Charice was in Japan for less than a week with a schedule jampacked with appearances and interviews promoting her second album “Infinity”. Her efforts have paid off because as of this writing, Infinity has topped Japan iTunes’ pop chart and is at number 2 on the overall Japan iTunes chart! We give you two of her magazine interviews, which have helped spread the word about our dear Charice.
Web Town Triangle, October 2011
Charice was featured in the Artist Interview section of the October 2011 issue of Web Town Triangle, a webzine/magazine aimed at residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan. This is an interesting interview, with tidbits that might even surprise long-time Chasters. Read on and find out where Charice also wants to live, what she was doing at 5 years old, and where she shops when she is in Japan.
You’ve joined a lot of singing contests since you were young right?
“Yes. When I was 4 years old, I was singing in my house and my mother realized that I had a talent in singing so I started joining singing contests when I was 7.”
What made you want to become an artist?
“I didn’t think that I would become an artist just because singing came naturally to me. I became an artist with the natural flow of things, over time. But when I was in elementary school and was joining singing contests, I did imagine that I would be a singer. I was supporting my family through my singing but at the same time I was having a lot of fun. I am grateful that I did become a singer.”
You know, Japanese elementary students don’t have clear-cut goals at their age like you did.
“Maybe I just grew up faster than everyone else. I was cooking even before I entered elementary school.”
You were cooking at 5,6 years old?
“In our house, my mother worked out of the home until very late. I have a younger brother, and I remember cooking so that I could feed him. I was short and I couldn’t reach the stove so I had to step on a stool and cook. I cooked all the time so I was used to it.”
You are now performing world-wide – did you ever think of performing around the world when you thought of becoming a singer?
“Not at all (laughs). I did want to become famous in the Philippines but I never thought that I would be able to sing for the whole world. I became more known because of Youtube, so Youtube was a good match for me.”
You are from the Philippines but are you still based there?
“I come and go between the Philippines and America now. I also go on tour and do promotion work in other countries, just like I am doing in Japan now (laughs).”
Were you able to speak English when you were still living in the Philippines?
“I wasn’t able to speak English when I was there. Even in the Philippines, English is a second language. I learned English when I came to America when I was 15. I watched a lot of American movies and television to learn English.”
You have a powerful singing voice that has mesmerized the world. How do you take care of your voice?
“Arigato gozaimasu. I don’t really do anything special to “take care” of it. But if I have to give an example, it would be taking a break. That’s basically all I do.”
Was there ever a time when you were in a slump, when you felt discouraged?
“When I was 13, I joined a major singing contest (on TV) and I really gave it my all because I wanted to show everyone that I would win. But in the end, I only placed third. I was really, really frustrated. I wouldn’t leave the house and just kept crying. I thought of giving up becoming a singer. My mother told me that there will be times like this but there will definitely be good times. With her positive attitude and the comfort that she gave me, I was able to recover. Even up to know, I can still remember how frustrated I was.”
What books or movies have shaped you, influenced you?
“One Piece” (animation). And Doraemon. (My brother) and I were by ourselves a lot since out mother was working until late in the evening so we watched animation. I received Doraemon comin books the other day. I would like to read them. I also watched other Japanese animation. There were quite a few but I don’t remember the titles…”
In your travels, what places do you like?
“I love Japan. I think this is my sixth time to Japan. All of the Japanese are kind and polite. And the food is delicious – sushi, shabu shabu, rice balls. I also like Tennessee in America. I went there for a private event and it was so nice I wanted to live there. The place where went had a big pond and the sky was endless. Everything was big and wide and there were hardly any people. The view was pretty and the air was clean. Time moved slowly and I was able to relax and have fun.”
What have you bought lately?
“This one (the navy jacket and cream shirt that she was wearing). I bought it in Zara here in Japan. I enjoy shopping in Zara here because there are a lot of clothes that they sell here that they do not have in America.”
You have a small build so Japanese sizes are just right for you?
“Yes! All the sizes in America are larger so a lot of things are too big for me. Japan has a lot of small clothes so it’s just right for me. That’s the main reason why I buy a lot of clothes here. I also bought this in Japan (pointing to a yellow watch). I definitely go shopping when I am here.”
Don’t people crowd around you when you shopping here in Japan?
“I never get recognized here. Even in America people don’t notice me. When I sing, people do recognize that it’s me but generally I don’t get recognized so it’s easy to shop.”
Lastly, a message please.
“I am so happy that people in Japan listen to my music. The song “Far as the Sky” which is in my new album is the theme song of the drama “Bull Doctor” so I think the song is familiar to everyone. This album is different from my first album. It’s a mix of different genres which you will enjoy so please listen to it.”
Source: Triangle
Translated by Mooffin, Charicemania.com
SCREEN MAGAZINE, November 2011 issue
A long-time favorite among Japanese movie fans for more than 60 years, Screen magazine featured Charice in its November issue. Find out which track she especially loves in her new album “Infinity” and what “Charice fashion” is all about.
“What is so important is, to believe in yourself, and never give up”
~ The Gifted singer whose voice continues to fascinate people around the world.
CHARICE
Having been acknowledged and strongly-supported by the multi-Grammy winner David Foster, who has been best known as a producer for Celine Dion and many other recording stars, the charming starlet Charice recently came back to Japan for promoting her upcoming second album. Having won huge popularity among a wide range of TV viewers who have enjoyed “GLEE” in which she starred as a semi-regular cast.
On this issue, Screen gives you the truely charming face of Charice, and how charming a personality Charice has with an exclusive interview.
First having lit the fire of sensation from YouTube, now a worldwide sensation, Charice has become. Acknowledged by David Foster with her stunningly beautiful gifted voice, and with his guidance, Charice has been one of the “friends” of David Foster & Friends concert gala series since 2008 and is performing with him again as a part of David Foster & Friends Japan Tour 2011 which will be held on October 19 & 20.
The young starlet who has recently contributed her voice for the Japanese TV drama “The Bull Doctor” recently came back to Japan to promote her soon-to-come sophomore international album. Here you are witnessing the positive, energetically happy girl who kindly responded to our questions below.
You have now been very famous around the world. How do you feel becoming so watched from millions and millions of people?
“I have come to right where I am now because of the support from many many people around the world and of course, many fans out there have supported me that has brought me up right here. I am so grateful for having been able to experience so many of the unimaginables, and I feel so blessed about it.”
Your new abum “Infinity”, has full of tracks which maintains a variety for each tracks to set the rainbowsome colorful tone for the album. Any tracks you especially love or put passions into?
“Definitely “Bounce Back”. The song is about “to get my own back on”. It’s about a girl who put those people to shame who were so hard on and being haters of her (Laugh). Another song “Lighthouse” is an acoustic kind of a song as it was set up to be and that I so love about it. For another song “New World”, is a theme song for a new Final Fantasy game, and has a hopeful message that is, even if you lose your profoundly loving precious someone, those beautiful memories you created with will live on…never fade away.”
You also starred the worldwide famous TV series “GLEE” and contributed your beautiful voice for a couple of episodes.
“I love GLEE! And I do love to go back to GLEE again! By the way, you see? This hat I wore today which is just like the one I wore as Sunshine on Glee (Laugh)”
Yes I knew that! That’s so cute 
Is there any points and tips for the “Charice a ala mode”, your style?
“Well, I think Heels that makes me look taller is essential, and any black outfits that would make me look more slim (Laugh) I would also go with a mens shirt on like a rich dress kinda style plus leggings on…i love that too.”
Any future acting plans for you?
“I just finished filming an action comedy film “Here comes the boom” which is going to be in theaters in the United States next July. I played a high school student who is a stunning genius, and of course there are a few cuts in the film that I sing.”
Last question for you. Any advice you can give to those who wants to be like you, I mean people who dreams and wants to follow your success?
“Be strong, and never give up! Believe in yourself, don’t get caught by anyone who give you negative stuffs and feelings!…well that sounds like a winner’s speech at the Oscars doesn’t it?! (Laugh)”
Photo and Translation By: Harry Yasu Clark, Mainichi Shinbun
FM Yokohama
World Sonic News
Special Thanks to TwistinHarry for allowing us to share his translated news.
Posted by: Schoen, AnonymousFanatic and Mooffin, Charicemania.com
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Brittany,
I totally agree with your comments. Unfortunately, to continuously argue and repetitively discuss in, as you said,’in obsessive detail’ a minor subject, do not easily sink into the minds of many Filipinos. It must be an ethnic trait to argue over almost anything just to be heard. Just read my earlier comments trying to prevent these bickering. And look what were posted since then. Kind of embarrassing if you ask me. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I also rest my case.
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SHE IS SO SMART SHE CAN MEMORIZE, PROBABLY FRENCH , ITALIAN, ETC…ETC….REMEMBER “ADAGIO” ????? SHE DONT SPEAK ITALIAN BUT SHE DID IT IN FLYING COLORS …..DONT TRICK YOURSELF….SHE IS SMARTER THAN YOU….FOR ALL I KNOW. PEACE !!!!
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Charice has improved so much in leaps and bounds and I’m just happy she is getting more fluent everytime.
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yes … correct … osuna love you guys
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Charice is growing and getting better in everything she does. Maybe she will still have few “mistakes” or “glitches” now and then but the best thing, she is working on it. That’s one thing I admire about Charice, aside from her amazing voice.We are proud of you Charice.
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Charice didn’t lie when she said she learned English in America.
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Before this thread continuously deteriorates to a nonsensical, mindless, insult laden, disconcerting discussion, let us all sit back and reflect:
Charice was interviewed in Japan whose people (with my sincere apologies to all our Japanese friends and Chasters) are not as well versed in English It is a language difficult to master because of its ever evolving changes with hundreds, maybe thousands of words continuously being added to its vocabulary. Is it possible that Charice’s words were taken out of context? Maybe Charice said: “I wasn’t able to speak English (WELL) when I was there……I learned to speak (BETTER) English when I came to America…” We all know that Charice is a VERY INTELLIGENT WOMAN. I won’t even dare to guess her IQ! Just think of the road she has travelled from her humble beginnings in Laguna to where she is now in a span of 4-5 years. Just ponder on the evolution of her command of English from the Ellen days to the present. Imagine what it takes to learn to sing new songs in a matter of days – to sing passionately and flawlessly in ITALIAN, most of the lyrics of which Charice probably may not understand their meanings. And some who are just conveniently watching on the sideline would have the audacity to criticize her for some minor glitch in an interview where she could easily have been misquoted. C’mon folks, wake up in the real world!
I totally agree with Moofin who now lives in Japan, whose assessment tends to be more accurate.
@mel5932: I single you out for your brazen accusation that Charice is telling a “perpetual lie”. If you are a true Chaster as you claim to be, I hope you would retract your harsh statement and maybe offer Charice an apology.
And to the rest of us: For the sake of maintaining the civility of this lively discussion, let us not dwell on the negatives but focus on what Charice has been bringing to us.
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I have made some comments on this thread that has not appeared yet. Can you please check your Spam box? Thank you.
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So it’s not really fair to call her a liar for this minor or irrelevant issue. Her humility still stands out along with her other endearing traits.
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Oops! my mistake. Correction: I DID STUDY
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A couple of decades ago, there was a young Southern singer, who while conquering the international music scene, always retreats from the hustle and bustle of the limelight and goes back to his roots in Memphis – his name was Elvis Presley.
Charice can do the same.
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i am speculating here but i think this is what charice means when she says she didn’t speak english. she could understand it, could say some phrases but could not express herself well in it like she can now.
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Have you ever considered that Charice statement could have been taken out of context? After all, she was interviewed in Japan where (with apologies to our Japanese friends} the people do not have the same command of the English language like we do in the Philippines. I totally agree with Moofin’s assessment who is living in Japan. English is a very difficult language to master as it is continuously evolving with hundreds, maybe thousands of words always being added to its vocabulary. To accuse Charice “perpetuating a lie is, IMHO, a very harsh accusation that you, claiming as a Chaster should retract.
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Charice, you do have a story to tell and it’s a beautiful story of your life. It’s a story of a never ending love and hope just like the very fitting title of your album “Infinity.” Just don’t forget to give thanks to the One who guides you and keeps you safe all the time – God. His grace is the one that daily sustains you. I hope and pray that in your busy schedule, you will find time to read His Word (The Bible). There alone you could find comfort when your’e sad, understanding when you’re confused, hope when you feel hopeless, and never ending love because there you will know why Jesus had to give up His very own life for your sake and mine and for the whole world. God bless you Charice and God bless each Chasters and the Charicemania. Sweet blessings everyone.
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Am tickled pink whenever I think now of the China , the Brazilian and European markets. The heir apparent to Celine has arrived ?
But then , Celine did not do R&B and POP . How is that !
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I did remember the first time you came to this area, that was late of 2008, after Ellen and you were one of the guests for a Filipino show….A lot has changed in your life but you remained the same Charice, very respectful and humble….and with an amazing voice. Good luck, girl!
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Her Cinderella story is one in a million just like her voice. More power to you Charice!!
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Anyway, I noticed Charice is now really getting good answering interview questions – very professional and witty. Can’t help remembering that 3 years ago she was really struggling when speaking english.Now this former weakness is being gone out the window. This girl is really working hard to correct any imperfections sorrounding her career and is getting successful on it. Way to go Charice-especially now that your second album is topping charts in Japan.Your preparations and goals are right on target!!!!
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AMERICAN…AND DARREN CRIS OF GLEE….LOL…NOT EVEN CLOSE,
I AM HAPPPPPPY FOR THEM
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The bottom line is……CHARICE is in DEMAND , they want her everywhere !!!!
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I suppose the only one making more than Charice are the one who are thumbing you down….LOL…..
There is nothing improper on this cause its got a website itself…. we are simply passing it along to fellow Chasters how popular Charice is ? Oh well LMAO..too painful for them.
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