Charice speaks up on bullies, says she wants respect

MANILA, Philippines – Singer Charice took to Instagram on Monday, September 29, to voice her doubts about whether she is loved by the country, despite her many achievements. 

According to a report from ABS-CBN, Charice wrote about the “bullying” she has been experiencing despite the international recognition she’s won for the country. The singer said that she wonders if people will continue to criticize her for her personal life and sexuality.

“Ito lang nasa isip ko nang ilang taon na. Ang showbiz dito sa Pilipinas, mahirap. ‘Di ko alam ang status ko, kung mahal ba ako ng sarili kong bansa o kailangan ko paring i-prove ‘yung sarili ko?”

(I have just been thinking for the past years. Showbiz in the Philippines is tough. I do not know my status, if people from this country love me or do I need to continue proving myself?)

“Sa ilang taon na nagta-trabaho ako, hindi man kasing tagal ng ibang idols niyo, mahirap pa rin ‘yung pinagdaanan ko.

(For many years that I have been working, though not as long as other idols, I still went through a difficult time.)

“Nakikipag sapalaran [ako] sa bansang ‘di ko naman kinalakihan. Napasama ako sa mga malalaking TV shows, pero pagdating ko dito, iba pa rin ang hinahanap sa akin, iba pa rin ang nilalait sa akin – pananalita ko, itsura ko, mga sinusuot ko, buhok ko, sekswalidad ko, buhay ko, lahat na,” part of her statement said.

(I went to a country I did not grew up in. I was part of big TV shows, but when I came back, they still look for other things, they criticize me – the way I speak, my looks, the way I dress, my hair, my sexuality, my life, all of it.)

Charice also said that she is hesitant to open her social media account, not because she fears for being criticize for her performance, but for being her. 

“Kaya minsan, nandoon ‘yung oras na parang may wall ako sa harap ko, straight lang mukha ko. Kasi ayoko na nung time na inaapi at pinagtatawanan ako. Gusto ko may respeto kahit kaunti.

(That is why there are times that I have a wall in front of me, my face straight up. Because I do not want to be bullied and laughed at. I want respect, even just a little.)

“Nakikita ko ang mga taong nagmamahal sa akin at nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat. Pero aminin natin na pag kumanta na ako dito, nakakatakot buksan ang ibang social networks. Ang daming bully.”

(I see the people who love me and I want to thank everyone. But I will admit, when I sing here, I am afraid of opening othe social networks. There are so many bullies.)

Despite the criticism, Charice said that she is grateful for those who are there for her.

“Basta nandiyan ‘yung mga totoong taong nagmamahal sa akin. I love you back at patuloy ang buhay!”

(For as long as there are real people who love me for who I am, I love you back and life goes on.)

On June 2013, Charice came out on The Buzz and confirmed that she was a lesbian. Her coming out did not sit well with her mother Raquel, who did not talk to her for a year.

Last September 10, news surfaced that Charice and her mother finally reconciled. They have since been spending time with each other along with her brother Carl and Charice’s girlfriend Alyssa. (READ: How Charice and mom Raquel patched up their relationship)

Charice confirmed that she will be seen in an interview with Oprah this October. – Rappler.com