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I have heard and read so much about Charice Pempengco and her vocal prowess all over the internet (especially from Filipino blogs and forums) but I had not seen her perform a whole song. Sure, I saw her much talked about youtube exposure but that is just a snippet. I also failed to catch her in her first nationwide exposure via a local talent search where she finished runner-up to another young singer. However, watching the news earlier tonight I could not help but feel proud of her achievements so far. I’m sure even she cannot believe how far she’s gone in a span of just over a year after that local singing contest. Ellen herself invited her to the Ellen DeGeneres show and local primetime news proudly headlined her feat. Another international Filipino star in the making, they said. Too bad, I wasn’t able to catch her performance, I thought.

But imagine my surprise to find the exact Ellen television program episode showing in another channel as I was flicking the remote later this evening! For the very first time, I saw Charice perform a complete song and I was wowed! Her voice is awesome and her rendition of that ‘Dream Girls’ showstopper of a song was outstanding. The cameras even caught some members of the audience watching openmouthed in admiration and Ellen teary-eyed as Charice was singing. For me, as well as the countless Filipinos watching, it was a total goose bump experience! This girl will really go places, and with the opportunity Ellen DeGeneres opened for her by that television exposure, I won’t be surprised if she clinches a recording or management contract (or both) in America. Truly another pinoy to be proud of!

Later, as I was replaying Charice’s performance in my head I couldn’t help but think that there are many more singing talents waiting to be discovered in our country. Proof of this are the thousands of applicants who try their luck at any singing or talent search on television or radio, not to mention the smaller competitions is schools, provinces, hometowns and even in barangays (villages) where such challenges are held regularly. And mind you, I’m not talking about the likes
of some of those weirdos we see on American Idol each year. The hopefuls that join local talent shows really have talent! Many say Filipinos, as a race, have been blessed with the gift of song. Indeed, a very high percentage of our countrymen can carry a tune. Have you noticed how your mom hums a melody while cooking, how Inday does her household chores to the beat an unheard tune or how we sometimes find ourselves humming or singing while driving or watching television? Have you noticed the proliferation of videoke bars all over the country, with one or two in every neighborhood block, not to mention the personal karaoke machines and microphones almost every household has? And, if still in doubt, consider this: when you walk into a hotel bar or lounge anywhere around the world, you’ll most likely find a compatriot singing on stage.

I am hoping that Charice Pempengco will find success in America now that Ellen has opened the door of opportunity for her, not only for her sake but for the countless of talented hopefuls around the country who need the inspiration to follow their dream.
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the gift of song

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