It's Official...

I can’t seem to get myself focused lately. And I’ve been in denial as to why… as I ponder about the cause, I believe it’s related to my recent trip to Japan. It’s been a week since I came back from Tokyo… and the experience is still fresh in my mind.

Thinking of Charice

The other day at work, I finally admitted to why I filed for several days of vacation at such an odd time. To end speculations of having gone for a job interview, I said to a colleague, “Ok, ok, I went to Japan to watch a concert.” To my surprise, she said- “Is it by Charice?” Excitedly, I responded “Yeah! How did you know?!” She didn’t strike me as the type who would be updated with the goings on in the entertainment industry. As an older Caucasian female academician, I didn’t think she even has time to watch TV (lol). But she even added, “She’s in Glee, right?” The past few weeks, I had similar unexpected experiences, wherein random people expressed how they knew of and were quite impressed with Charice, from a young student who saw Charice’s CD on my desk to the Director of the Health Science Department who talked about an episode of Oprah.

In a way, Charice’s rise to popularity the past couple of years has really been meteoric- from a simple girl in a little province in the Philippines to have avid followers that span the globe. To me, the best part to her career trajectory is, unlike those who get extremely popular overnight that they have to strike the iron while it’s hot with gigs left and right while they are the current “in” fad, she impresses people one jaw-dropping performance at a time. Further, beyond a specific target market, of either swooning young ladies or highly impressionable “tweens,” she captures ALL of what David Foster refer to as "from 8 to 88." And once a person gets hooked- her effect is so intense that they become fans for life. Thus, like a true honest to goodness artist, she is definitely here for the long haul.

Remembering Tokyo

Charice recently won “best new artist” in Japan. And with my recent experiences in Tokyo, I’m not surprised. While standing in line with a friend, hoping to get a ticket for the second concert date in Tokyo, we were approached by a Japanese gentleman, pointing at me (actually pointing more at my face) saying “Sharisu, Sharisu…” As we smiled trying to decipher what he was saying- he pulled out a newly purchased souvenir program with Charice’s pictures, pointed at it and me, then said, “Sharisu face- like sisters, same face.” I smiled and simply said “Thank you.” Of course, to me, it’s such a compliment to be compared to Charice, she did look very pretty in those pictures. But at the back of my mind, what also felt good was that, he said “sister” rather than “mother” or “grandmother”… hahahaha.

Of more significance, the teams who worked with Charice in Japan were truly successful in bringing out her true self. Not to mention all her TV guest appearances prior to the concert dates really showed how much they respected her as an artist as well as a person. I commend the Japanese for giving Charice the attention and recognition she truly deserved.

Of course the highlight of my trip to Tokyo was Charice’s first international solo concert. One thing I really loved about watching Charice in Tokyo (enough to watch it for two consecutive concert nights) is that the entire show was truly her OWN. The look, the sound, the songs truly exemplified CHARICE. The entire show was just simply phenomenal. Her voice was just amazing from beginning to end. Several of the cover songs were unexpected, but truly pleasant surprises, proving once more that she can sing a cover and simply OWN it! Even her own songs were given a unique slant. Besides, who best to outdo her songs but herself, lol. “I love you” (acoustic version) is now one of my big faves… In all, as much as I love her performances with David Foster and Oprah, to me, all aspects of this show (her look, the song list, the musical arrangements, her moves, the band, the stage and lights, the venue) simply spelled Charice, she truly OWNED the entire show! As such, she looked very comfortable and in control, enough to pull-off a seductive “Rude Boy” and end up still the bubbly young lady who exude an image of innocence. This was the best concert I’ve ever “experienced”… EVER! Yet again, Charice never ceases to amaze me… I’ve been saying it for the past three years, no doubt, I’d continue saying it for many more years to come. Rather than being defined (and made popular) by a song, Charice instead defines each song she sings. People love HER, that they begin loving a song after hearing her sing it rather than the other way around… a true artist indeed!

Missing Chaster friends

In all, my trip to Japan with co-Chasters is very meaningful… and to an extent, transformative. Even days after getting back, I still couldn't put in words how I truly feel about the experience. Three days in Japan were filled with mixed emotions... missing my family yet being with a group of people simply having fun, were full of excitement, and definitely sharing love. But it also ended up to be some sort of "retreat." Ironically, much reflection is gained from full involvement rather than seclusion. Even though I always felt that I've somehow lived a life of trust, generosity, compassion, understanding, love, respect, and humility- I've realized that there is definitely room for more.... a lot more!

These past three years, I’ve crossed the lines of being a fan, to a friend, and to being part of a virtual family. It has definitely changed my entire being! The names of people I shared my Tokyo experience with may be untold in this essay, but they remain clearly carved in my heart- each and every one. While in Japan, there was no instance of envy, annoyance, or dislike (which may typically happen when folks become too close for comfort). Rather, it was three days of pleasant camaraderie. At the airport, I didn't say goodbye to anyone, but instead, “see you again soon…” and to the person who made it all possible, a most sincere "thank you"... for the opportunity to trust, to share a common passion, and to love without borders.

With that, I continue to think of Japan and am really amazed that everything just fell in perfect place. I can’t help but think of some divine intervention, since minor flaws or mishaps turned out to be added excitement that made the three days even more memorable. So, as I ponder about the reasons for my recent lack of focus…it’s because I keep on thinking of Charice, remembering Tokyo, and truly missing my Chaster friends. I can’t seem to shake Japan off my system!! … Yeah! I have to finally admit, It’s official…