The other day, I saw a video clip with an excerpt of a phone patch interview with Charice where she said, “hindi man ako kumanta ng tagalog o makabayan na song, sa puso ko nararamdaman kong Pilipino ako” (even if I did not sing a tagalog or patriotic song… in my heart, I feel that I am truly a Filipino). I can only imagine how difficult it is to be famous, especially in show business. You end up needing to defend yourself (amid a ‘damn if you do, damn if you don’t’ environment) from seemingly trivial issues, such as physical “looks,” to more fundamental questions regarding one’s sense of nationalism and identity.
Personally, however, I believe that among many issues, no one can question this young lady’s sense of nationalism. I first saw an internet clip of Charice only a few weeks ago and, like many, became hooked. From watching her outstanding performances as well as emotional interviews and quirky outtakes, I am not just struck by how she exudes confidence while singing, but also a level of comfort for who she is and where she came from. In one clip, I was amused when she greeted an Italian Ambassador with a confident “Magandang Gabi po” (a polite ‘Good Evening’ in Filipino) during a national primetime TV show in Italy. I also saw her shout out an enthusiastic “Salamat po” (a polite ‘Thank you’ in Filipino) to an audience of thousands after a performance in Las Vegas. In an interview, she even revealed how she asked legendary songwriter and producer David Foster if a Filipino song could be included in her first album in the United States. These gestures may be inconsequential to many, but these natural and effortless acts also show how comfortable she is to present to the world her cultural background. These seemingly simple acts are surely more noteworthy than a recently published “artistic expression” by an author, which questioned the feasibility of a Filipina being invited by a legendary artist to his concert. I even find her more admirable than those who sing patriotic songs yet do not embody true respect and acceptance of other Filipinos.
I believe that Charice’s strong sense of self and pride for her country is what allowed her to be successful in crossing cultural borders. Charice obviously loves the Philippines, insisting that she continues to be based there despite how bright her future holds in America. Not to mention, “from the Philippines, Charice” might as well be her full name – for this is how she consistently gets introduced on stage. As such, Charice makes Filipinos proud because her accomplishments contribute to their collective identity. But more importantly, without question, Charice herself, epitomizes the true essence of a proud Filipina.
Written and submitted by DrTP
You may also like to read:
- Why All Filipinos Should Be Proud of Charice
- Charice To Perform on Fiesta Filipina 2008
- Charice on Pacquiao’s win: Proud to be Filipino
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Slowly but surely, we are now entering the realm of the ‘big picture’ in this brave new world of technology in communication especially the advent of the internet…youtube, myspace, facebook, twitter & what not. More than any time in human history, everyone has the opportunity to say what is in his/her mind and heart to almost everyone who has the time to listen (or read).
It is in this accord that we, as so-called adults, should be more responsible in our comments and point of view for the other peoples of the world who are previously not aware of the Philippines and its people to understand. It is along this line that we demand… yes demand…. that those Pinoys who are more in a position of being in the limelight due to their popularity, success, achievements, etc. be more precise and truthful in their pronouncements to the public at large not only for the sake of fairness and equity but more so, as their ‘patriotic’ obligation to their homeland.
It is quite apparent now that this ‘diva thing’ is more than what meets the eye for the ramifications of those careless and wanton comments propagated by the two public figures, de Leon & Aguilar, had reverberated around the globe and affected each and every Pinoy, especially those outside the country…OFCWs, immigrants & citizens alike, trying to make their living and dream to also come true outside the homeland, perhaps in a different fashion and venue, but nonetheless, along the same line of perseverance, ability, talent, diligence and hard work. Therefore, to malign and impugn the likes of Charice, Arnel (and even Pacman), the triumvirate of what is good and deeply rooted silent wish within each and every one of us who also dares to dream, to succeed and overcome the odds, is a mortal sin. One writer here had even written that, “I am personally insulted” with the “M” word. And shouldn’t you be if you are a Pinoy?
The young talent Charice is not the panacea for all what ails the Philippines now but is most definitely, a soothing and comforting respite to those of us who are entertained and delighted with her successes and other developments……….reminding us to keep up our vigil and continue to persevere……. for there is hope, perhaps a reward, at the end of the struggle.
There is a place and time for kidding around or even promoting one’s self as I see in what were said and done by Aguilar, but surely…. this is not that place and time.
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Artg@71: you bring up an important point – I would like to add to it:
Sometimes one has to do something seemingly opposed to one’s objective to achieve it. Many people leave the country so they can earn a decent living for their loved ones, sacrificing loneliness and the lost time away from their growing children, among other things. There is no sense in staying in the country if there is no work, just for the sake of being “nationalistic”. One has to seek greener pastures in order to better one’s situation in life, in order to be in a better position to contribute to the common good, be it patriotism or other noble aspirations. It’s the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs at work here.
The same thing applies to singers – the big opportunities are in the West, and one has to cater to their needs to make it there. Even in the Philippines, where certain aspects of Western culture have been widely adopted, one has to cater to the many Filipinos among us who like English songs and singers.
And lest one doubt the patriotism of these Filipinos who work overseas, they are the unsung heroes of our generation, propping up the economy through many a national or global financial problem. As well, they make Filipinos known worldwide, for their skills and work ethic. Filipino nurses for example, are known to provide the best care in the world.
When Charice sings in international events, she uplifts the weary spirits of these overseas workers, giving them pride and inspiration to continue their work. As well, she places the Philippines in the international spotlight, helped very much when David Foster always mentions that she hails from the Philippines whenever he introduces her.
Working outside the country also gives one some precious global perspective, being able to more objectively view our culture, highlighting our good and bad traits. This makes one appreciate a singer more for what she/he can do, rather than how she/he looks or dresses. This also allows one to spot a crab from a mile away.
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We must love CHARICE even more. Imagine a singer more than 3 times her senior is trying to downgrade what she has accomplished at a tender age. This can be compared to a person of 50 years with a PhD or masters bullying a high school student!! HaHaHa. But that is how CHARICE is being compared nowadays. CHARICE’s shoes is too big even for singers old enough to be her FATHER / MOTHER.
18wheeleredy, wake up, an oldman is stealing your thunder…..
CHARICE ROCKS…CHARICE RULZ….
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Charice, if you been thumbing some of this comments, I am sure Atty Gurfinkel must have suggested to your whole family of being permanent resident of USA (GREEN CARD)holder. Most of the LaTorre brothers (Sylvia) were able to obtain said “residency” they came here also on work visa (entertainer). It will come in handy at later time, and will lead you to US citizenship. By the way I know the two brothers, played with them in Olongapo as a drummer many years ago. I am now an American citizen thru other means and I love going back in my native land 3 months out of the year, (every year).
I hope this message gets to you and maybe some one you know will relay this message. Like ARTG said, America are for the “have not” if you work hard.
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If being makabayan or nationalistic can bring food and comfort; I will go back to the PI and live a comfortable life and so are millions of OFW. Reality is PI is not an ideal place for everyone. If you’re well connected and was wealthy from the start PI is a place for these people. I and million of others were fortunate enough to get out of PI and enjoy the fruits of our hardwork. If not for these OFW’s PI will be in a deep, deep hole. Each OFW bring their own “talent” whatever it is (DH’S, USN’S RN’S, SEAMAN’S etc)to these rich countries and prosper at the same remit whatever they earn to PI so that the country w/c they care can remain afloat. Charice and Arnel have a very unique talent that they become in a very short time internationally famous. Charice especially very young, very very talented is becoming a household name w/c she is already. And also her command in English is quite remarkable considering that she was went to rural high school in Laguna. Compared to the most of the singers and artist in PI Charice can hold her own very talented indeed. For FA’s comment on these two very talent singers is very disappointing. Very unprofessional and he is very jealous of what Charice and Arnel has accomplished in a very short time, which FA will never and have never accomplished in is lifetime. FA’s strange way of explanation of “GAYA-GAYA KAYO” does not sit well with me because every single OFW was and is the same boat. I’ve known doctor’s who became nurses to get out of PI. My neighbor was in the Navy so I joined the Navy. FA…IT IS THE ECONOMY STUPID??? OFW are all over the world because that were they find a job and feed the hungry mouths in PI. Being Makabayan cannot do that.
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