Love, Hate, and Indifference: Confessions of a Convert

by DrTP
written August 16, 2009

When a friend emailed me a link of Charice’s third guest appearance in Oprah on May 18, 2009, I became a “convert.” I have known of Charice even before that fateful day, but only through Philippine TV. And based on the performances and interviews that I’ve seen up until then, nothing really stood out as anything extraordinary. So, although I have acknowledged that she was a good singer, I simply felt indifferent.

When I watched the clip of Charice singing Note to God, I was dumbfounded, which led me to relentlessly search for practically anything and everything about her in the web until the wee hours of the night. After about six weeks of being hooked to the internet, an article written by OzGirl posted in this website (Charicemania.com dated June 24, 2009) listed characteristics that described how I have undeniably become a Chaddict.

Since then, I have learned to truly appreciate Charice in many ways. I am at awe with her versatility and ability to deliver spectacular performances, such as those in Korea, Italy, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. I respect her work ethic and love for her craft as displayed in many clips showing her truly enjoying every performance and seriously giving it her best regardless of venue, may it be in a concert, a charity event, a baseball game, a mall, casually playing around in a music store or at a home, in a wedding, or during rehearsals. I am amused at how much she can be quirky and playful that contagiously makes me feel young again yet, at the same time, is quite self-assured and resolute in maintaining her sense of self. I marvel at her inner strength, perseverance, and resiliency in overcoming struggles and difficulties (SNN Interview). I admire her loyalty and love for her country despite being continually faced with challenges there. I am touched by her innocence and purity of heart as she displays great love for her mother, brother, and other family members. I appreciate how she is accommodating to fans as well as respectful to elders and people in general. And I am amazed at how she has touched many lives, including mine, and made me realize my own vulnerabilities. Needless to say, from being indifferent, I have grown to love.

Consequently, however, my increased level of admiration for Charice has also made me quite sensitive to anything negative that comes her way. As much as I understand, through my own experience, why people could be indifferent due to lack of exposure and awareness, it is more difficult to be tolerant with those who could be quite malicious and unkind. But since hate is really more about that person’s own insecurities, frustrations, or blind following, rather than the one they are targeting and venting at, efforts towards eradicating it, especially by countering it back with similar hateful acts is rather pointless.

Lastly, I must confess. I called myself a “convert” because I am a reluctant “fan,” perhaps because I’ve often felt uncomfortable with the multiple connotations of the word. But today, with your indulgence, my reflections regarding love, hate, and indifference signify a readiness to finally admit that I have also become a “Chaster”… and am proud of it! With this declaration comes a vow to support and protect Charice by eliminating indifference and deterring potential hate simply through the promotion of love.


Background:
This article was submitted to Charicemania.com and was posted August 16, 2009.