The Fil-Am Symphony Orchestra is delighted and truly honored to have the privilege to perform with young Filipina singing sensation Charice in this year’s Handog ng FASO sa Pasko at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on December 6. With so many achievements at a tender age of 17, Charice’s astounding voice and God-given talent is every Filipino’s dream. The Asian Journal MDWK Magazine is just as equally honored to have Charice as its cover story this week, by Roger Lagmay Oriel.

Charice’s Christmas Offering, The Gift of Songs

MDWK Magazine November 25, 2009

“Charice sings, are you listening?
With FASO, eyes are glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight.
Being in this Christmas wonderland.
Gone away is the hard life,
Here to stay is a new life
She sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a music wonderland.
Later on, we’ll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we’ve made
Walking in this merry wonderland.
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight.
Join us in the
‘Handog ng FASO sa Pasko’ wonderland.”

Yes, the evening of December 6 will be a beautiful, happy night indeed during the Christmas concerto, Handog ng FASO sa Pasko. With the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) performing with majestic choirs and noted Filipino singers led by Filipina singing sensation Charice Pempengco, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium will truly be like a Christmas wonderland, especially for Filipino Americans in Los Angeles.

Charice has been on stage with some of the world’s best artists including Andrea Bocelli. Josh Groban, and Celine Dion. In January 2009, she performed at two presidential pre-inaugural events in Washington, D.C. Charice was one of the headlining acts in the recent David Foster and Friends 10-City North American Tour.

Her international debut album is slated for release in January 2010 and she will appear in the upcoming film Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel which will be out on December 23. She is also part of the official soundtrack for the movie with her rendition of  ’No One’ by Alicia Keys.

At 17 years old, Charice has achieved so much that millions of others could never hope to achieve in a million lifetimes. With the loving support of her family, friends, and countless fans, Charice can truly face the future unafraid.

“Kababayan, maraming, maraming salamat sa suporta . Sana tuloy-tuloy lang po ang suporta. [My fellow countrymen, thank you very much for your support. I hope for your continued support.] Proud to be Filipino,” Charice said in an interview a few days ago, upon arrival in Manila from the US. She shared that while performing abroad, other nationalities notice how talented Filipinos are. “Nakakatuwa kasi di lang mga Pinoy ang nakakapansin. Pag nagko-concert kami may mga Americans, Canadians, sinasabi nila na parang ang dami palang napakatalented sa Pinas,” she said. [“It feels good that it is not only Filipinos who notice this. For instance in our concerts, there are Americans, Canadians, and they say that it is nice to know that there are a lot of talented people in the Philippines."]

Charice announced in that interview that she will not stay long in Manila as she has to go back to the States right away. Yes, to sing Christmas carols to her kababayans in LA at the Handog ng FASO sa PASKO. Don’t miss it! (AJPress)

Submitted by PhoenixSong

Also in this issue of AsianJournal, for complete story, click below:

Pinoy named CNN ‘Hero of the Year’

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino has received international recognition for his innovative effort in educating poor children.

Efren Peñaflorida, who started the “Kariton Klassroom” to bring education to poor children, has been named CNN Hero of the Year, the cable news network announced yesterday.

Posted by Eve

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Handog ng FASO sa Pasko: More than the usual concert

You may also like to read:

1. Charice Special Guest at Pasadena Civic Center
2. Charice Performed at “Handog ng FASO sa Pasko” Last Dec. 06, 2009
3. Handog ng FASO: Charice in Fil-Am Orchestra Concert