Charice: ‘I’m proud to represent the Philippines’

Turning the page of a new chapter – this is how the Filipino singing sensation Charice describes her forthcoming performance at the Yasalam Beats on the Beach in Abu Dhabi during the F1 weekend.

After breaking onto the international scene in 2007, her fame has skyrocketed, with TV appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Oprah providing worldwide exposure.

Charice further cemented her reputation as one of the pop artists to watch with the release of her 2010 self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit single Pyramid.

She also appeared in the American musical comedy-drama TV series Glee, and the movies Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009) and Here Comes the Boom (2012).

We caught up with her to find out her thoughts about her early fame, changing musical direction and performing with other artists in Abu Dhabi.

You’ve been to the UAE before, so what makes this visit special?

aI was just looking at the artist line-up and I can’t help but feel excited with the variety of genres and performers. I feel proud at the thought of representing the Philippines and being mentioned alongside other artists that I admire, such as Jason Derulo.

Are you still prone to fits of career retrospection and does everything still feel like a dream?

Definitely. Every time I chance upon some old videos, it still feels surreal and I’m really grateful. No matter what happens, maybe I have something that people will always remember about me.

How would you describe the new Charice and your current artistic direction?

I think I’m at that point where I know exactly what I want. Initially, particularly in the Philippines, people are comparing me to Sarah [Geronimo] or Regine [Velasquez]. I genuinely admire both singers, but I saw myself going a different route even back then – a style where I’m more comfortable.I see my Abu Dhabi performance as sort of a comeback and a chance to introduce the new Charice.

Is there a chance that we will see you again on TV and in movies?

Not at the moment. I’m focusing on music and we’re in talks with a new label in the United States for an album to be released internationally.

Acting takes too much of your time, based on my experience. For now I just want to continue making new music. Perhaps in the future I can dabble again in acting if there’s time and an opportunity.

Charice performs at Yasalam Beats on the Beach concert on the Abu Dhabi Corniche on Thursday. Other performers include Juicy J, Chada Hassoun, Two Tone, Jae Franklin and Nikotin. For more information, visit www.yasalam.ae

artslife@thenational.ae