Charice at the Big E: Simply Beyond Convention

by DrTP

I keep on writing about Charice as a means to better understand the Chaddiction phenomenon. Although her breathtaking performances and inspiring life story should be reason enough, there seems to be something else that I can’t seem to put my finger on. As I review my previous articles, I think I am having a clearer sense of what that is, especially after watching an hour of clips of Charice’s momentous first U.S. solo show at the Big E in Massachusetts - a concert that was spectacularly beyond convention.

I first wrote about Charice to defend her from critics who questioned her patriotism for mostly singing English songs when in the U.S. (Charice: Proud to be Filipina). But, since she was simply a recipient of much needed "breaks" that her own country otherwise was not able to lend, to put her weight on those shows was not even an option. Nonetheless, once the opportunity arose at the end of her first U.S. solo concert at the Big E, she readily declared her cultural pride by passionately singing an excerpt of a Filipino song (Para Sa'yo Laban na 'To). Thus, it was simply unjust to have judged her as unpatriotic given that, during that time, she was merely beginning a career path that was just unconventional.

In one of my articles, I talked about how Charice, at times, gets misunderstood for her unpretentious and candid character (Charice Walks the Talk: A True Winner). For instance, when asked about her experiences during exclusive fundraising events , "Oscar Award" parties, and U.S. Presidential Inaugural balls, instead of the expected descriptions of the "champagne wishes and caviar dreams" of the elite, she declared continued preference for sardines dipped in soy sauce and vinegar (The Buzz). Similarly, at the Big E, instead of being self-conscious about being on stage in front an audience, she casually laughed and talked about her pants being loose, simply because- it was. Regardless of one’s standard of decorum, it would be unfair to find malice in her candor just because her level of humility and pure honesty goes against convention.

When I wrote about how Charice gave me a heartquake and transcended many others to goose-bump land (Simply a 3-Second Heartquake), well, her first U.S. solo show at the Big E further showcased that powerful voice as well as an unbelievable level of versatility that crossed genres and wowed audiences across ages and cultures. From singing "The Climb" while playing the piano, to doing a moonwalk while singing "Billie Jean," to a remarkable rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," the only thing missing was perhaps the Alphabet song or Barney to capture the toddlers. But amid an industry that categorizes target markets, not to mention a partiality to a "look" defined by "tall and skinny," I wouldn’t be surprised to hear discriminatory criticisms, to an extent, even cynicism, because, she herself, is beyond convention.

Also, I have written about her survival and success against all odds (Charice's Soaring Spirit: From Survival to Success). From a life of poverty, her journey was ridden with challenges brought about by a culture that demanded conformity, a society defined by hierarchy, and a local entertainment industry biased towards those who have connections and money. The Big E concert was historic; it defined her as a distinctive performer, able to carry an entire show on her own, thus, sending a definitive message to America, "I have arrived." Now, having reached beyond what most people could ever achieve despite the trials of a biased life, Charice truly defied convention.

Lastly, when I finally found the courage to declare that I have become a Chaster, I also admitted to being a hesitant fan (Love, Hate, and Indifference: Confessions of a Convert). In retrospect, I didn’t readily recognize her talent because I was shrouded by unmet expectations of what defines a "star." More so, I was hesitant to live the stigma of being a follower of one. Sadly, I admit that it had to take phenomenal performances such as the one at the Big E to erase all doubts. As such, I now confess that, I too, have gauged her with the same unjust, unfair, discriminatory, and biased conventions.

In sum, since Charice never really crossed moral lines, nor has she stepped on other people, and only she has suffered consequences of her own acts - It is alright if she goes against convention! In fact, her success despite it becomes a heroic feat, because it sends a message to the world that expectation laden with injustices, discrimination, and biases SHOULD NOT EVEN BE THE NORM!

Now this realization may not solve the mystery of Chaddiction, but at least it answers mine. I have been struck by how Charice was able to give me a greater awareness of my own vulnerabilities. As such, my worldview has changed together with a better appreciation for those who don’t conform.

Now, perhaps, I finally can put my pen to rest.

Written by DrTP



Video uploaded by LantaoIslands