MANILA, Philippines—It’s the year of Charice Pempengco.
Early this week, the 17-year-old Filipino singing sensation learned that she topped an online poll of thousands of followers of TV host/entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey, via the website oprah.com.
Pempengco’s rendition of “Note to God” was voted Best Oprah Show Musical Performance, beating seven other big-name nominees: The rock band Journey (with another Filipino, Arnel Pineda, as front man), the Black-Eyed Peas (with a Fil-Am member, apl.de.ap), Michael Buble, Rascal Flatts, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson and James Taylor.
The website launched the Best of 2009 poll that asked viewers to choose their favorites in 13 categories spanning the lifestyle and entertainment fields.
Pempengco garnered 70 percent of total votes, according to the website, with The Black Eyed Peas a far second, collecting 9 percent.
“It’s a very big deal for me,” Pempengco told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday during the Christmas party she hosted for the media for the first time at the Shangri-La Plaza mall in Mandaluyong City.
Holiday in Tagaytay
She said she would spend the holidays in her new home in Tagaytay City.
After Christmas, she is scheduled to fly to Singapore as a guest performer at the launch of “Singapore Idol”—that country’s version of the widely popular reality singing competition “American Idol.”
Pempengco said she was looking forward to a Filipino Christmas as she had spent a good part of the year in the United States recording an album with sought-after music industry figure, David Foster, as producer.
While picking songs for the album, Foster brought Pempengco along as special guest on a 10-city tour in the US and Canada.
Overwhelming
“The experience was overwhelming,” she said of the tour. “There were venues where I didn’t expect Americans to be cheering loudly just as my name was being announced.”
She said she has no idea why practically overnight, she hit it big in the United States and other countries, although it was apparent that foreigners were bowled over hearing such a powerful voice coming from a petite singer.
Online poll
Pempengco said she heard about the online poll from fans here and abroad who were excited at the prospect of her winning.
“But I couldn’t even hope to win,” she said. “The other contenders were really great performers—all way up there.”
The website noted: “Charice had a big year in 2009, recording her first [US] album, performing on tour with David Foster and Friends, and appearing in her first film, ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.’”
Real estate, food
When asked if she thought things were happening too fast and too soon, Pempengco paused before replying: “I’m ready in case all of this suddenly comes to an end.”
She revealed that a big chunk of her earnings—mostly from singing engagements overseas, with Winfrey acting as adviser—was being invested in real estate and, soon, in the food business. She might open a restaurant.
“That’s my mom’s idea, and I like it, too,” she said.
Pempengco is also enrolled in the online program of Southern New Hampshire, a school in Boston, Massachusetts. A college freshman, she intends to major in Communication Arts.
“[As a kid] I often imagined I was a TV host,” she said.
New album, movie
Her debut US album is ready for release in February or March, with the carrier single, “Pyramid,” available for purchase next month.
The Chipmunks movie, in which Pempengco appears as herself, premieres in the United States on Dec. 23 and starts its Philippine theater run on Jan. 8.
And instead of continued success, the singer has this wish for New Year: Good health.
The two are connected, she said in a mix of English and Filipino: “With every success, I feel my fatigue disappear.”
By Pocholo Concepcion, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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WOW!
Just think………this is the beginning of a LEGEND’S notoriety. Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempenco……IS one of if not the BEST female vocalist EVER in the recorded history of mankind. The ONLY other woman I can think of that could even be considered would have to be Karen Carpenter. Has anyone ever thought of that? I wonder what Charice would sound like if she sang Karen….or for that matter if she is even AWARE of the incredible contribution that Karen made to music…..????? Someone (Momma RAQ) needs to expose CHARICE to The Carpenters music I am sure she would be in AWE…….as alot of people still are. Charice, Mahal Kita.
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She is the best ,David foster found an other star in the world.
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If you set up a restaurant, it will never lack customers. I believe the most patronizing of your customers will be the Charice Inc Fans Club. It’ll be a good venue for fans to get together to dine and chat.
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congrats my princess. you deserved all of this. dont be afraid of the future. we are all behind you. you aint see nothin yet. god reserves the best for you as yet. just be humble and remember the people who made you. we will continue pray for your succes and happiness. always thank the lord and remember to reach out for the less fortunate as you always do. lol
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wow pinoy contenders.. wow! charice, arnel pineda and appl.de.ap!! GO GO PINOYS! show the world that our country produces the best musical performers! lola-elrem is so proud of you guys hehe…
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Charice so proud of u continue to soar high the sky is the limit for u yet u take nothing for granted.hope u contine to dream big stay humble help othere along the was as ur doing may god bless u n family ,take care of yourself stay grounded.love you kid.
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This is a great accomplishment, and could lead to something big! Exposure that will lead to big album sales. A guesting on Ellen again, perhaps on AI. Also great that despite all your success you’re going to college — it’s good because it ensures you a future also in other fields, like hosting ….your plans? You did a great job on ASAP. And I think Oprah is doing a fine job as a mentor.
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Bravo Charice!!! You deserved all these accolades/blessings. Keep your feet on the ground and always don’t forget to ask of HIS guidance. I applauded your being so mature in handling your finances and blessings….I know you just began so there will be more blessings to come. I have observed that what “strangers” have done to you before, you are giving back and doing what they’ve done to you….you’ve involved yourself to charitable organizations…..Good luck and God bless.
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Congratulation..you deserved every votes. I never missed to listen to your songs every day. After working Night shift, first thing I do when I got home is to listen to your songs and then go to bed.
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Charice surprises me each time she opens her mouth. She possesses such wisdom and sensibilities of an older person yet she is only 17 yrs. old! Whewww! puts a lot of us to shame. She is someone all of us can truly emulate and take inspiration from. I am happy that she is continuing to study and prepare herself for other things. She already has a plan B and plan C and taking all of the opportunities that is coming her way. I truly wish that our young people take her as a good example instead of focusing on comparing her to other artists. Each individual has potential, find your own place in the world and bloom where you are planted. We may not be gifted with beauty or talent but we can be the best mother,or sister,or nurse,or cleaner, or waiter, or student,or brother, or father, or caregiver – if that is where we are at the moment. This is what I see in Charice, she gives the same all-out performance whether she is singing before the rich and famous or singing before her friends in her backyard. She loves what she does.
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have faith kid! believe in yourself, you are an inspiration to many nations, especially among us filipinos… It is very hard to get where your are, so do your best! we know it is scary that lots of people are expecting great things from you, i think you should think about that, just do your best accept whatever that will happen. embrace it, love it and remain strong,, never show your fears, we look up to you not just because of the way you sing but also with your strong heart
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Charice dreaming of being a TV host. Hmmmm.. got me thinking (The next Oprah Winfrey). not a bad idea and she’s taking a degree in Communications. It must be Ms.OW advise. See this picture? Never know what Ms. O’s planning. We’ll just wait and see.
Anyway, Charice, more success and blessings to come.
Happy Holidays to you and your family. GOD BLESS !!!
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Charice, we are always praying for your success and happiness. Go big again for 2010. We will endlessly support you.
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Charice, I do pray for you and your family, may you achieve all the success in life, do whatever your heart desires, you can do it, soar high and aim the mark!!!
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Hitch your wagon to the stars, Charice!
Take care and enjoy your sweet vacation now. We will always pray for your success and good health.
Happy Holidays!!!
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- that can only come from a very mature and realistic person, with a solid character forged in the trials of her past, and knowing that with hard work, perseverance and faith, they can deal with anything that can come their way. This wisdom that nothing material is permanent, and to not take things for granted makes her continue to improve herself in her craft and education, and to invest their earnings wisely. These values have been ingrained into her by her mother, and are evident in the way she projects herself, for others to emulate, especially the youth among us.
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I will be the first one to eat in your restaurant!
One can of sardines and pandesal with toyo please!!! ( he he he!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV8oXZzh8YY
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You deserved that Charice. You are wonderful!!
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GO GO CHARICE!
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