Charice's Soaring Spirit: From Survival to Success

by DrTP
written August 29, 2009

In 2007, even if it was her very first time to perform in front of an audience outside her home country, Charice astonished viewers of a popular Korean TV show (Star King, SBS), not just with her amazing voice, but also with her remarkable stage presence. At age 15, she already exuded a definitive level of confidence. Similarly, in 2008, Charice displayed great fortitude and resolve when the music stopped during her performance in an early morning show in Manila (Umagang Kay Ganda [Such a Beautiful Morning]). After a brief hesitation, she surged onward, determined to complete her song and even brought the audience with her to clap along. Recently, she continued to display the same strength of character by being candid and forthright when controversies came her way (CNWE, August 2009). It is apparent, from then ‘til now, that there is something quite distinctive about Charice’s soaring spirit.

Personally, I believe that the façade of confidence, fortitude, and candor has served to protect the simple, innocent, impish, and fragile child underneath. For instance, although Charice may be quite self-assured on stage, during past interviews, she attested to worrying prior to performances, even practicing until late at night for fear of making a mistake (The Buzz, January 2009). At Madison Square Garden (2008), she timidly said, “I’m nervous,” in front of thousands, when Celine Dion noticed that she was shaking. Thus, she may have developed a shield of “swagger” that enables her to conquer the stage and win her audience in every performance. Further, in several occasions, she has revealed going through many hurtful instances to a point of almost surrendering her dreams, but her resolve to help provide for her family compels her to stay focused and remain level-headed (SNN, June 2009). And, amid multiple issues, her consistent candor seems to help repel negativism and deter anyone who tries to dampen her spirit (CNWE, August 2009). In all, how else could she have competed in more than eighty contests within six years, weathered all types of struggles, and ultimately survived?

Now, past survival, Charice is aiming for success. But in doing so, aside for the difficulties of adolescence, she needs to also face other types of challenges. Needless to say, in today’s global environment, it is unimaginably difficult to straddle between different cultures, identities, and beliefs, which often lead to quite divergent values, demands, and expectations. Besides, the more popular one becomes, the more expectations regarding one’s looks, demeanor, actions, and even being. More than likely, to try and please everyone could result in the inability to please even oneself, to a point of depression or even self-disfigurement. Not to mention, fame and fortune have lured many towards behaviors that are quite counter-productive and, to an extent, self-destructive. As such, beyond career advancement, I believe that a true essence of success is to overcome the demands of the world by being resolute in sustaining one’s sense of self.

To end, as much as “strength of character” can generate awe, facilitate survival, and bring about true success, it may also be misconstrued as arrogance and bring forth criticism. But as long as the kind and fragile soul remains intact beneath the shield, and if it allows her to continue conquering the stage, surviving the world, and ultimately succeeding in life, even though it is not my place to counsel, I would rest better at night to implore Charice, “Whatever they say… just swagger on!”


Background:
This article was submitted to Charicemania.com and posted on August 29, 2009.