Following the resounding success of his hit song Ere off his latest album Sad Song and Bullsh*t Part 1, juan karlos released his first Christmas single, Maligayang Pasko, radiating the Filipino festive spirit. 

According to the acclaimed singer-songwriter, the song was inspired by his personal experience of spending Christmas alone. 

“I remember a very specific memory: spending Christmas alone for the first time in years, and I was in the department store of a specific mall. And I remember being in the Christmas section na puno ng mga Christmas trees tapos nagpapatugtog lang sila ng Christmas music nonstop,” said juan karlos. 

This experience prompted the singer to create a Christmas song anchored on his commitment to authenticity and intimate storytelling. 

“So while I was there, I was really imagining to myself, ‘I would love to hear a song that I made being played in this department store.’ And that was honestly it! Went back to my place, got my guitar, and just started writing,” he continued. 

The creative process of ‘Maligayang Pasko’ 

While the song captures the essence of Filipino Christmas, there is no reference used for its melody, according to the singer. 

“The song itself, there was really no reference used for the melody of the song. But production-wise, we really wanted it to be as close to having that festive feeling. So that’s why when it comes to the drums, for example, you have a shuffle-like vibe to the beat. When you hear it, you unintentionally move your head to it,” juan karlos said. 

When it comes to the vocals, however, the singer got a bit more creative as he made many different takes of the song to make it sound like a crowd or choir when one plays it. 

All in all, juan karlos best describes the single as a feel-good anthem, aiming to give listeners a sense of joy and warmth.

“When you listen to the song you just feel like “Oh, it’s nice.” That’s really just it. I mean, I can only do so much in the creation of the song, but I don’t really control anymore where the song will go or how the people will feel about the song. Hopefully, people will feel a little bit lighter,” he shared. 

A Christmas message 

With Christmas fast approaching, juan karlos thanks his fans for their constant love and support for his songs. 

“Thank you for watching my shows on TV, for live performances, and for listening to my music. And hopefully, andiyan pa rin kayo next year kasi marami pa kong gagawing pasabog,” he said.