I am writing this in a plane bound to Singapore. I went home to Philippines for a vacation during the Chinese new year season and it was timely that I can also attend the concert. I was thinking of a title for this article when I suddenly recalled a moment when Charice jokingly exclaimed “Charice for president!” during the gathering after the concert. If it wasn’t a joke I would campaign and vote for her…haha! I wanted to write something new and express things with the right words but my stock of English vocabulary had been stagnant for years because I lost interest in reading long materials and nowadays I seldom read books. I am kinda impatient reading novels. I decided not to read articles about the post-concert experiences posted here in ChariceMania so as not to influence my description to the concert and have my own thoughts. But I plan to read them after I finish submitting this. And please excuse me if I have committed some grammatical errors because I am not a professional writer.
BEFORE THE CONCERT
I purposely went early for the registration of gathering so I could see other Chasters. I am a naturally shy person. I don’t normally attend gatherings or eyeballs. I used to be a site admin and moderator for some sites so I was invited numerous times by people I met online but I seldom attend and I declined to most of them. But this time, I wanted to meet the people with one common interest – Charice.
I saw people on the place and asked if it was for Charice’s gathering. They answered yes. (Sorry i forgot the names who answered back but I remembered the faces). I walked few steps to the table with two lady receptionist – Irsmith and Noellen. Noellen was telling she likes what I’ve been writing on CM (thanks for the compliment). We took photos! Then i met Eja. He was also nice. I sat down on the couch and Gunrunner joined me. I had a nice conversation with him about Charice (who else to talk about?). Few minutes later, other Chasters also came. Narita asked some help to cut the printed names for the raffle thing. Maybe because of this help, I got lucky. Afterwards, we were called for the gathering briefing. Let me just say THANK YOU to the organizers – Narita, Pin, Esmee, Tintol and others who helped. I know you guys devoted much of your own personal times (and money) just to make the event successful. My big respect goes out to you. I didn’t really get the chance to have a small chat with you all but I’d like to someday. There will always be a next time.
The room was filled with people from different walks of life – grandparents to parents to sons/daughters to students to professionals to retirees. I was one of the lucky people to win the raffle for a free dinner as well as one of the 20 persons who can have solo (duo) picture with Charice. Crossing fingers did help, haha! We were asked to introduce ourselves and answer “what is craziest thing you did because of Charice?” I wanted to answer it and share mine but there was not really enough time. But my answer would be: I took a sick leave from work just to watch Charice’s videos. Well..honestly, I wasn’t feeling well that time, at least. It was nice to know different stories of how a 17 year old singer can be part of our daily lives.
CONCERT PROPER
My ticket was with my friend who bought for me. We lined up for the balcony section. I was thankful we got good seats in front row. “Not bad”, we said to each other. She was supposed to get us a higher priced ticket but didn’t have enough money at that time. I looked down at the stage and saw the instruments – one grand piano, two guitars, one drum set, two keyboards (and set of mics for the backup singers). I was expecting an orchestra with at least maybe a violin or a wind instrument but the keyboards compensated for it. The stage background was filled with scattered single light bulb. I thought it was still pretty presentable but could have been better with CHARICE name on it like the ones from the Italy shows.
While waiting, i scanned my surrounding. I saw group of friends, grandmas, couples, kids, etc. On my left side was a couple gearing up their DSLR to get the best shots. I thought no cameras allowed but it turned out to be a shoot-all-you-want concert. Filipino time is always a late time to start a show. As soon as Ryan Cayabyab started hitting the piano keys, I positioned my videocam to record and eagerly waited for Charice to appear on center stage. Instrumentals for some of the songs included in the concert were played. She was introduced and when they started playing Halo, she walked down in a black dress. This was the first time I saw and heard her live. She looked tall from my viewing angle. I was happy that she didn’t wear gowns like the ones from her previous concert. Not that I want to sound like a fashion critic, but I felt she couldn’t move freely wearing those kind last time. Anyway, she was right in front of my eyes – live, like what I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve been addicted to her videos that sometimes even after watching, the sight of her still plays on my mind and now is the reality scene of a girl singing her heart out.
All her renditions were usually amazing so I think I’ll just comment on some songs.
HALO – Nice choice to open up the concert
LISTEN – She really owns this song now. Sorry, I also love Beyonce’s version but Charice singing it has a different impact or impression to me. The song was like telling everyone to actually “listen” to her while singing.
Notable act by Charice: I really like her politeness of saying “po” during the breaks. She really pays respect to everyone regardless of age. Thanks to the best mom- MommyRaq for bringing her up like this.
BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME – I love the ending of the song when she sang “Im everything I am because you loved me.” It just tells everything.
THE PRAYER with George yang – It was like a “grandfather and daughter” duet and there were some parts when he sounded like Andrea Bocelli.
HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU with RC singers – Funny acts and reactions from the guys
HALIK with RC singers – She never fails to amaze me to sing while sitting (or in any position)
KAILAN – I just love this song
COME WHAT MAY with Erik Santos- she flaunted a reminiscent to LadyGaga outfit. Now, I like Erik because I think he sounded good live.
Tagalog medley / ikaw / may bukas pa – My video was almost 12 minutes! I cant believe she can sing these “hard” songs consecutively and impressively hitting high notes! It was just amazing! Best medley of the night for me.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW – Her voice could also be a lullaby against the usual powerful voice
AND I AM TELLING YOU – Always breath taking!
I’ve been running out of words to describe Charice’s performances that I coined a term derived from her name. I think I posted this last time in the comment section of one of the articles here.
CHARISTIC – adj. derived from the name Charice. (1) a word to describe a fantastic performance where the audience experienced emotional gratitude thereby giving full standing ovation to the singer.
I wish to put it officially on dictionary as a tribute to her.
Our wishes were granted, she was given standing ovations during the concert.
AFTERSHOCK OF THE CONCERT
Whew! When she finished her last song, at the back of my mind i wanted more. It is always like this. We keep wanting for that experience. My friend and I decided to take some photos of us as souvenir that we watched the concert. We went to the gathering place and I asked her to wait for me outside. I was kinda disappointed to those who didn’t show up for the gathering. She or the other Chasters could be there for their slots.
There was a song number (The Climb) by Nege on vocals and Theodore on guitar. While Nege was singing, Charice suddenly appeared and sang with her. People went wild wanting to get the best view or shot of Charice. Everyone stood up and was delighted to hear Charice sing again.
Picture taking time. When I got my turn for the solo (duo) pic with Charice, I said with all smiles “hi Charice!” I was star struck with her pretty face that I even forgot the exact words she uttered back. I think she said something like “hello po…” and flashed her killer smile to me. I wanted to hug her but the spur of the moment didn’t allow me. I posed for the shot. I felt like I was hanging in mid air with the thought of her beside me. After I realized it was over, I was still smiling and I cant believe that I got close to her. Wow! What a memorable experience to marvel upon this great singer. I could only replay the scene in my head.
After the picture taking, Charice is on her usual offcam comedic self. This is one thing I love about her. She can be dead serious in singing on stage while she can be funny entertaining people. Maybe if she’s not a singer she can pass as standup comedienne. I always laugh at her effortless cracking jokes and her “alien” language – maybe a combination of Japanese, German, French which only she can understand. LOL! I think she did that many times during the gathering. She greeted the people on BlogTv and when she can’t get the exact names of the others she just said “Charice for president!” That was totally hilarious and very timely for the presidential election in Philippines. When she was about to go, she had a mannequin pose which was seriously funny. She also sang a bit of Adagio and when she finished, we were in great awe that she said “oh, anong hinihintay nyo?” [what are you (all) waiting for?]. We were actually expecting for more but I know she was tired and had to go.
Sidenote: Thank you ChariceMania and all the people I met through this concert and the gathering. I was happy to see HenryV and Mr Frank Hilario.
Written by Capofret
Posted by Schoen
Possibly Related Posts (automatically generated):
- Lea Salonga: A Word for Charice
Another Philippines treasure, Ms. Lea Salonga, who has been performing since she was 19 in her debut in Miss Saigon... - MTV News: Charice Records Cover Of Justin Bieber’s ‘Baby’
‘I got the Bieber Fever.’ Singer says after appearing with Bieber on Oprah. Just hours after her episode of “The... - SMX Concert: Who Wants to See Charice?
Who's going to the concert? Who's interested in meeting with other Chasters? Is there a Chasters' gathering? What? When? Where?...
Max (1114)
noellen (863)
ebjohns11 (717)
eve (649)
justcharrie (642)
jimfan155 (635)
LoloLando (561)
jn (497)
Joy Co (493)
ArrVee (450)
I just want to make a comment on the last two sentences you made to the 2nd paragraph of “BEFORE THE CONCERT”. I think you should have taken the opportunity to ‘connect’ with the chasters. I say it was a missed opportunity. Although there may be another time, it’s also posible that ‘that next time’ will be the same…… a missed opportunity to ‘connect’ with the chasters (or whoever/whatever it may be – - taking it in general). The principle for this ‘carpe diem’ ….. seize the day. Seize the day, my friend….seize the day.
Recommend or Disapprove:
0 
1
hi, honestly i dont know anyone of of them ever since. so it was kinda difficult for me to “connect” with them as they are already the “veterans” on this kind of thing – meet and greet charice. i would only consider myself as a fan maybe only three months since january when i admitted it to myself. it was only big guts that let me decided to see them and charice so i joined the gathering.
anyway, i enjoyed the day.and i am sorry if i might have missed greeting/chatting with those people. im making up for the lost time. im not a “people person” by the way that is one reason.
Recommend or Disapprove:
1 
0
Capofret:
Thank you for a wonderful, entertaining and heart-warming account of your encounter with Charice, Live and in Person. It truly makes those of us, who can only wish, imagine or fantasize for an opportunity and occassion like this, so envious. Especially when we know deep inside, for some reason or another, it may never happen for us, and we shall always be Charice’s admirers from a distance. But because of these articles, videos and experiences such as your account that you just shared with us, it enhances this fantacy of ours and keeps this flame of love and appreciation for Charice, alive and burning. Through this well narrated account of your encounter with Charice, we are able to, sort of, live and experience it too, just as we were there ourselves. This is the beauty and wonder, of good journalism and creative/effective writing. Thank you for sharing. You may not realize how many you have made happy by sharing this experience of yours. So to others in future events, who are fortunate enough to be present at these occassions, please share the experience, in whatever way you can because it does have a great impact on those who were not there. If writing is not your thing, pictures and videos tell the story just as well and more.
Many thanks to you again Capofret and to all those who generously shared their materials of Charice’s 2010 Valentine’s concert.
Recommend or Disapprove:
2 
0
I am also encouraging the others who may (not) be writers but have so far not shared that Valentine’s Day experience with Charice. Jottings, musings, incomplete thoughts are welcome.
Recommend or Disapprove:
1 
0
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, feelings and bit and pieces of your total experience. Charice is more intelligent than some people think. And yes, I could see she was smiling but tired.
Recommend or Disapprove:
2 
0
Thank you Capofret I really enjoyed reading your story =•)
Recommend or Disapprove:
2 
0
welcome.. and thank you too for reading. it’s because of charice i am able to write again.
thank you, charice. i hope you read this. you inspire us all to do things beyond normal.
Recommend or Disapprove:
3 
0
DO YOU KNOW THAT ONE OF THE FAVORITE FEMALE ARTISTS OF AMERICAN IDOL 2010 FINALISTS ANDREW GARCIA IS CHARICE PEMPENGCO ALONG WITH BEYONCE, JANET JACKSON, ALICIA KEYS AND ADELE? MIND YOU, HE DOESN’T HAVE ANY FILIPINO BLOOD. HE’S MEXICAN ACCORDING TO SOME SOURCES ON THE INTERNET. CHECK THIS OUT >> http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/andrew_garcia/
Recommend or Disapprove:
1 
0
Wow, ” You, the lucky one” (Capofret)…I remember this phrase from Charice before she sang that Climb in a private party….Anyways, thank for sharing ….I still get so elated each time i read things like this….A testament of Charice ‘ true essence” that made us loved her more……
Thanks and congrats to all the PI organizers as well as CM management team for making that Meet and greet event a success…..(Clap, clap,clap)
Recommend or Disapprove:
5 
0
When is album expected, Waiting anxiously. Hope Charice will come back to US to perform. Mssing seeing her on TV. She and David Foster put on a great performance.
Recommend or Disapprove:
9 
0
Still waiting for album. Wondering when Charice is coming back to America to perform. Was so wonderful seeing and hearing her performing with David Foster. Hope it continues for a long long time. Don’t forget your fans in America
Thank you for sharing your experience, good on you.
I wouldn’t want her to enter politics if you ask me. she will inevitably be corrupt entering that league, specially in the Philippines. The president’s duty is time consuming and she will not have time for her music if ever elected as president.
She is should stay in music business, because it’s her passion and she loves it more than anything.
Recommend or Disapprove:
9 
1
Charice for President! Oh . . . this is FANCHASTIC. LOL
Recommend or Disapprove:
11 
0
Very honest and straight to the point.
I am wishing that one day I will be able to write one like this. Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. (hmmm isn’t this a song) hehehe)
Am glad more chasters are getting their chamoments sooner than they wished for.
Recommend or Disapprove:
18 
0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDaoJse_M3Y
I’m am still working on to improve the audio. There maybe another upload if I can still make the audio better.
I thought before that watching “David Gates Live in Manla” singing “Find me” is the most enchanting song that I ever heard live in my whole life! How I wish I have a record of this performance but I can still remember this precious moment
But after hearing Charice sang “Kailan”, its now the best song I ever heard in my whole life. I was very thankful to the uploader. I can’t get over it. I wish a concert dvd will be release.
Recommend or Disapprove:
22 
0
you know what? i can’t believe that i am as much as you were enchanted with that song, Kailan… there’s something in the way she sings it that makes it far beyond compare… never heard a song like that before… it was sung with so much passion i can not contain my emotions.
Recommend or Disapprove:
13 
0
Thank you so much hertzblaster and to all uploaders for this wonderful video/audio of “Kailan”. This song really touched my heart and soul, and your inner feelings had been awakened for this so beautiful song in which Charice is the only one that could deliver it so beautifully and so passionately.
Recommend or Disapprove:
3 
0
charice can be a president!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recommend or Disapprove:
9 
2
I was one of the lucky chasters who had a solo picture w/ Charice in the meet & greet at the Madison Square Garden before they took her away from the room. It was really fast that I didn’t get to say a word & we have to give our camera to Carl who was taking the picture. How nice of him. I also had a chance to shake hands w/ David Foster & just took picture of him & Lola Elrem. Marlyn, one of these days it will be your day. Don’t lose hope.
Recommend or Disapprove:
15 
1
Recommend or Disapprove:
23 
1
thanks for posting this article. you’re very lucky indeed. me, i can only dream of having that chance…even just the chance of watching her concert live.
Recommend or Disapprove:
16 
1
It must have been a smooth flight to allow you to write up this experience so quickly and so beautifully, hehehe.
I love your adjective “Charistic”. With your permission, I would like to add it to the official Charicemania dictionary:
Chadditctionism – a chronic disease that infects people and severely alters their behavior, usually not fatal.
Chaddict – One who suffers from Chaddictionism.
Chasticity – A state of mind that moves one to a higher level, depending on the sweet sounds of Charice. She can bring grown men to their knees. Also known as the spirit of Chasticity.
Charistic – a word to describe a fantastic performance where the audience experienced emotional gratitude thereby giving full standing ovation to the singer.
Frank Hilario may need the Charice dictionary for his book, lol.
Recommend or Disapprove:
49 
2
yes, you can add charistic to dictionary. it’s amazing how we were able to come up with the words because of Charice..haha!
thank you for posting and reading.. love y’all!
Recommend or Disapprove:
27 
1
good job! thank you for sharing.
Recommend or Disapprove:
20 
2
Recommend or Disapprove:
27 
2