So Real: Charice, Cover Girl of Preview Magazine's Jan-Feb 2012 Issue

Many people must be so jaded not just with life, but with themselves, that every time something so real comes along, they can't quite believe it. They're the type who, when they see a luxurious arrangement of perfectly long-stemmed, blood-red roses,  just pass by it thinking, it looks so real it must be fake.

From stylebible.ph

That's how this kind of people react to Charice - to her talent, her story, her achievements, her values, her personality. And recently, her being a fashion magazine's cover girl.

Preview Magazine, the Philippine's fashion authority, opened the year 2012 with a bang -  Charice on their magazine cover!  She looks so gorgeously sophisticated that many of those who were quickest to react when the magazine came out were those who said, "Over photoshopped!"

Right, they take one quick look and then make an even quicker judgement. These people wouldn't know anything authentic even if it were to come under their nose.

Sure, in Preview Magazine's cover Charice didn't look her usual self mainly because this superstar of a girl is so natural and so totally comfortable with herself that many times she doesn't mind going out in public or even coming out on TV and photos with just the lightest make-up, and at times, no make up at all. (Yet you see she's naturally beautiful even with light make-up.)

So now that she's delightfully Preview Magazine's first cover girl for 2012, not only do these people think Charice's photo has been digitally altered, but they've also been criticizing her and the magazine for it. Oh well, as Jessica Zafra said, "the talentless are always resentful" - unfortunately, even of what's authentic and true.

Viewing the behind-the-scenes video below belies any "over photoshopped" claim:


And here's a favorite retweet about it by the cover shot's make-up artist:

@annecurtissmith “@lizzzuy: RT @juansarte: Charice for Preview Behind the Scenes video. Eto ang pruweba. Hindi po yun Photoshop. youtube.com/watch?v=RoUmLM…”

To Charice, don't mind the crabs who want to pull you down with them. Just keep on setting trends, creating waves, breaking barriers, expanding and perfecting your talents, and strengthening your character. With your big, big heart you'll go very, very far!

Two Mags Open the Year 2012 with Charice

Charice on the cover of Preview Magazine January-February 2012 issue. Photos on right are unedited raw shots:

Charice featured in Isola Magazine January-February 2012 issue:

Isola Magazine photos by Viken Seropian

Charice is beautiful inside and out and that's why she shines in every way.

A New Year's message to Charice and all Chasters all over the world:

Problems and pain have entered our lives this year, but if we take a closer look and count, we'll be amazed to see that the blessings have been so much more!

Here's to ending 2011 and starting 2012 with a heart bursting with thanksgiving!

A Blessed Christmas to Charice and Chasters

Photo from Viken Seropian Photography's post in Facebook

Christmas eve.

In the morning I texted the one Chaster whose mobile number I have to already greet her before the networks start getting busy. I was surprised to find out that she was preparing for a Chaster activity later in the day. You see, I did some days of pre-Christmas reflection and so not only had I not been online for more than a week but I had also been out of touch with news in general.

So reading her text, I thought, wow, Chasters are a real community, celebrating Christmas eve together, just like a family! I told her to enjoy, thinking it was going to be a fun get-together. Well, I got even more surprised - and edified and proud - when she clarified that they were actually going to meet to repack some goods for the victims of the typhoon Sendong (international name, "Washi") that hit the Philippines last week. Chasters meeting on Christmas eve to reach out to those in need - it is definitely not the first time that Chasters are doing this. There are more than enough stories in Charicemania.com for instance of "Chaster Clauses", that is, Chasters who help out other Chasters; there was also a reach out to the elderly in the Golden Acres Home by Philippine Chasters this year.

So why are Chasters as Chasters always thinking of extending that helping hand to another? I'd say that Charice simply inspires the best in people. This simple girl who gave all she could to help her family while growing up, and who is now sharing her music and her life story with the world. Grounded in faith, she constantly inspires hope and spreads love. People who admire and look up to Charice seem to naturally end up passing on the same spirit of joyfully sharing and giving what they have - it's the spirit of Christmas, lived throughout the year and especially so this season.

Charice said it so well in the last song of her Christmas concert in the Philippines:

This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts.

Charice and Chasters, may you and your families all have a Blessed Christmas!