Charice plans to marry girlfriend in the future

MANILA – With the legalization of same sex marriage in the United States is still a hot topic, Charice revealed that she also has plans of marrying her partner, Alyssa Quijano, in the future.

Speaking with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau after her show in Paris, Charice said she wants to settle down with Quijano but that is not yet their main priority for now.

“Kung plans lang, may plans talaga but dates or anything, wala pa. Siyempre nandoon pa kami sa focused muna kami sa kung anong ginagawa namin ngayon. Trabaho muna, ipon muna,” she said.

Charice said she wants to give Quijano the wedding she deserves.

“Kapag talagang alam na namin na super ready na kami—siyempre as her partner, I’d like to give her her deam wedding if ever. If ever that happens, gusto ko talaga 'yung ready talaga lahat,” she said.

Charice and Quijano became a couple in October 2012. However, it was only in June 2013 when the singer introduced Quijano as her girlfriend.

Before they got into a relationship, Charice and Quijano were former rivals in various singing competitions. The two had already faced off several times in amateur singing contests when they became competitors in the ABS-CBN talent search "Little Big Star" in 2005.

They met again until seven years later when Quijano joined the singing contest "The X Factor Philippines," with Charice as one of the celebrity judges.

It was during the Kapamilya program when they had a chance to resume communication.

Despite mixed reactions from the public when they announced their relationship, the two decided to stay together.

At one point, even Charice’s mother Raquel strongly disapproved of Quijano for her daughter. It was only in late 2014 when Charice renewed ties with her family, ending her year-long rift with her mom.

Charice, her mom and Quijano are now in good terms.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Charice, David Foster reunite on 'Asia's Got Talent'

MANILA - For the first time in over three years, Charice and David Foster reunited on stage for the grand finals episode of "Asia's Got Talent," where the Canadian composer and music producer sits as judge.

Charice was introduced as a "pride of Asia" with a video showing highlights of her career under Foster's mentorship. At the time -- from 2008 to 2011 -- the Kapamilya star was packaged as a diva with power ballads as her repertoire.

Wearing a suit and with short hair, Charice's image was a stark contrast to this when she stepped into the spotlight at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Chin held up, the 23-year-old singer, who came out as lesbian in 2013, proudly presented herself to Asian viewers.

Doing away with Whitney Houston hits she had been identified with, Charice was accompanied by Foster on piano to perform the Sam Smith tune "Lay Me Down."




Foster, a 16-time Grammy winner credited with the success the likes of Houston and Celine Dion, took Charice under his wing upon the endorsement of billionaire TV producer Oprah Winfrey.

Charice, who had been joining singing competitions to help her family earn, went on to headline a worldwide tour with Foster and made countless TV guestings in parts of North America and Europe. (See their memorable performances here.)

Shortly before they performed on "Asia's Got Talent," Foster said of his former ward, "She has always had a place in my heart; she will always have a place in my heart."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice talks about reunion with Oprah

Watch the full episode in iWant TV or TFC

MANILA – Filipino singer Charice on Sunday shared what happened behind the scenes when she reunited with Oprah Winfrey when she appeared as a guest on the US host's "Where Are They Now" show last October.

Charice considers Winfrey as her godmother. She was first introduced by Winfrey on her show on May 2008, which helped propel the young singer onto the international stage, which included stints on the TV show "Glee," as well as roles in Hollywood movies.

Her guesting on the "Where Are They Now" centered on how her life changed after she came out as a lesbian last year.

Saying she was really nervous about her appearance, Charice said: “Siguro ang pinaka-best part nung nandoon ako, siyempre ilang years din bago ako nakapunta sa show. When I came back there, sabi ko talaga, even kay Ms. Oprah, na talagang kinakabahan ako. Naiyak lang ako when they all told me na ‘Don’t be. This is your homecoming.’”

Charice said she is truly delighted to be able to appear on Winfrey’s show again because she gets to let the world know about the talent of the Filipinos.

“I am very proud to represent us, all of us Filipinos na every time nakakatungtong ako sa ganung stage tapos tinatawag nila ako na ‘most talented girl in the world from the Philippines,’ siyempre iba 'yung feeling talaga. Sobrang sarap,” she said.

In the interview with Winfrey, Charice admitted she knew she was gay when she was five but denied that she is planning to have an operation to become male.

The singer also revealed that she went through a period of depression before deciding to come out but denied rumors that she tried to commit suicide. She did, however, admit that she thought of taking her life.

After her emotional confession, Charice told Winfrey that she is content now that she and mother have reconciled and that she's happy with her partner, Alyssa Quijano.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice performs at San Diego LGBT festival

MANILA -- Filipina singer Charice performed at her first gay pride event in the US when she joined the San Diego LGBT Pride Music Festival in California last weekend.

Charice performed her own song "Louder," as well as the dance hit "Titanium," for the thousands of participants at the event, which carried the theme "Reflections of Pride."




I'm Charice, I'm a performer and I'm gay," Charice, who made headlines when she came out as a lesbian on the talk show "The Buzz" last year, told the crowd.

"First of all thank you for having me here. This is my first time and hopefully I could come back. Some of you might be wondering, 'Is that Charice?' Well to update some of you guys, first of all, I am Charice. I was discovered on YouTube. I was on 'Glee,' I was that little, well I'm still little, I was that girl with a long hair last year. June 2, 2013, I came out. It was always performing then but today performing like my real self in front of you guys, this is the best performance ever," added Charice, who was with her girlfriend Alyssa Quijano.

At the San Diego event, Charice was also reunited with her “Glee” co-star Alex Newell. She also had her photo taken with R&B singer Deborah Cox.

"Deborah and I having a little moment," Charice posted in her official Instagram account as she shared photo of her with Cox.

Charice is in the US to work on a new record, as well as a TV appearance.

The singer was also recently named one of the "30 Queer Women to Watch" by the website AfterEllen.com, which is "dedicated to the representation of lesbian/bi women in popular culture."

“Finally, I just woke up and told myself that’s it,” Charice told the website of her coming out. “I really want to be myself because I owe it to myself and I didn’t want to be depressed anymore.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Singer Rex Smith insults Charice in Cebu

Singer Charice was insulted by American singer Rex Smith while she was rehearsing for a corporate show at a hotel in Cebu early this week.

According to Charice's manager Glenn Aldueza, the "Pyramid" hitmaker was doing her sound check for the event when the incident happened.

"We went there on time (2 p.m.) and she's doing the sound check with the musical director. Then suddenly a foreigner came up to the stage and then he pointed his finger to Charice and told Charice, 'Can you please stop what you are doing.' Then nakipag-away si Rex Smith doon sa musical director kasi sabi ng musical director, 'Can't you see somebody is rehearsing?'" Aldueza told ABS-CBNNews.com in an interview on Thursday.

"Actually when he left the stage nag-F word siya," he added.

"(Charice) was shocked and according to her wala pang nakakagawa sa kanya ng ganoon, especially American artists na mataas ang respect sa kanya."

After the incident, Aldueza said someone from the team of Ovation Productions, which brought Smith to the Philippines, apologized to them, saying the American will personally say sorry to Charice .

"Pero hindi nangyari 'yon," the manager said, referring to the apology.

"Ayaw (ni Charice) na palakihin' yung nangyari pero as a manager we deserve an apology," he added.

According to Renen de Guia of Ovation Production, the incident was a case of misunderstanding, adding that they have already "sincerely apologized" to Charice and her group.

"It was a case of misunderstanding. He was not even aware that there will be another act featured before him which was Charice. It was a corporate event. Upon entering the backstage, he went straight to the stage and made a comment about the set-up. He was suddenly shouted at by this guy who turned out to be Charice's Fil-am musical director," de Guia said.

"Rex loves Filipinos immensely and Filipinos love him back. I went to Charice and her group to sincerely apologize about the incident that we really didn't know that she was doing a sound check," he added.

Smith, known for hits like "Simply Jessie" and "You Take My Breath Away" during the 1970s, regularly stages concerts in the Philippines.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice won't join ABS-CBN Christmas special

MANILA -- Singer Charice won't be part of ABS-CBN's Christmas special "Kwento Ng Pasko Pag-Asa at Pagbangon" on Tuesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Charice's talent manager Glenn Aldueza confirmed via his official Twitter account, that Charice was advised by her doctors to rest her voice.

"@officialccrp can't make it for ABS Xmas special. Dr. advice to rest her voice. Get well soon. #apology #chasters," Aldueza.

Aldueza's message was also retweeted by Charice.

Even prior to the announcement, Charice had been complaining that her illness has affected her singing.

"It was very hard. Glad I still got to sing it. Bear with my ngongo voice. Salamat sa mga nanood. Love you all!," tweeted Charice, who performed at Eastwood last Friday with her "The X Factor Philippines" ward KZ Tandingan.

Proceeds of"Kwento Ng Pasko Pag-Asa at Pagbangon" concert will go to the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation's efforts to help victims of typhoon Yolanda.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice hopes family will watch her concert

MANILA – Singer Charice is still hoping that her family will watch her concert at the Araneta Coliseum later this month.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Charice said it would be nice if to see her mom in the audience when she shares the stage with Aiza Seguerra.

“Of course, I wish they could come. It would be very nice if they watch. Kumbaga magiging huge step na iyon eh,” she said.

In her live interview on “The Buzz” last Sunday, Charice said she still misses her mother and younger brother, with whom she hasn't spoken to since coming out as a lesbian months ago.

"Especially malapit na ang Christmas, nandoon 'yung wish ko na magkaintindihan [kaming lahat]," she said.

"Kahit lahat ng tao sa mundo sabihin sa akin na proud sila sa akin, iba ang feeling kapag sa kanila galing," a teary-eyed Charice added.

‘Chapter 10’

Charice revealed that she just thinks about how much support she is getting from her fans to drown her sadness.

Just recently, she held a successful mall tour where she launched her new album “Chapter 10.”

“Hindi ko inexpect na ganun kabilis [mabibili 'yung album]. Actually I was nervous kung ano ang mangyayari kasi from the day I came out, bago na lahat eh. I want to thank all the people who bought the album or downloaded the album,” she said.

Charice said the new album is more meaningful to her because the songs show who she really is.

“Nasu-suprise ako na nao-overwhelm and thankful and blessed. I just never expected this. Lutang pa ako. But it doesn’t matter because the most important thing is I want them to have it, to listen to it,” she said.

Among the songs included in Charice’s album is a duet with girlfriend, Alyssa Quijano.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice clinches Guinness World Record

MANILA -- After being dubbed "The Most Talented Girl in the World," singing sensation Charice Pempengco has earned yet another international distinction, this time for her stint as a judge on "The X Factor Philippines."

The 21-year-old singer on Friday thanked Guinness World Records on Twitter, as she posted a photo showing details of her record-setting achievement as the world's "youngest winning judge."

The blurb seen in the photo, reportedly of a page from the 2014 edition of the Guinness World Records book, cites Pempengco's age when she became the winning mentor on the local version of "The X Factor."



"Charice (Philippines, b. Charmaine Pempengco, 10 May 1992) was 20 years 150 days old when she mentored KZ Tandignan (b. Kristine Tandingan) to victory in the first season of 'The X Factor Philippines' on 7 October 2012," it says.

Pempengco appeared as mentor-judge on the ABS-CBN-aired reality talent search, alongside veterans Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and Pilita Corrales.

The young singer rose to international fame in 2007, when she made her debut on American television via "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

At the time she made her second guesting on another popular talk program, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Pempengco was dubbed by the host as "The Most Talented Girl in the World."

Pempengco went on to guest-star in the hit American TV musical "Glee" and release an album produced by renowned music veteran David Foster.

The openly gay singer's new Guinness record is the Philippines' second record-setting feat to be recognized by the organization this year.

In May, the country broke the record for the most number of sky lanterns flown simultaneously. The event held at the University of the Philippines Visayas saw 15,185 sky lanterns released, beating Romania's record of 12,740.

The Philippines also clinched nine world records in 2012, including the world's biggest fashion show with 2,000 models on the catwalk; the largest collection of Superman memorabilia; and the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice recalls first girl crush, relationship

MANILA, Philippines -- After coming out as a lesbian, singer Charice said she now feels "free."

"Sobrang masaya, nae-excite ako na hindi ko maintindihan. Basta ang alam ko ay na-feel ko na 'yung freedom na hinahanap ko," she said in an interview on ANC's "Headstart" on Friday.

Charice said that aside from her supporters, her "haters" also helped her have the courage to admit that she is a lesbian.

"Isa pa doon 'yung mga haters na rin. Pinalakas nila ang loob ko at sila 'yung nag-push sa akin na gawin ito," she said. "I owe it to my fans, ayaw ko silang lokohin at masaktan pa. The more niloloko ko sarili ko, the more na niloloko ko sila."

Now comfortable about her sexuality, Charice recalled her first girl crush.

"Kasi noong elementary ako, lagi akong tinutukso ng classmates ko na pogi ako. Ako, tina-try kong i-appreciate [na lang 'yun]. Nagkaroon ako ng in-admire na classmate ko, as in hinatid ko siya sa bahay nila at naligaw ako. So may something. Na-realize ko lang siya when I was ten," she shared, not mentioning her name.

"Noong bata ako, never akong nagka-crush sa guy. Noong bata ako, tinutukso ko lang sarili ko sa mga guys," she added.

Charice said she was initially afraid that her mother, Raquel Pempengco, would find out that she is a lesbian.

"Natakot po ako. Feeling ko nagkaroon na siya ng idea noon, pero hindi lang niya in-entertain. Siguro po, naintindihan ko... so tinago ko po," she said.

First lesbian relationship at 13

Charice, 21, further shared that she was 13 years old when she had her first same-sex relationship.

"May iba akong napagsabihan. Siyempre kumbaga, naisip ko na sasabihin ng ibang tao na yes, it's a sin. Pero alam ko sa sarili ko na ito ako. Sabi ko nga, there's nothing wrong with it, at pananagutan ko sa sarili ko 'yun," she said of the relationship.

"Sinasabi ko naman na hindi ito 'yung desisyon na inisip ko lang kahapon. Ito po ay na-feel ko," she added.

Charice stressed, however, that she also tried entertaining male suitors in the past.

"May nanligaw din sa akin na seryoso, tinry ko [i-entertain] pero never holding hands and everything. Nakipag-hang out pero no, ayokong pilitin ang sarili ko dahil parang niloloko ko sarili ko," she said.

On her new look
In the "Headstart" interview, Charice also explained why she had to change her look.

"Aware po ako na mas bagay sa akin na mahaba ang buhok ko. Pero sa akin kasi, like sa lesbians, iba po kasi, iba-iba ang tawag. May feminine, may butch, ganyan. Doon ako sa butch, hindi po talaga ako feminine. Pero 'yung sinuot ko before, miniskirts, dress, hindi ko naman po pinagsisisihan 'yon, challenge po sa akin 'yon," she explained.

'David Foster, Oprah already knew'

Charice also laughed when she recalled the days when she had to wear heels and dresses for her shows with David Foster.

"Ang hirap mag-heels, mahirap po. Nasanay po ako noon at natatawa ako kasi that time, alam na po 'yon ni Sir David. Minsan ay tinutukso nila ako, nagtutuksuhan kami. Pero showbiz eh, I had to do it. Nakakalagpas lang ako sa ganoong challenges 'pag nakikita ko 'yung suporta akin nila Sir David. At kahit ganoon, lagi nilang sinasabi sa akin na proud sila sa akin," she said.

Asked if she sometimes misses her long hair and feminine look, Charice said: "Sa totoo lang, hindi."

Aside from Foster, television host Oprah, who is her godmother, also knows that she is a lesbian.

"I want to thank her for tweeting a fan back. Kasi tinatanong siya ng isang fan, sabi 'do you remember Charice?' Sinagot niya with a very simple 'yes' and the hashtag #freedom. 'Yun na 'yon," she said.

The singer said she is happy that people are accepting her new style and music.

While she is still open to doing ballads, Charice said she now prefers to sing pop and RnB, citing artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown.

"Sa lumalabas pong news abroad, so far po papunta sa positive. Natutuwa ako na minahal nila ang talent ko. I feel very blessed na makita 'yung mga 'yon," she said.

To those who say that she cannot sing anymore, Charice said: "Basta po, mahala na mahal ko po ang pagkanta at hindi pwede na magigising lang ako na ayaw ko na."

The singer added that she is planning to do a new album in the country.

Courage to come out

Meanwhile, Charice hopes that today's youth will have enough courage to come out, as she did a few days ago.

"Sa akin, hindi naman po kailangan na maging inspirasyon nila ako dahil I came out. Kung may kukunin sila sa pagka-come out ko, gusto ko lang 'yung lakas ng loob. Dahil sa akin, sobrang risky ng ginawa ko, kasi it's either tatanggapin ako, o wala na talaga.

"'Yun ang gusto kong makita sa akin ng mga kabataan, 'yung lakas ng loob, hindi lang sa sitwasyon ko ngayon, kung hindi sa lahat ng challenges na darating sa buhay nila. Dahil hindi mo magagawa ang isang bagay kung wala kang lakas ng loob."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

After 'coming out,' Charice breaks silence

MANILA, Philippines -- For the first time since she held a "coming out" party in May, Charice spoke on camera to thank those who continue to support her after her decision to celebrate "the real her."

In a video aired by entertainment talk show "Showbiz Inside Report" on Saturday, the 21-year-old singer is seen at the Hong Kong International Airport.

According to her business manager, Glen Aldueza, Charice was recently in Hong Kong to fulfill her commitments for a "Hollywood project."

Charice, sporting a short haircut, expressed thanks to those "who are still there" for her.

"I just want to say, thank you, personally, to all my fans, to all the people who are still supporting me, who are still there for me. Honestly, I'm very, very happy. I can't explain how happy I am right now, hearing all the positive things," she said.

She added: "I promise you guys that I will come back and I will see you guys again. I miss you all so much. I love you all."

In late May, one of Charice's godfathers, columnist Büm Tenorio, published a story titled "You're the man, Charice!" detailing the former "X Factor" judge's birthday celebration held last May 10.

Referring to the party, Tenorio wrote, "[Charice] intimated to me that [it] was her 'coming out' of sorts."

Tenorio, however, didn't explicitly say if Charice confirmed that she is a lesbian.

Nonetheless, the columnist quoted the singer as saying, "I’m able to express myself better now. I have come to accept the real me. I have come to love the real me. I now celebrate the real me."

charice

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice explains change of style, music

MANILA, Philippines - Reacting to comments made by both her fans and critics, singer Charice explained why she took her sound down a different path.

On Friday's episode of the ABS-CBN morning talk show "Kris TV", Charice said she wants to avoid losing her voice, which she said may happen if she continues to be a "belter."

"Kasi sometimes siyempre 'yung sobrang birit, ayaw ko pong makarating sa time na mawala na yung boses ko," said the singer, who became a YouTube sensation for hitting high and low notes with ease.

"As a musician, mayroon po talaga akong gusto, yung partikular na genre para sa akin. Gusto ko lang yung R&B na parang smooth lang. Like yung kanina, even if I sing Tagalog songs, mas gusto ko na ma-feel ng tao kaysa sa marinig nila 'yung tinis ko," she added.

"Kris TV" host Kris Aquino, for her part, noted that Charice's preferences in music and fashion have changed because it is part of her "natural evolution in growing up."

Initially known for her long black locks, Charice now has blonde hair and tattoos.

In an interview on "The Buzz" last Sunday, Charice maintained that she is the same person that Filipinos used to know despite her new look.

“I think ‘yung pinakamasakit ‘yung dyina-judge ako ng mga tao na hindi naman ako kilala. Pati ‘yung mga tao na kilala na nga ako, dyina-judge pa ako. Kasi para po sa akin, parang ‘hoy, kilala niyo naman ako eh, hindi naman porket nagpalit ako ng buhok, ‘di naman porket may tattoo ako sa katawan ko eh iba na ako. ‘Di naman ganoon ‘yun,” she explained during the interview.

Charice held a successful concert in Hawaii last month.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Charice, Cheesa speak out against bullying

LOS ANGELES – Recording artists Charice and Cheesa get emotional whenever they sing their duet “I’m Not Perfect”. The song talks about a girl’s struggle to keep believing in herself despite being attacked by bullies.

The song is based on their personal experiences, having both been the target of people they say “looked down” on their talent and physical appearance.


Cheesa, a semi-finalist of the NBC hit talent show “The Voice,” and her brother Troy, the musical director of Charice, co-wrote the song “I’m Not Perfect”.

“Not only was I bullied when I was little, it came out again when I was on the show through social media,” Cheesa said.

Charice was only seven years old when she first experienced bullying. To this day, she claims that in spite of her international success in the music industry, she’s still assailed by haters.

“Minsan grabe talaga ang ginagawa ng mga tao sa akin, sa amin. Nasasaktan ako kasi kumbaga parang gusto ko lang din sabihin sa kanila na, kung ibabalik ko lahat sa ‘yo yung mga sinasabi mo sa akin, gusto kong ma-feel mo yung na-fee-feel ko. But, at the same time, I don’t want to do that,” she said.

Through the song’s positive message, Charice and Cheesa want to give hope to other victims of bullying. They also wish to inspire the bullies to change.

The two artists will sing “I’m Not Perfect” at a benefit show in Hawaii this November. Part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the children being helped by ABS CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Oprah still supportive of Charice

MANILA, Philippines -- Singer Charice thanked popular television host Oprah Winfrey for continuing to support her career.

"Until now, she's still there to support me. So I just want to thank her for everything," she said in her guesting on the US talk show "The Couch" on Wednesday (US time).

"I mean I can say that she's one of the people that I really owe. She gave me the career that I'd been wanting and everything," Charice said

Charice's international career took off after she appeared on "The Ellen de Generes Show"and "Oprah."

Winfrey even dubbed her at the time as "the most talented girl in the world."

Since then, Charice has released a couple of albums and also appeared on the popular TV show "Glee."

New Hollywood film

Charice is now promoting her second Hollywood film "Here Comes The Boom," which stars Salma Hayek and Kevin James.

The comedy movie about a high school teacher (James) who takes up mixed martial arts to raise funds to help the school opens in US theaters on Friday, October 12.

Charice said she auditioned for the role of James' student in the movie.

She recalled being really nervous when she found out that that she was going to sing Neil Diamond's "Holly Holy" -- which she was unfamiliar with.

"I didn't know the song 'Holly Holy.' I didn't even know that I was gonna do the song. I thought I will just gonna act and everything. So I was ready, reading the script and all of the sudden they gave me the lyrics of the song 'Holly Holy' and I was like 'what's this song' so I download the song on ITunes and I was listening to it and I was like 'oh my God this is the end of me, this is the end of me I don't know the song,'" she narrated.

"So I went inside the conference room and Frank (Coraci), was there -- the director -- everybody was there and I was shaking and I was like 'why am I shaking? This is my job. I sing.' Thank God that I actually did it and I made them kinda teary-eyed," she said.

"The X Factor Philippines" judge said she's just happy to be part of the film and to be given a chance to meet James and Hayek.

"I love all of them. I'm just very blessed because I didn't expect that they would be that nice and sweet and everything. So being with them on the set, I kept on telling them that if you guys gonna make another movie, please, please pick me, pick me," she said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Martin says sorry to Charice for 'X Factor' quip

MANILA, Philippines -- It seems that judge-mentors on "The X Factor Philippines" are becoming more personal two weeks before the grand finals in October.

On Monday, singer Martin Nievera apologized to fellow judge Charice after the surprise results show on Sunday.

Charice created a deadlock in the judges' vote that ultimately eliminated Nievera's contestant Jeric Medina.

"It has been brought to my attention by (Gary Valenciano's wife) Angeli V. that I hurt the feelings of Charice while speaking my mind. For this I apologize to Charice ... No matter how professional we are there's still feelings. Sorry Charice.

"We may not agree but I love you. Now let's all move on! All of us. This happy Saturday it's all about DADDY'S HOME, ALLEN, KZ & GAB! No one else! Go go go!!!! Again and again, for my pointing out what I believed to be a strategic move I apologize to Charice and her fans," he said.

Last Sunday, Charice voted to eliminate Medina, saying the vocal group Daddy's Home deserves to stay in the competition.

"First of all I have to explain kung bakit pauuwiin ko 'yung contestant na ito. You see a lot of people sasabihin sa akin, Bakit? Kasi 'yan ang uso ngayon sa atin dito. For me, I mean, Philippines, we have to change. We have to change because I think 'yung para sa akin na safe ay deserving din nila na magkaroon ng spot dito sa Pilipinas. I'm sorry, Jeric," Charice said.

After finding out that Medina received the lowest percentage of votes, Nievera gave his parting shot.

"Well all I can say it's all really about the votes. Kung magbo-bottom two kayo this is what happened. This is the way the 'X Factor' was made. Charice made her decision, everyone made their decision. Now Jeric has a beautiful journey and has nothing to be ashamed of. There are no losers on this stage but there can only be one 'X Factor' champion. I'm very proud of you and I will be behind you wherever you go," Nievera said.

Before the results show, Nievera was already hinting about the growing personal nature of the competition.

"Let me remind u all, XFPH is not about me or any judge/mentor. It SHOULD be about the future of this industry & the show not about US! " he said in a series of tweets.

"We should not play w/ these finalists dreams just to have the winningest team. Decision Sunday should NEVER be personal!"

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Charice Plans Tribute To Whitney, Recalls Meeting Her Idol

MANILA, Philippines — To sing with her idol Whitney Houston onstage was what Pinay international singer Charice dreamt to accomplish. Sadly, it will remain a dream as the great singer, 48, was laid to rest Feb. 18 (Feb. 19, Manila time) in a private ceremony.

Charice, who is a self-confessed fan of the late singer, grew up singing her songs in amateur contests. Now that her idol is gone, the 19-year-old singer could only recall the memory of meeting Houston for the first time about year and a half ago at the backstage of her show at Beverly Hilton Hotel, the same hotel where Houston was found dead on Feb. 11.

She told ABS-CBN News, “Sobrang bait po niya, as in nanginginig ako that day dahil kilala niya ako. Sabi niya napanood niya ako sa DVD tapos nagjo-joke pa siya. Sabi niya, ‘Kinanta mo ‘yung mga kanta ko na effortless.’ Kaya everytime naiisip ko siya, talagang naiisip ko yung nag-meet kami dahil sobrang bait niyang tao.”

The “Louder” singer is preparing for an upcoming Asian tour, which will kick off in Dubai on March 2. But before doing so, Charice vowed to pay tribute to the late music icon.

“Gusto ko pong maging special siya talaga. Pero siyempre, talagang gusto kong gumawa ng something para po sa kanya. Maybe magiging emotional talaga. Ang hirap pa rin tanggapin kasi parang nawalan ka ng kamag-anak. I mean na-discover po kasi ako kasi siyempre dahil kinanta ko ‘yung mga songs niya,” Charice said in the same ABS-CBN News report.

A video of Charice’s “tribute” to Whitney Houston was circulated on the internet two days after the “I Will Always Love You” hitmaker’s death.

The video shows a sobbing Charice while performing “I Have Nothing” with David Foster on the piano.

Charice, who rose to fame due to her powerful rendition of Houston songs like “I Will Always Love You” and “I Have Nothing,” clarified that the video was just a clip from the last stop of the US tour of “David Foster and Friends,” where she happens to be one of the performers.

“Medyo mali nga ‘yung ibang information… Actually, ‘yung video nga na ‘yan ‘yung iba last year, ‘yung iba like 2009,” she said.

Charice’s “Infinity” album tour comes to Manila on March 9. Previous stops include Singapore, March 5; Jakarta, March 7. Charice will also be touring Hong Kong, March 19; and Korea, March 21.

source: mb.com.ph

'Charice, One for the Heart'

International singing sensation Charice, comes home once again to celebrate Valentine's Day with her Kapuso fans thru a television special aptly entitled "Charice, One for the Heart."

The Pinoy Pride is back, and she is all grown up–her voice more breathtaking, and her stance more powerful before her audience. This time with her very own band that she takes to her international tours, Charice performs songs closest to her heart–songs that talk about her journey as an artist, and her plight as a daughter ever loving to her parents and family.

Charice also pays tribute to well-loved OPM love songs as she shares the stage with Pop Balladeer Mark Bautista, and RNB Prince Jay-R. Another must-see on the show is a tender moment where Charice sings to her father Ricky Pempengco who passed away last year.

Get to know the latest from Charice as she sings a few hits off her second international studio album Infinity, and talks about an Asian tour happening very soon.

Watch also the country’s most sought-after love teams, newly-weds, and most celebrated couples, as they share their love stories and give a prelude to each special performance by Charice.

Directed by Louie Ignacio with his team behind the acclaimed "Charice – Home for Valentine’s" (2011), the International singing sensation promises to captivate and capture hearts once again on "Charice, One for the Heart" airing this February on GMA. - GMA News

source:gmanetwork.com

Charice Pempengco arrives at her father's wake in Laguna

Charice Pempengco arrived at the wake of her father, Ricky, in San Pedro, Laguna early Wednesday morning– straight from her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport late Tuesday.

Charice is joined by her mother and brother at the wake. Her father died on Monday of stab wounds allegedly inflicted by the suspect, Angel Capili, Jr. who is now the subject of a manhunt and has a P100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

The international singing sensation had to cancel her participation in a concert in Singapore with famed composer and pianist David Foster.

While in grief, Charice also deals with wranglings and animosity between her family and the relatives of her father.

The estranged family ties came into public view as Charice expressed through Twitter her disappointment and sentiments vis-à-vis her father’s siblings. — ELR, GMA News

source: gmanews.tv

Charice sings “Telephone” and “Listen” in Glee Season 2

Charice impressed many fans in her rendition of Beyonce Knowles' 'Listen' and gaining more popularity as her version of 'Listen' is currently at Number 10 on iTunes Top 100 songs.

Charice wows Pinoy audiences in premiere of Glee season 2

“Welcome to the Glee club!"

With these words, McKinley High’s Glee club coach Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) invites Filipina exchange student Sunshine Corazon to join his group, New Directions. He has been suitably impressed, after hearing Sunshine's soaring vocals in a rendition of the song “Listen," originally sung by Beyoncé.

Charice Pempengco, a guest in the second season of "Glee," which premiered in the Philippines on Wednesday, during a party last Sept. 7 in LA. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
One member of the team, however, is less than enthused about the whole thing. Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), lead singer of New Directions, sits with a forced smile throughout Sunshine’s audition, despite the standing ovation and wholehearted approval from everyone else in the group.

Sunshine Corazon is played, of course, by Pinay singing sensation Charice Pempengco, who has gained international fame through appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show, the release of her hit single “Pyramid," and collaborations with Celine Dion and other big names in the music industry.

Charice made her debut in the first episode of Glee, season 2, in black-framed glasses and pigtails, a petite girl with an astonishingly full voice. She is set to be a recurring character on the show.

The Glee season 2 premier aired in the Philippines on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on the ETC cable channel, with a replay in the evening on free television.

The season 2 premier of the hit show has been highly anticipated, in large part due to the scheduled appearance of Charice as a rival of the competitive and confident lead character, Rachel.

The episode, titled “Audition," centers around the efforts of Schuester to recruit new members when the budget of the glee club is slashed by the school administration. While putting up posters in the girls’ bathroom inviting students to join, Rachel notices Sunshine.

“You're from the Philippines, where it's sunny everyday," Rachel says brightly.

“Except for the monsoons," Sunshine points out.


Source: gmanews.tv

Charice undergoes cosmetic fix for 'Glee'

Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco has had noninvasive cosmetic procedures in preparation for her debut in the second season of the hit TV show "Glee."

The 18-year-old Charice, whose singing career rocketed after appearing on Ellen DeGeneres' and Oprah Winfrey's shows, underwent a 30-minute Thermage procedure, involving an anti-aging skin tightening device, and Botox treatment to make her "naturally round face" more narrow, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo told ABS-CBN television.

Charice, in the same interview, said last week's face makeover was part of her big preparations "to look fresh on camera" for the Fox show "Glee."

"All people will be anticipating how will Charice look? Is she good enough to pit against Rachel Berry? So of course there is tremendous pressure," Charice said.



In an earlier TV interview, she said she auditioned for "Glee" in mid-June in Los Angeles and was thankful to have been accepted.

"It's really a blessing," she said, adding she was "very proud to be an Asian, very proud to be Filipino."

Charice said she'll start filming at the end of July.

Born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco and raised with her brother by a single mother, she sang in local contests and appeared on TV talent shows in the Philippines and South Korea before she got a big break on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" at age 15.

She later appeared several times on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and credits Winfrey for helping push her career. — AP

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