Charice takes next crucial steps: Forward and up
Pinay int’l singing star answers fans’ questions, says she has found the respect she sought and, ‘It’s okay to be you’
SHE WENT from wary to a-joke-aminute fun dude in the course of two hours.
Gone was the sweet Charice Pempengco girl whowore regulation clips and ribbons in her hair. She had since become big enough to sport a single stage name—a good measure of success—and, in her case, global.
Few singers/recording artists anywhere in the world have local and international management teams working side by side on their careers, as Charice does.
So we sat across her—a wisecracking firecracker in a severe black blazer and heavy boots— during a PDI multi-platform interview alternately awed and amused.
Much has been said about Charice’s turbulent family situation and, now, her sexual orientation, plus many other controversies in between. One thing that remained inarguable was that she is one of the most talented singers that the country has ever produced.
In last week’s interview— where she answered both our questions and those of fans sent via Twitter—Charice sounded and looked steadfast about getting her career back on track, after the far-from-silent pause that followed her coming out on national television. She enthusiastically talked as much about her projects and plans as her newfound freedom and love.
Immediately in sight are a new album, a concert with Aiza Seguerra in September, a big gig and a series of magazine photo shoots in the United States.
We told her she looked taller. Was it the brushed-up bob? “Star Margarine po,” she jested. Or was she wearing platform heels? “Oh no,” she said, and propped her left leg atop the table to show off a black leather boot.
What started off as a cold conversation was soon a rollicking exchange. Charice had everyone in stitches as she displayed her chest tattoo in a come-hither pose and mimicked The Minions from “Despicable Me.”
When at a loss for words, the 21-year-old singing sensation would blush, cover her face with her hands or turn, giggling, to girlfriend Alyssa Quijano, 20, for help. We basked in their mirth.
“This is the real Charice right here,” her talent manager Glenn Aldueza volunteered. The truth has, indeed, set her free.
Is it true that you are making a USalbum?
There are plans, but we have no timetable. We’re finishing one under Star Records. US [producers] are very picky about songs. My international album “Charice” took almost two years to make. I recorded almost 30 songs, but only 12 were used.
Tell us about your Star album.
It’s titled “Chapter 10,” and coming out in September. It’s like a book about my life—all the songs have stories behind them.
What will it sound like?
Genre-wise, more R&B, which is what I really wanted. In the past
I was all about power ballads. I’m excited to offer something different. It’s a collection of some of my favorite songs.
Can we still expect those high diva notes?
I don’t want to be that “birit queen” anymore. I can no longer be labeled a diva—not with my image now! Fans will still want to hear power in my voice, so I can’t completely take away that aspect of my singing.
Expect something a bit toned down, though—something right in the middle. I’d like the fans to look forward to the songs, which are well-made and tagos sa puso. I want
more people to relate to my songs.
By relatable, youmean songs that people will be able to sing along to? And who are the people you have in mind?
I recently performed Tamia’s “Officially Missing You” on “ASAP 18,” and someone said she liked me better now because she could sing along with me. She said my early songs were great, but that the top notes were always too high. I’d like to relate to people from age 8 to 88!
One of the songs is a duet with Alyssa, “How Could an Angel Break My Heart.” She sounds amazing. I also wrote a song, “Unexpected Love,” for the album—my first time. I wrote it while I was in the US. It’s going to be
the first track, kasi ganun siya ka- special!
Do you have favorite tracks from your past albums?
That would be “Bounce Back.” It’s not very popular, but the lyrics are strong— it describes how I feel right now. I’d like to sing this to all doubters and naysayers.
Why wasn’t “Infinity” released in the United States?
Some of the songs didn’t pass their standards. They’re more about upbeat, danceable songs over there.
A fan (via Twitter) wants to know when you will visit Indonesia.
Glenn Aldueza: There was an invitation but it coincided with a gig in the US, which we are prioritizing, on Aug. 24. Charice was invited to judge and perform in the Indonesian “X Factor” but we couldn’t accept that, either.
How are the fans liking your new look?
I’ve always liked taking risks, just to see how people will react. I’m very thankful, but
also surprised because the comments have been generally positive.
If you could have another talent, what would you like it to be?
That’s a tough one. Let methink … I recently discovered that I love playing basketball. Shooter pala ako! I got addicted to the sport when I moved to Cabuyao, Laguna (with Glenn’s family). I wouldn’t let my friends go even if they’re exhausted! I never experienced that as a child.
If someone were to ask you for a random piece of advice, what would it be?
This may sound cliché-ish, but … “The truth will set you free.”
About your coming out, what was the straw that broke the camel’s back—family, peers, society?
All of those! I didn’t think I could go back to work (after “X Factor Philippines”) unless I revealed who I was. Every day was a struggle—I was hurt by the speculations and criticisms. Some were true, but most of