are you who I think you are? You’ve given away enough “codes” in your message that only I can understand. Hahaha. Merry Christmas to you and yours out there in WP!!!

    • Hi Sonny/Lorenzo – Merry Christmas to you, and to your family! I am happy that you enjoy the site, and thank you for adding your input about the malay thing.

  33. hi Bob!

    FYI, the word “BRO” in this song is referring to our LORD JESUS CHRIST.! This song really catches hearts of many filipinos all over the world. Kids here in our country memorize every single lyrics of this song!. This was also sung by many employees to their Christmas party’s presentation.
    The fact that you appreciated this song really makes us proud to be filipino, certified KAPAMILYA!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

  34. Hi Bob!

    FYI, the word “BRO” in this song is referring to our LORD JESUS CHRIST. This song really catches hearts of many filipinos all over the world. Kids here memorize every single lyrics of this song! This was also sung by many employees to their Christmas Party as part of their presentations.
    The fact that someone like you appreciated this song, really makes us proud to be a Filipino, really proud as KAPAMILYA!

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

  35. as a filipino of mestiso,malay and chinese origin, i would say that john has taken the real meaning of the video out of context. he is even talking about ratings!whew! what’s your problem man?!?!?!? stop it! its christmas!

    i am proud of abs-cbn by putting up a wonderful and meaningful christmas id. far better than its rival.hehehe! its the theme song of the season here in the Philippines. BRO IKAW TALAGA ANG STAR NG PASKO!

    p.s. I guess you are not Filipino right? so what’s the problem with the race of the people on the said video? most of abs-cbn stars are of spanish, american, australian,chinese mix. and most Filipinos are like that. the real Filipinos are the aetas. so what’s the problem?

  36. Hi! Bob,
    Merry, Merry X’mas to you and your family members, i haven’t posted here for quite a while coz i’m very busy and i’m going home for New Year on the 29th Dec. so i’m so excited to see my family again. Anyway,this is my first time to hear this song and i kind of feel like i’m going to cry,i guess i really miss the Phils. so thank’s again for this video…..

    • Hi Wildcat – Hey, nice to hear from you again! I hope you enjoy your return home! Will you be here to stay, or returning only for a visit?

      Glad you enjoyed the song!

  38. Hi! Bob,
    No i’m just home for New year holiday and i’ll be back in HK on the 19th of Jan. so i might as well enjoy my 3 weeks holiday, my friends and i are planning to visit either Cebu or Baguio city but were not sure yet, i just hope we can go as plan coz i really want to visit Baguio or Cebu as ive’d never been there before.

  39. Bob,
    I enjoyed reading comments from all your readers … whether making sense, reasonable, out of sync or opinionated…at least you still give them a chance to voice their humble or arrogant opinions… at least we can all respect everyone’s opinion…. regards and happy holidays