Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy three kings

Today is the twelfth day after Christmas. The twelve days of Christmas ends today, the Feast of the Epiphany - Three Kings Day. Facebook, which is good in reminding me of events, tells me that I have three friends named Melchor who are all celebrating their birthdays today. Happy birthday to them. Happy three kings to all of us.

I also know of a Mang Gaspar. I bet it's also his birthday today. I don't know anyone named Baltazar. It's more common as a surname than first name. Available online text bills the three kings as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. But in the Philippines, I remember the billing went as Melchor, Gaspar, Baltazar. That's probably why for those born on January 6 more are named Melchor than Gaspar or Baltazar.

Yes, Popoy, there is a Santa Claus

In 1897, eight-year old Virginia O’ Hanlon wrote a newspaper to ask if there was a Santa Claus. The legendary editorial reply on September 21, 1897 by  Francis P. Church has since become the most reprinted newspaper editorial in history. (Image from Wikipedia).

Do they know it's Christmas?

In 1984, proving that they are the music trailblazers, popular British singers grouped together as Band Aid and recorded "Do they know it's Christmas?" to raise money for famine relief in Africa. It was a huge success. Their American counterparts copied the act in their over the top "We are the world" recording.

There was another Band Aid effort in 1989 and also a bigger one in 2004 to mark the 20th anniversary of the original. But the first will always be the best.

It's been 25 years hence. A lot has changed since then. Bob Geldof is now a white haired Knight. Simon LeBon and Tony Hadley put on a lot of weight. Bono went on to further greatness. Boy George fell from grace. But the message still rings true.

Let them the know it's Christmas time.

Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year to all!

A Very Special Christmas

More than 20 years ago, I bought an audio cassette of Christmas songs titled "A Very Special Christmas". The artists were among the important pop/rock artists at that time. It was a big hit and their versions are still being played today. Consider these:

"Merry Christmas Baby" - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - The Pretenders
"Christmas in Hollis" - Run–D.M.C.
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - U2
"Santa Baby" - Madonna

Bob Dylan's Christmas in the Heart

Bob Dylan recently released an album of Christmas songs. How does it sound? It sounds like somebody is making fun of the songs. It sounds like only hardcore Bob Dylan fans will like it.

But the man is far from being irreverent. He is being himself. That's the way he does songs. The album has to be treated as a novelty despite the traditional songs. Imagine the ear-grating gravelly drunk-like voice singing a Christmas song then blend (?) in Ray Coniff type back up singers and you've got this album.

Hey they say this is for charity. Proceeds will go to some charitable cause. My advice for non-Dylan fans is to give your money straight to that charity and spare your ears. No need to pop up this album for your holiday mood.

The front and back covers (the sleigh ride and the three kings scene) evoke traditional Christmas spirit. But with the inside cover he can once again be accused of irreverence. Reminds you of his Victoria's Secret MTV with Adriana Lima.

But I'm A Bob Dylan fan. To me he gets away with this.