Songbird Supreme Mariah Carey gave her stamp of approval for the Filipino tradition of early Christmas by performing her holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” capping off her “Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi” show in Manila on Tuesday, October 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In four live concerts in the Philippines, this was the first time Carey ever sang the beloved Christmas jingle for Filipino lambs, the moniker for her fans. She also performed karaoke staples like “Emotions,” “Hero,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “We Belong Together,” among many of her other hits.
Upon its release in 1994, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was an instant hit and has become the song to herald the holiday season. Now, you can’t go shopping for decor and gifts in the -ber months without hearing the song played alongside other Christmas tracks by Michael Bublé and Ariana Grande.
In past years, the American pop diva marked the beginning of Christmas, usually after Halloween, with videos of her defrosting and singing, “It’s tiiiiiiiime!” This year, she didn’t wait for anyone to put down the plastic pumpkins and Ghostface masks. When Mimi says it’s time, then it’s time.
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Pie Gonzaga
Pie Gonzaga is the Culture Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines, primarily covering film, TV, food, and internet culture.
Gonzaga has worked on a range of stories for print and digital formats, from an interview with Cardinal Ambo David to features on queer party organizers such as CHURCH and Club Euphoria. Her work as the magazine’s former State of Affairs Writer includes news updates on pressing issues like the flood control scandal and the missing sabungeros, and covering rallies. Under Culture, she’s written episode recaps for hit shows, film reviews, and features on restaurants and the people who run them.
Before working with Rolling Stone Philippines, she contributed lifestyle and entertainment stories for a digital news platform.
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