MANILA, Philippines - After a year of touring the world as the vocalist of American rock band “Journey,” Arnel Pineda is finally home for the holidays.

Pineda spoke with fans during the Kapamilya Interactive Chat last December 13 held at the backstage of “ASAP ’09” where he shared his excitement to be here in time for Christmas.

“Last year nandito rin ako sa Pilipinas for Christmas. Sa bahay lang kasama ‘yong wife ko and the kids and other relatives. Important talaga sa akin na makasama ang family ko tuwing Christmas kaya kapag may offer na work sa akin during the holidays, nagde-decline ako. Mas gusto kong kasama ‘yong family ko kapag Pasko at nandito kami sa Pilipinas. I don’t know pero iba kasi ‘yong feel ng Christmas dito sa Pilipinas,” he said.

In spite of the success he is enjoying as “Journey’s” vocalist, Pineda revealed that the most important thing for him is still his family.

“Maituturing kong best gift na para sa akin ‘yung love na nare-receive ko from my family. I think that will also be the greatest gift I can give them. ‘Yong pag-aalaga, mas mahalaga pa sa kahit anong material gifts,” he said.

But this humble Filipino was honest enough to reveal the simple gifts he wants to receive this Christmas.

He said: “Gusto ko ng shoes, jeans, mahilig kasi ako sa jeans. Gusto ko rin ng simple white V-neck shirt. Mas naa-appreciate ko ‘yung mga simple gifts na alam mong sincere talagang ibinigay sa ‘yo.”

Pineda said that being a true blue Filipino, there are just some things he enjoys about celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, like the food and the dawn masses tradition.

“Marami akong gustong food like calderetang baka, kambing. Siyempre ice cream gusto ko ‘yon, ‘yong vanilla flavor. Sayang nga kasi sa sobrang busy hindi na ako nakakapag-Simbang Gabi. Isa ‘yun sa mga pinakagusto kong Filipino Christmas traditions. Napaka-solemn niya,” he said.

Next year, Pineda will again be busy touring the world with “Journey.” Aside from singing on stage, he is also being encouraged by many of his fans to give acting a try.

“Kailangan ko pa sigurong mag-workshop bago mangyari ‘yan,” he quickly answered.

Regarding an onscreen role that he thinks would best suit him, Pineda said he would love to play a contrabida role.

“If ever, siguro gusto ko mag-contrabida kasi doon bagay ‘yong face ko. Laughs,” he said.

He also named a couple of actors he would love to work with should he finally decide to take the acting plunge.

“Madami akong gustong makasamang magagaling na artista. Sina Piolo (Pascual), John Lloyd (Cruz), para naman mahawaan ako ng galing nila,” he said. -Napoleon Quintos, ABS-CBN.com