Charice sings for her mom

Charice never fails to move everyone whenever she performs. And most moms will be touched about her rhythmic take on the 12 tracks included in her sophomore album titled My Inspiration under Star Records.

Lines like “You are my life, you are my strength. I can’t fight a battle alone, I can make it through when I’m with you...” from Jonathan Manalo’s composition Always You go straight to the heart. They, too, fit in Charice’s feeling of love toward her mom Racquel.

“My mom has always been my strength, my inspiration. The album is my way of thanking her for all the love and support; for always being on my side,” Charice says.

Discover more about Charice, described by Oprah Winfrey “as the little girl with a big voice,” as she answers queries fans sent through Open Line:

Of all the personalities you’ve met, who has left a big impact on you? (Paula Alejandrino of Heritage Homes, Marilao, Bulacan)

I was star struck by Oprah, Celine Dion and Josh Groban. If you watch the video on You.Tube where Celine appeared via satellite, you will see how I reacted. Di ko alam kung maiiyak ako or matatawa, lakas ng impact.

How come you often sing songs way beyond your age? (Clarissa Ng, 5th Ave., Caloocan City)

Actually, it depends on the song and my voice really sounds mature. Whenever I perform old songs I just dedicate them to my mom or friends.

Can you sing without hurting your vocal cords and avoid doing birit? (Jeff Divina, Quiapo, Manila)

Of course but most of the time the organizers’ requests are mga pang-birit. Even I love to perform songs that relax like Michael Bublé’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow. If I’m going to do a concert, I will choose some songs that don’t require me to sing in high notes.

What is your favorite song? (Ricardo Ong, Fairview, Quezon City)

I always listen to Justin Timberlake songs in my iPod and those from Celine Dion’s new album but I have what I call the last-song syndrome so my favorite is Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.

Would you say you have a perfect voice? How do you rate yourself as a singer? (Monique Ventura, Bacoor, Cavite)

No, David Foster got me a vocal coach. I think I’m six, seven and highest is eight. Nine and 10 si Celine Dion na yun.

Where do you invest your money? (Honey Orio, Samar)

I am happy to say that I already have my own car (white Expedition) and I had my mom’s dream house built in Tagaytay. Part of my earnings was also spent for business — a seven-door apartment in Laguna.

Is it true that you bring canned goods abroad because you’re not fond of eating American food? (Donna Estrella, Cainta, Rizal)

Yes, sardines, corned beef. Sometimes they would bring beefsteak and tilapia for me. Even if David (Foster) tells me that I should eat that and that, di ko kaya kahit pilitin ko pero sardines sarap ’pag may toyo at suka.

Do you have a stylist in the US? (Deserie Tadena, Ilocos Sur)

Yes, I have Tracy who is also the stylist of Carrie Underwood. I usually bring all my clothes abroad because they love the styles here. Then, they will choose what’s best for me. — Bot Glorioso

(Note: Fans are welcome to send in questions for their favorite stars. Open Line will get the answers for you. E-mail at [email protected] and [email protected])