Congratulations KZ and Charice!

It has been two weeks since the X Factor Philippines Grand Finals Results Night and I have not posted anything about it until now. As they say, better late than never. So…

Congratulations to KZ Tandingan for being The First X Factor Philippines Grand Champion! It was a well-deserved win! Congratulations also to Charice for being The First X Factor Philippines Mentor to produce the grand winner of the singing tilt! You were right, Charice, when you confidently said that the winner would be from your team, The Team Charice.

I was not physically with the Chasters and KZers during that nerve-wracking night of the 7^th of October, but I was one with them in hoping, wishing, and praying that KZ be announced as the champion. I don’t have to write about what I said in my prayers, but I can tell you that right after I heard KZ’s name, I just had to release the tension by walking back and forth the living room, jumping once in a while, posting tweets, and giggling. I’ve never been this involved in any reality show. It's hard to describe my feelings that night. Whatever I felt then was great, a wonderful one that I will cherish forever.

I remember having an exchange of tweets with someone a few days after the official announcement that Charice would be one of the judges/mentors for the 

X Factor PH. The netizen nicely said that Charice was a good singer but doubted her capacity to mentor citing her age and years of experience as reasons. I asked who should be chosen instead of Charice. The netizen gave me names and I said that they were good choices but we should just wait and see.

Of course, in my mind, I was sure Charice could be a great mentor. I might sound biased but I had reasons to believe that her would-be team could benefit a great deal from her. Charice has had great mentors namely, David Foster and Mommy Raquel. We all know the abilities of the great Foster. And I hope we all know also that the training that Mommy Raquel has given Charice is in the superlative level. Charice’s performances on Star King, Ellen, Oprah, and Paul O’Grady shows were all great and earned her standing ovations. These were before being under the mentorship of David Foster. So, Mommy Raquel plus David Foster equals Great Talent. And I had no doubt that Charice would willingly share what she had learned from her great mentors with her team.

Another reason is her being creative in covering songs. Charice has covered many songs by other great singers. She has done those either for shows or just for fun or for her fans. She owns the songs she covers. People who are not exposed to what Charice can do will always be doubtful of her capabilities and that is understandable. I just hope that they, especially the netizen I tweeted with, have realized by now how Charice had led her team in choosing songs and making great arrangements to bring out the best in the girls.

Celine Dion said in an interview that during the rehearsals for their duet at the Madison Square Garden, Charice sang her part differently each time. Celine added that not sticking to one version was a mark of a great talent. During the 

X Factor PH Finals Performance Night, Charice said (as told by Gary Valenciano when it was his turn to give his comment about KZ’s performance of “Superstar”) that there was a part in the song that was not done during the rehearsals. 

KZ is indeed a great talent!

Like many of those who have seen KZ's audition performances, I have been a believer of her talent since then. In my post entitled KZ's X Factor, I wrote the following:

              I watched her audition and I just admired her talent, 

              her rapport with the audience, and something else which, 

              I believed, was the X Factor that she possessed. 

           
             KZ says that she has joined the X Factor to help her family
             and to prove that the Philippine music industry is not only for
             singers who are attractive, tall, with flawless skin, and able 
             to belt high notes.  I believe she will accomplish both of them.

Like Charice and KZ, I was happy about the X Factor PH assignment—Charice to mentor the girls; Charice to mentor KZ. I actually felt lucky when the assignment was revealed—lucky in the sense that my favorite contestant and my favorite mentor were in the same team.

Congratulations, Team Charice! 

Ang Kwento ni Frida

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I apologize to the non-Tagalog speakers who have been re-directed to this post. There are many Tagalog words used here because of the nature of the subject. Of course, you can use online translators. However, I do not recommend them because, as you may already know, some thoughts are lost in translation. -twestj
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Sa Funfare column niya sa The Philippine Star, sinabi ni Mr. Ricky Lo ang mga sumusunod na patungkol kay Charice.

          …a girl who was born and raised in the Philippines but who, after 
          she made a name on a foreign land, brazenly forgot her origins, 
          changed not only her looks (hair and all) but also her accent (phony!)
          …a girl who has virtually renounced her “Filipino-ness” and obviously 
          assumed a glaringly fake American identity –Ricky Lo

May mga taong nakabasa at naimpluwensyahan ng mga sinabi ni Mr. Lo. Isa na rito ang kaibigan ni Frida na si Luzviminda. Hahayaan kong si Frida mismo ang magkwento sa atin.

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Ako si Frida. Gusto kong ibahagi ang isang kwentong nangyari kahapon lamang. Kasama sa kwentong ito ang kaibigan kong si Luzviminda, Mindy for short.

Habang nagpi-prepare ako for work, nag-ring ang phone ko. Sino kaya ito at napakaagang tumawag? Pagtingin ko sa phone…si Mindy…hmm bakit kaya?

Frida: Hi, friend! Musta?

:::::::::::::::::: dead air ::::::::::::::::

Frida: Hello?......Oh me, oh my! Bakit ka umiiyak?

Mindy: Pwede ba tayong magkita after your work?

Frida: Sure. Anong nangyari? Bakit ka umiiyak?

Mindy: I’ll tell you later.

Frida: Sige. Nasa inyo ka na ba?

Mindy: Yeah, just arrived home. See you at five?

Frida: Ok. Same restaurant?

Mindy: Yeah. Sige. Sleep na muna ako.

Frida. Ok. Kita tayo mamaya.

Hanggang sa work, nagtataka ako. Ano kayang nangyari? Kelangan kong bilisan ang trabaho para maagang makatapos. Walang over-overtime ngayon.

Sa isang restaurant sa mall kami nagkita ni Mindy. Habang kumakain kami, tahimik lang sya. Parang hirap pa syang ikwento agad kung ano’ng nangyari. Nang patapos na kaming kumain, tinanong ko na sya.

Frida: Okay. Ano ba talagang nangyari?

Mindy: (nangingilid ang luha) I might lose my job…

Frida: Ha? Bakit?

Mindy: Because…My supervisor…Kasi...hu-hu-hu…I might lose my job...

Frida: Wait…Paki eksplika mo nga ng ayos. Ang tagal mo na sa call center 
          na yan ah!

Mindy: Yeah. Almost 4 years.

Frida: Hmmm… wag mong sabihing gumawa ka ng bawal...nang-away ka ng 

          customer, 'no?

Mindy: (masama ang tingin nya sa akin) I don’t do that!

Frida: Alam ko naman e. Sorry. Bakit nga kasi? Why?

Mindy: My evaluation…I got low marks.

Frida: Low marks? (very careful ako sa pag-pronounce ng "low" kasi 
          ang turo sa akin ni Mindy, dapat long o yun)

Mindy: (nodding)

Frida: Pano nangyari yun?

Mindy: Kasi I didn’t want them to tell me na…

Frida: Sinong them?

Mindy: (malalim na buntung-hininga) It’s about the Filipino-ness….

Frida: Ha??? Wait lang. Anong Filipino-ness ang pinagsasasabi mo dyan? 
          Paki explain.

Mindy: Nagkatuwaan kasi sa production floor. Someone challenged us 
           to act like real Pinoys. Syempre, pakikisama… so, I joined them.

Frida: Ha?! Anyway, so...ano’ng ginawa mo?

Mindy: I talked to the customers with the Pinoy accent...yung hard accent.
           Tapos, after shift, kinausap ako ng supervisor ko because of complaints.

Frida: Sino’ng nag-complain?

Mindy: The customers…

Frida: Ano’ng complaints?

Mindy: They couldn’t understand me daw…hu-hu-hu…

Frida: Ah. Ok. Tapos?

Mindy: My supervisor gave me low marks on communication skills…

           and a written warning…hu-hu-hu…

Frida: May dati ka na bang warning?

Mindy: Wala. Pero alam mo naman ang competition sa work ko.

Frida: Oo nga 'no? Don’t cry na... Buti pa, punta tayo sa salon. Di ba matagal na 

          nating balak magpa-color ng hair? Treat ko.

So, pumunta kami sa salon. Medyo mapula pa ang mata ni Mindy kaya ako na 
ang kumausap sa receptionist.

Frida: Hi, Miss…

Miss: Hello, ma’am. Magpapagupit kayo?

Frida: Hinde. Magpapakulay kami ng hair.

Miss: Ano’ng kulay? Pili kayo dito o…

Frida: Ako ito. (tinuro ko yung kulay) Mindy, ikaw, alin?

Mindy: Ako ito…tapos gusto ko may streaks na ganito. (tinuro nya ang mga kulay)

Miss: Ah, ma’am...may dala ba kayong birth certificate?

Frida: Ha?!

Miss: Birth certificate.

Frida: Ano naman ang kinalaman ng birth certificate sa pagpapakulay ng buhok?

Miss: Ma'am, yan ang patakaran e.

Tinapik ako ni Mindy sa balikat. Tinuro nya sa akin ang poster sa wall ng salon.

Frida: Ano?! Pag taga-Pinas hindi pwede? E yun ang gusto kong kulay!

Miss: Sorry ma’am…sumusunod lang kami sa patakaran. Pero kung may 

         maipapakita kayong…

Frida: Teka...sandali lang…(kinuha ko ang wallet ko sa bag) O heto…

          international driver’s license.

Miss: (tinitingnan nyang mabuti ang mga nakasulat doon) E ma’am…yung 

         Country of Birth...nakalagay--Philippines. Sorry, hindi talaga pwede e.

         Kung gusto nyo, ibang kulay na lang.

Frida: Miss… (pinipigilan kong lumakas ang boses ko) Saan ba nanggaling

         yang patakaran na yan? Porke ba pinanganak ako sa Pinas...

Tinapik na naman ako ni Mindy.

Mindy: (pabulong) Tama na, Frida.

Frida: Sige, Miss. Thank you na lang.

Inis kaming lumabas ng salon. Tuloy ang usapan namin habang naggagala sa mall.

Frida: Sino ba’ng gumawa ng patakaran na yun? Napaka…ridiculous…low level…

          irritating…katawa…ewan! Di ko ma-describe!

Mindy: Forget it! C’mon! Let’s just go window-shopping.

Frida: Kanina ka pang Ingles ng Ingles dyan. Ano ka ba? Wala ka sa work ‘no?

Mindy: Ay sorry naman. Force of habit.

Frida: Force of habit ka dyan.

Mindy: Di ka naniniwala?

Frida. Just kidding. Pero ha…helpful talaga yung mga tips mo sa mga 

          vowel-vowel sounds na yan. Like, dapat long o sa word na “low” 

          kasi dapat iwasan yung nakaka-confuse sa mga tao. 
          Minsan, may mga lapses pa rin ako.

Mindy: Ako rin naman may mga lapses ah. Sino ba'ng perfect?

Frida: Ikwento mo nga ulit yung pinuna sa ‘yo dati.

Mindy: Alin? Yung "th"?

Frida: Hinde…yung vowel sound ng Tagalog word.

Mindy: Ahh…Minsan, pinansin ako ng kapatid ko. Kasi naman, instead na “pero,” 

           nasabi ko “perow” – naging long o! ha-ha-ha! But it was unintentional.

Frida: I believe you. And I understand…it happens! It can happen to anyone.

Mindy: Wow, Ingles yun ah!

Frida: Bakit, ikaw lang ba pwedeng mag-English?

Mindy: Ha-ha-ha! Of course not!

Biglang huminto sa paglalakad si Mindy. Niyaya nya akong pumunta kami sa tattoo shop.

Mindy: Magpa-tattoo kaya ako?

Frida: You mean, ngayon?

Mindy: Hindi naman...tingin lang muna tayo. Saan na nga ba yung shop na yun?

Frida: Ayun! Tara!

Pagdating namin sa Tattoo Shop, hindi na kami pumasok sa loob. May malaking poster kasi sa labas.

Mindy: Ang dami namang tanong! Kelangan ba talagang sagutin lahat yan sa

           application form?

Frida: Haynaku! Uwi na tayo...

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Salamat, Frida. Ako ay umaasa at nananalangin na pagkapulutan ng aral ang iyong kwentong nangyari kahapon lamang.

What is wrong with Courtney’s tweets?

Why are you doubting Jessica Sanchez’ being part of Filipino pride? Who are you to question Philippines’ claiming of Jessica Sanchez?

The above questions are how I summarize the reactions of some Filipinos to the tweets of Courtney Blooding, Charice’s manager. Courtney just wanted to understand where the behavior or mentality of Philippine pride was coming from. She posted a question on Twitter, “Here is the question…Why do the Philippines claim Jessica Sanchez? Jessica was born an[d] raised in the US. I don’t THINK she speaks tagalog.” Instead of getting answers to her question, she got the ire of some Filipinos. Courtney was misunderstood. Her tweets were taken out of context. And her tweets ended up on the Internet news and later, on the TV news.

Let's BR (backread)

Before the tweets that were mentioned in the news, Courtney had been expressive (on Twitter) of how much she admired some contestants on the X Factor PH. Even during the auditions, she expressed her admiration for the many talented Filipino singers. Courtney wondered why these Filipino talents were not getting the attention in the Philippines. These tweets did not get to the news.

Courtney  remained puzzled and last September 1, she asked a question on Twitter why she had been hearing on Philippine radio stations a demo recording (by Alexandra Burke) of “Before It Explodes” instead of Charice’s version which was the one officially released. This led to Courtney’s wanting to understand why Charice was not getting support from her own country. She even asked if Charice should first make it big in the US just so she could get enough support from her home country. But then again, those tweets of Courtney did not become news.

Every weekend, Courtney gives updates on the X Factor PH to her followers on Twitter, especially for those who are outside the Philippines and cannot watch the show. A number of her tweets contained her admiration for great performances by the talents on the X Factor PH. These tweets showed her support to the Filipino talents.

If Courtney, an American, could praise and support Filipino talents, would she not do the same to Jessica Sanchez, who, for her, is an American? I don’t think Courtney has a mentality (preferring foreign to local) that Filipinos, in general, have that is why she has been at a loss in trying to understand that particular mentality.

Back to the news

Now back to Courtney’s question that made the news. For me, it was a valid question. If there is anything wrong in it, it is the source of the tweets. The tweets came from Courtney Blooding who is a foreigner, therefore, not a Filipino. Add to this, Courtney is Charice’s manager and the content of her tweets referred to Jessica Sanchez and the Philippine pride.

Generally speaking, Filipinos do not like that kind of question from a foreigner. Foreigners have no right to question what Filipinos like or what Filipinos are doing. No matter what the intentions are, it will be seen as wrong because it comes from a foreigner.

Filipinos have had so much pain already because of foreigners' telling them what was right or what was wrong. Filipinos could not stand being questioned. The first part of Courtney's tweet was a question ("Why do the Philippines claim Jessica Sanchez?") and not a sentence questioning something. For many years now, media people have used questions as a strategy to insinuate something or to stir a controversy. A question is used so that when a writer is criticized or reprimanded, he would say, "It was a question, not a statement." Under such conditioning, some Filipinos might have taken the question of Courtney as that—a sentence questioning something, instead of a question asking for an answer.


Let's answer the question

Some netizens have posted answers to Courtney's question. I would like to add mine. I will base my answer on what I remember from my history classes and from my experiences.

The Philippines was under the Spanish rule for more than 300 years…also under the Americans for (I can’t give a specific number of years)…also under the Japanese for 3 years.

Imagine this...Spain made Filipinos believe that they were of the lesser race; no right to education; were lazy people; were ugly with flat nose, dark-skinned and short in height. Not many opportunities were given to them. Many had accepted this kind of situation because Spain had made Filipinos believe in the goodness of suffering as preached in churches. Spain used religion to control the Philippines. Spain did not want to give education because it would be easier to conquer a group of people who were not educated, who were illiterate.

Americans came and gave Filipinos the right to education. That was a welcome treat. The teachers were Americans. Filipinos learned to read and write. Many learned to speak in English. (Being able to speak in English was equal to being educated and could command respect—some still use this equation.) They used American books that had many things about the beautiful America. Filipinos were also exposed to apples, chocolates and American brands which were called “state-side”—coming from the United States. The Americans were easily liked by the Filipinos because unlike the Spaniards, they were seen as friendly, generous, and did not treat the Filipinos as a lesser race. Americans treated the Filipinos as equal—they were the symbol of equality, liberty and democracy, after all. No matter if this was true (as many people would look at this as a strategy later on) or not, that was how the Filipinos, in general, looked (and still are looking) at the Americans. Also, Americans were white, with high-bridged nose, and tall. So, anything American was good and beautiful. And so, in that sense, anything Filipino was not good and not beautiful (again).

The Japanese were seen as being so cruel that there was a time in the Philippines when many movies were made to show the cruel, the bad, and the foolish Japanese soldiers. The Japanese stayed in the Philippines for three years and much more recent than the Spanish. They left the country in 1945, after WWII. The way we looked at the Japanese cruelty to our people gradually changed as more and more Filipinos went to Japan to work, mostly as entertainers—cultural performers, dancers and singers. Some Filipino women going there were looked down because they worked as hospitality girls at bars in Japan. But that also gradually changed because of the exposure to the progress and technological advancement of Japan. Anything electronics, including cars, that were made in Japan was considered good and beautiful. And those made in the Philippines were not good and not beautiful (again) in that respect.

So, when a Filipino (no matter how small the percentage of Filipino blood running in his or her veins) becomes successful in another country (it has to be outside the Philippines because it is an indication that he or she is among others of a different race or races when the success is achieved), the Philippines takes pride in whatever kind of achievement it may be. It is an indication that Filipinos, who were once belittled and considered an inferior race, can do it. There is, however, a caution to this going away from the Philippines.

When a Filipino has gone to other countries and comes home bringing with him or her a part of the foreign culture like language and fashion, it’s considered negative. This kind of thinking could also be influenced by the colonization, especially under the Spanish rule. If a Filipino (even if he or she did not go to Spain) had a hint of being Spanish , who was the enemy at that time, he or she would become the talk of the town. The value given to “being a true Filipino” was of highest importance. Filipinos should be united and should not lose their being Filipinos.

This thinking has gone forward up to the present time, no matter from what foreign country one has gone to. But the USA is special because, for the Filipinos, among the foreign countries,  it is in the top rank of what is good and beautiful. A Filipino who continues to speak the native language, retains physical looks, etc. will be hailed as someone who is a true Filipino. In addition, this may also come from a very dear saying, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” (Someone who does not look back to his origin will not be able to reach his destination.) This saying could have different interpretations in terms of looking back to one’s origin, the Filipino origin. So, if a Filipino has actions similar to Americans, even if the US is seen as the good and the beautiful, he or she is seen as someone not doing the right thing, as someone not being a true Filipino.


Let's take a second look

Courtney also tweeted, "If only the people of the Philippines would stop looking elsewhere and focus on local things, maybe they could see the value of many of the great people and resources there. Many great things and people there. It's just a group mentality that it's not good enough."  As an outsider, Courtney sees things many of us do not see. I hope we consider taking a second look at where we are now exactly.

This whole thing reminded me of a Japanese soldier, Lt. Hiroo Onoda, who hid in the Philippine jungle for many years after the World War II had ended. He was in hiding because he did not know that the war was over. He hid because of fear.

Filipinos should fear no more.

. 

I’m a 5th Judge on the X Factor PH

The mentor was more emotional than her contestant who landed in the bottom two.

I was not surprised to see Charice being that when Kedebon was announced safe leaving Allen and Joan in the bottom two. That’s the Charice I came to know after watching a video of her 2009 interview with Boy Abunda. During the interview, she told Boy that when she heard her name announced as the third placer in Little Big Star (LBS), all she had in mind was “Pano na?”

Pano na? can roughly be translated into English as How is it going to be from here on? At her very young age, 12 or 13, Charice thought about her family’s well-being. It seemed that she so seriously took it upon herself to bring her family out of the everyday hardship that not being chosen as the LBS grand champion, and therefore, not getting the million-peso prize, was devastating, painful, frustrating, and seemed the end of the road for her.

I don’t know what Charice actually felt last Sunday night during the elimination episode of the X Factor PH. There is no way of knowing the exactness of her feelings and her thoughts. All I know is I saw the same Charice that I saw in the 2009 interview. Charice is taking the mentoring of the girls seriously and with all her heart.

I’m sure the other mentors are taking their responsibilities seriously, too. I have no doubt about that. Based on their sharing of experiences in the 24 episodes so far, I can say that all of them are taking their roles to the highest point that they could possibly bring them to. I have high regard and respect for all of them. Being a judge-mentor is no way an easy job.

If the voting results could be used to gauge the seriousness of the mentors, Martin would be at the top and Ms. Pilita, at the bottom. But voting results do not measure that. Voting results do not even measure the preparations they do every week. Neither do they measure the qualities of the contestants’ singing voices, their talents, and their abilities to entertain. And I don’t think they can measure the future successes of the contestants.

So, what do voting results measure? Is it the popularity of the contestants? Is it the probability of high returns of investment for ABS-CBN? Is it the rating of the show? Is it the joy and/or anger of the public? Any ideas, readers?

To be honest, the primary reason why I decided to watch the X Factor Philippines was Charice. But as the show progressed, I saw some contestants with great talents. I was so carried away by their performances that I told myself there should be more Filipinos in the global music industry. Then came the selection of the final 20. I got very involved at that point. I had my own list which I could not bring down to only 20. Like the four judges, I had the hardest time in the girls category.

To be honest, Allen was not in my top list among the girls. I could not feel the songs she sang before the live airing of the show. Her first live performance, however, wowed me and I became a believer of her talent that night.

To be honest, I had given up on singing competitions with voting by the public. When the first day of voting for the X Factor PH came, I sent a few votes. And I mean a few votes. I regretted it. I regretted sending votes less than what I could afford. Even if host KC reiterated that the names were in no particular order, when I saw the worried faces of Charice and the girls after each name from other groups was called, I felt guilty. Allen was the first to be called from Team Charice. She was the 7^th to be called to safety. That was agony seven times over. KZ was also called but not Jerrianne. She was at the bottom two together with Joan. The judges’ votes finally sent Jerrianne home and I was guilty. And later on, I was angry with myself.

With all due respect to Joan, I’ve come to like her voice. I agree with the judges about her voice being distinct and I could imagine myself listening to her voice on my music player. But my vote was for Jerrianne. Was I biased because she was in Team Charice? Maybe. But maybe not. I say “maybe” because I’d like to support Charice and the girls she mentors. I say “maybe not” because I witnessed Jerrianne’s great potential after she sang The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and more so after she slayed At Last. I go for singers who sing to my heart and to my soul. Jerrianne did just that.

I agree 100% to what Martin said before sending Joan home last Sunday. He said Allen sang her life while Joan sang a song. That, to me, separates artists from singers. I believe all the contestants, including Joan, can bring out the artists in them.

Speaking of Martin, one of his boys, Kedebon, has become the most controversial contestant in the X Factor PH. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had actually topped the voting results every Sunday night. While there are people who blame and bash him for staying in the game when their favorites have gone home, there are others who defend him. And I’d like to defend him here by asking, “Is it the fault of Kedebon when he gets the needed votes to stay in the competition?” It's not even a fault.

Let’s be reminded of the mechanics of the competition. We all know that the voters are the 5^th judge. The other four judges come into the picture only after the 5^th judge has  decided on the bottom two. The 5^th judge actually has the power to choose which two contestants will be brought to the four judges’ table. And if the four judges cannot tip the scale, better known as the DEADLOCK, again, the 5^th judge will be called to decide. That’s how powerful the 5^th judge is. That’s the kind of power we can choose to have.

After Jerrianne was sent home during the first elimination night, I decided to be a powerful judge. I became an active 5^th judge. While the four judges experience the difficult task every Sunday night, I also have my own difficulty every voting time. I call this experience The Blind Fight which is more difficult than entering a closed bid. At least in the latter, one can have an idea of the possible participants and their financial capabilities and strategies, but not in the former—my blind fight to keep my favorites away from the bottom two.

Have I sent enough votes? How many more votes do I need to send to assure my favorites’ safe positions? Should I watch a movie this week or spend my money on votes? Perhaps, I can watch a movie sans the popcorn and drinks. Am I sending too many votes this week? Should I save some for next week? No! It’s too risky! That’s the blind fight I enter into every weekend. And I’m not complaining. This kind of fight is part of the mechanics. It’s a given.

I’m willingly participating in the blind fight even if I have no idea if my power can size up against the power of the other contestants’ voters. And if my favorites landed in the bottom two, or worse, if they were sent home, I should not question the integrity of the people involved in the counting of votes. I should not doubt the seriousness of the mentors. I should not condemn the song choices. I should not point a finger to the sound engineers. I should not look down on the voters whose favorites differ from mine. Who am I to judge their preferences?

If none of my favorites would become the first ever champion of the X Factor Philippines, I should not blame myself because I’m now exercising my power to the fullest of my capacity—I’m taking my being a 5^th judge seriously. And I would not allow myself to blame anyone, throw tantrums, nor bully people on the Net. But I would allow my heart to feel sadness. I would allow my tears to fall. It's okay if I would be more emotional than my favorites.

…because they’re not Charice

When it was announced that Charice would be one of the four judges for the singing competition X Factor Philippines, different reactions came out.  Some were excited and welcomed the new project for the singer. Others expressed their disagreement saying she was too young and lacked experience. While some Chasters defended Charice from those who were doubting her qualifications, others did not fully welcome the idea because they could foresee crabs feasting on her every move, every word, every fashion style.  Besides, for them, Charice belonged to the US—to the international scene—and not to the Philippines, not to the local entertainment scene.

About two years ago, I was having a conversation with someone. We talked about a lot of things. One of them was crab mentality. I asked for his opinion on why some Filipinos didn’t like Charice. He answered with a question, “What has Charice done, so far, in the Philippines?” I understood what he meant. Except for a few TV show guestings and interviews, she was out of the Philippine limelight. Because of this, not many had seen her perform and they did not know her well. Those who had heard about her (at that time) regarded her only as the lucky young singer who guested on Ellen and Oprah and sang with Celine Dion. Charice's presence was not felt as much as the local artists’ so they inclined to question her place in the international scene.

Now that Charice is seen every weekend on the X Factor Philippines, a chance for the Filipinos to see her and hopefully know her more, negative reactions are still ever present. There are those who will point out that’s just the way it is in the entertainment world. They may even add the old adage “Bad publicity is still publicity.” I personally don’t agree to this way of thinking. Some comments are shallow and ridiculous.

Take Charice’s new hairstyle, for example. Haven’t we seen other people cut and dye their hair? Why is it alright for Secretary Dinky Soliman to have colorful streaks on her hair but not alright for Charice? Why is it alright for Charlene Gonzales to cut her hair short but not alright for Charice? Will we have the chance to see the real hair of Nicki Minaj again? Wasn’t Marilyn Monroe a natural brunette and not blonde?

Very recently, articles were written about Charice’s change of manager. The writers made an error in saying that her new manager, Courtney Blooding, was a “Canadian.” I wonder where they got that information. If they actually did a research, it was a failed one.

Columnist Ricky Lo needed a nationality description for Courtney Blooding because he wanted to emphasize that Charice favored a foreigner over a Filipina. And he didn’t like Charice’s manner of speaking. He described it as having an “irritating American twang.” Well, I’m not irritated.

I’ve also read comments of some netizens that Charice didn’t like to speak in Tagalog anymore. I guess their ears are very selective—hearing Charice only when she speaks in English. And they don’t mind that the other three X Factor judges speak in English. It seems to me that her detractors are saying, “It’s alright because they’re not Charice.”

Should Charice just stay here in the Philippines, have a local manager, speak in Tagalog and avoid speaking in English? Why is it alright for others to speak in English but not alright for Charice?

Anyone who says Charice is not qualified to be an X Factor Philippines judge and mentor insults ABS-CBN’s decision. He also insults Gary Valenciano who praises her capabilities even at her young age; Martin Nievera’s liking for her abilities to hear a great potential; Ms. Pilita Corales’ nice words about her; and KC Concepcion for defending her in an interview.

Charice is not alone in getting negative treatment by the press and netizens. Other celebrities, politicians, businessmen, and ordinary people are hit with all kinds of words that could hurt even the hardest of stones. I don’t really mind the faceless and thoughtless netizens on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking sites. But I do mind the thoughtlessness and baseless write-ups done by some media people. I also mind the use of radio and television programs for spreading intrigues, lies, negative publicity, and crab mentality.

A bill aimed to stop cyber-bullying is still pending in the Philippine Congress. I don’t think this is what we really need. We have existing laws, policies and guidelines that can at least minimize bullying, be it in the cyber-world or real world. What the ordinary youngsters and adults see on TV, hear on the radio, and read in write-ups give them the courage to do the same. If we allow and tolerate some mass media people who think that crab mentality and disrespectful treatment of anyone are okay, then, we have a big problem.

KZ’s X Factor

Every Friday night, I feel good knowing that I have done my week's work and that I will be treated to X Factor episodes the following two nights.  On the 7^th episode, I never expected that an auditionee would have a great impact on me.  Her name is KZ Tandingan. 

I watched her audition and I just admired her talent, her rapport with the audience, and something else which, I believed, was the X Factor that she possessed. As I watched it, thoughts ran in my head.  I also discovered interesting reactions of the judges, the host, and the audience.

Before going on stage, KZ revealed that she had had throat problems so she could not sing high notes anymore. That was a blessing in disguise, I must say. Because of that, she chose to sing songs in a different style.

Two purposes ~ KZ says that she has joined the X Factor to help her family and to prove that the Philippine music industry is not only for singers who are attractive, tall, with flawless skin, and able to belt high notes.  I believe she will accomplish both of them.

Just 5 seconds ~ KZ gets my full attention after her singing of the first line of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  I need to hear only about 5 seconds of her singing voice to say that she's got the voice.

Her own style ~ She sings the song in her own style and it is great. Despite the throat problem, she can still manage to sing high notes and she does some creative RNB-ish technique that makes Charice stand in awe  of her and the audience go wild.

Pilita and Gary ~ Gary looks speechless; his eyes seem smiling because of what he is witnessing. Later on, he is moving his body to the rhythm of the music—something that Pilita has already been doing. KZ’s fans are waving her banner and cheering.

Expect the unexpected ~ KZ ends the song with her own style, no high notes nor sustained notes—the kind of notes which must have been expected by the viewers spectators, including Martin whose joyous “Ohhhhohhh!” is followed by his clapping and giving her a standing ovation. Gary is the third to stand up (Charice seems to have not sat down since the time she earlier stood up). Pilita gives KZ a standing ovation, too. Then, Gary faces the cheering and screaming audience to say that KZ is their own (Read: KZ's hometown must be proud of her). At this point, KZ is already in tears. Meanwhile, Charice, with her closed hand on her lips, seems speechless and in thoughts of what to do. Instead of giving words of praise, she runs to the stage and gives KZ a big hug. The two ladies literally jump in joy while in a tight hug.

The anticipation ~ The audience is clamoring for more. Martin announces, “One more from KZ!” Then, the camera shows host KC with KZ’s family who are glued to a TV monitor at the backstage. KC raises her hand to give emphasis to what she says, “I’m a fan.” The one-note guitar introduction is heard and everyone is excitedly anticipating another great performance. The body language of Gary and Charice attest to this.

Montionless(?) judges ~ And there’s the ONE MORE. There’s yelling in the audience. The judges seem motionless at first. Perhaps, they’re thinking where KZ will bring the song. Then, their bodies automatically move to the slow rhythm, especially Pilita's.

Just surrender and go wild! ~ HEY!!! And the audience go wild! All the judges have their arms raised, as if in surrender to the one talented performer in front of them. Soon, Gary can no longer control himself and submits his ability to groove to the music of KZ.

Speechless ~ At one point, the judges seem physically tired, maybe more tired than KZ. When the performance is done, Martin and Charice stand up and all you can hear from them are the performer’s name and OMG. Gary stands up, folds his arms and just stares at KZ. It seems he is frozen there for a moment. Pilita stands up and claps before fixing her blouse, which must have twisted because of her constant body swaying.

Martin asks KZ if he can be the front act for her concert. Charice follows suit and asks if she can be a guest. Pilita wants to be her back-up singer. Gary finally gets out of the freezing point and says he wants to be the director.

KZ has it all ~ The judges are still standing. There is no hint of anyone of them wanting to sit down. Before calling to vote, Gary says KZ has it all—originality, attitude, voice…“You have it all, actually.” Martin counts 1-2-3! YYYYYEEEEESSSSS!!!!! 5 yeses, including the audience’s!  KZ gets emotional after hearing the unanimous decision. Then, she bows to the judges and the audience. The camera pans across the judges’ area. Pilita shows a big happy smile.

KZ goes to the judges’ table for handshakes and waves to the crowd before joyfully going backstage. Gary once more addresses the ecstatic audience, “You must be so proud, huh?”

Backstage, KC, the fan, greets KZ with a hug. She then realizes that KZ should hug her family first, so, she turns over the successful auditionee to her happy, excited, and proud family.

I agree with Gary. KZ has it all. And her voice has a tone that I really love. 

KZ definitely has THE X Factor! 

  

Tips for People Who Dislike Charice

This post is for people who dislike Charice or even hate her. And if you’re one of them, I hope you read on. If you hate her that means you’re affected by her. I wonder why you can’t just ignore her. So, here are some tips for you.

                                        

1)     Don’t watch Charice. It’s ridiculous when you go to YouTube and take time watching her performances and then, take another minute or so to make negative comments about her. Instead, just go to the videos of whoever you want to watch. That way, you can have enjoyment and peace in your heart.

2)     Don’t go to Charice fan sites. This is another ridiculous thing to do. It’s actually a foolish thing to do. What in the world is your purpose for going there and spending time making comments about this and that? I see you as a gatecrasher who belittles the host. Yucks, the food is terrible! The music is annoying! The people are unfriendly! Go figure why you comment that way.

3)     Be careful when stating your opinions. Don’t use harsh and bitter words because they’re not nice and are not good for your heart. I’ve read some that are baseless. I call them uninformed or misinformed opinions. And that leads to the next tip.

4)     Do some research before you post your negative comments. Make your facts straight so others won’t regard you and your comments as silly. It’s not wise to act like a clown if you’re not...unless, you’re Moe,  Curly, or Larry.

5)     Don’t write “Charice” on any search engines. Why would you search for her when you’re not interested in her? Unless, of course, that’s part of your research to make informed opinions. Just make sure you look for valid and reliable sources.

6)     Don’t follow Charice on Twitter. It will only increase her number of followers.

7)     If you’re not following Charice on Twitter, don’t search for her tweets. If you do, that means you’re interested in her tweets and that will be seen as you are interested in her.

8)     Don’t follow any Chaster on Twitter because you will see a lot of tweets about Charice. Save yourself from things you don’t want to read. Be wise not to be in any other social networks where there’s something about her.

9)     When Charice is in the Philippines, be cautious when watching any local TV channel because most probably, there’ll be news about her or she’ll be a guest on their shows. And in case you haven’t heard, The X Factor Philippines has chosen her as one of the judges. If you plan to watch the talent search show, at least now you know that she’ll be there.

10)      In case there’ll be re-runs of Glee Season 2 on local TV, please don’t watch the 1^st, the 17^th, and the Finale episodes because her character Sunshine Corazon is in them.

11)      When “Here Comes the Boom” movie, where she is in the cast, hits the theaters, please don’t spend your money on the tickets and don’t buy the DVDs. And should you watch other movies within the month of its showing, please go inside the theater at the exact screening time and leave right after. Otherwise, you might see her in the trailers.

12)      It’s inevitable that you’ll hear her songs on the radio, videoke, malls, or from children and adults in your neighborhood, so, always have earplugs with you just in case. Also, when watching TV, make sure you have the remote in your hand. You don’t know when the advertisements of products she endorses will air, do you?

13)      When at the bookstore, please avoid the notebooks section because you don’t want to see her on the covers of some of them.

14)      When you want to buy albums of other singers, make sure you enter the record store with your head down because there’s a big possibility that her poster will greet you at the entrance.

15)      I made these tips out of concern for you. Have peace in your heart and mind. Avoid things and people you don’t like. That way, you will lead a healthy life.

Ano'ng ginawa ni Charice?

Sa totoo lang, di ko alam san ako mag-uumpisa. Pero sige lang. Kahit saan. Basta ang alam ko, may tanong ako. Ano'ng ginawa ni Charice? Sumali sya sa mga singing contests. Nanalo, natalo, nag-runner-up. Nilagay video nya sa YouTube tapos nag-Korea, nag-Ellen, nag-Oprah. Kumanta sya kasama ni David Foster. Nagpunta sa iba't-ibang bansa para kumanta. Nag-Glee din sya. Nagkaron ng international albums. May ipapalabas din na Hollywood film na Here Comes the Boom. Ngayon may solo concert tour sya sa Asia.

Ano pa'ng ginawa ni Charice? Heto ang usap-usapan ngayon. Hindi yung Infinity concert nya sa Araneta kundi yung bago nyang hair at tattoo! Ang siste, yung short hair nya at tattoo e pinagpyestahan ng mga haters at crababayan nya. Naku, lesbian at adik na daw si Charice! Ows, talaga?

Teka, teka...di ba kelan lang ang issue e yung pinoto-shop daw nyang picture sa cover ng Preview Mag? Tinanggal daw yung pimple nya. Ginawa din yan sa picture ko noon para sa college annual namin. Ano, looks na naman ba ang topic ngayon? Mahaba ang hair, issue. Maikli ang hair, issue. Sabi nga ni Charice noon, “Kelan ba naman ako naging maganda sa mga haters?” At yung tattoo, ang dami dyang celebrities at ordinaryong tao na may tattoo. Sa panahon ngayon, di porke’t may tattoo ka, ex-con o adik ka na. Dahil lang sa hair at tattoo ganun na? Di pa sila siguro nakakapanood ng reality show na Miami Ink.

So, ano'ng ginawa ni Charice? Sinabi nya yung style at image nya ngayon, yun ang Charice. At dun sa reporter na nagtanong tungkol sa sexuality nya, sabi nya, "Why would you ask me that question? I think that's a very inappropriate question." Aray! Napaka-showbiz kasi kung magtanong. Onli in da Pilipins.

And speaking of da Pilipins, kelan lang e maraming pinoy ang nag-react sa pagkakabanggit ni David Letterman ng "Philippines" sa interview nya kay Taylor Kitschs. Nagkaron kasi ng airport delay si Kitschs at nagkwento sya ng practice of corruption sa customs ng airport. Pero di pala sa Pinas nangyari yun. Naku, pano na ang tourism campaign effort ni Secretary Jimenez? Ano nang mangyayari sa "It's more fun in the Philippines" line? Naalala ko tuloy yung batikos sa Desperate Housewives character Susan played by Teri Hatcher. Sa script kasi may pahiwatig na delikado ka pag ang doktor mo ay Pinoy. Nag-public apology si Teri noon. Nag-public apology na ba si David Letterman o si Taylor Kitschs? Or at least, kinorek na ba nila ang name nung country?

Naisip ko lang…kapag nalalait ang image ng Pinas sa ibang bansa, ang bilis ng mga reaction. Pero bakit kung makapanlait ang mga crababayan kay Charice, walang humpay? Ipinangangalandakan ang kababawan at kabalastugan. Ang sama nito, yung iba galing pa sa reporters (kuno) at maririnig mo sa TV o radyo o kaya nakasulat sa mga broadsheets na para namang tabloid. Hindi magandang gawin sa kahit na sinong tao--celebrity man o hindi--ang mga di-kaigaigayang ginagawa nila kay Charice. Parang di nila nare-realize na reflection ito ng buong image ng Pinoy. Nagtataka nga ang mga taga ibang bansa e. Di nila maintindihan kung bakit karamihan ng mga negative about Charice ay galing sa mga Pinoy. Kung minsan, sobra na at nakakahiya at nakakasuya.

Ooops...opinyon ko yan. I have the right to speak. This is a free country. It's freedom of speech in a democratic country. O, di ba? Para lang yang mamang nagtatago sa saya ng kanyang asawa.

Calling P-Noy...ano'ng dapat gawin? Naalala ko yung sinabi mo sa SONA last year. Sabi mo, dapat itigil na ang utak-alimango. Utak-talangka. Pano? San dapat magsimula? Tapos may bill pang anti-cyber bullying. Pano mapupuksa ito? Very challenging yan. Sabi ng iba, yan ay nasa mga parents. Ang iba naman nahahawa daw sa mga barkada. Peer pressure baga. E ang media, nakakaapekto ba? Syempre naman. E ang school? Aba, oo! E ang mga pulitiko? Oo naman. E ang showbiz? Kailangan pa bang itanong yan? Ito ay hamon kay P-Noy at sa Pinoy. Una sa lahat, aminin na may problema. Pano tayo aangat kung may nanghihila pababa? Kelangan bang itumba ang iba para umangat ka? Ang buhay ay hindi parang boksing. Kahit tanungin mo pa si Pacman. 

Mabalik tayo kay Charice. Ano nga ba'ng ginawa ni Charice at hate sya ng iba? Mayabang daw e. Di ba pwedeng confident lang? Pa-slang-slang pa kasi e. Di ba pwedeng nag-improve lang sya sa English? Bakit di kasi mag-Tagalog pag nasa Pinas? Di ba sya pwedeng mag-English tulad ng ibang artists na nakikita natin sa TV? Ang drama nya kasi e. Di ba pwedeng nagpapakatotoo lang sya? Ang panget nya kasi e. Di ba pwedeng na-influence ka lang ng media kung ano ang maganda?

Kababayan, ano'ng ginawa para sa iyo ni Charice? Crababayan, ano'ng ginawa sa iyo ni Charice? Sa nagbabasa nito, alin ka? Isa ka bang kababayan o isa kang crababayan?