THE YEAR 2008 is definitely, Charice Pempengco's year. We've all seen her rise from an amateur singer joining any singing contest she could into a world-class performer with millions of followers around the globe.

That gave her the right to rise in the ranks of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, among others, as one of the People of the Year by People Asia Magazine.

Here's an article written by Ricky Lo for The Philippine Star:

Charice Steals People Night

Ninety-percent of the well-heeled guests graced the People of the Year 2008 Awards Night (marking People Asia magazine’s ninth anniversary) Thursday night at the grand ballroom Sofitel Philippine Plaza went home tsk-tsking in awe over Charice who rendered three numbers after she got her plaque as one of the 10 awardees (also including, among others, Pres. Cory Aquino, Sharon Cuneta, Makati Mayor Jojo Binay, Vice Pres. Noli de Castro, Sen. Manny Villar and US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney).

“I came not only to witness the awarding but also, more so, to watch Charice sing ‘live’,” was what many of the guests were saying.

Charice didn’t disappoint. She unleashed such a powerful voice that everybody listened with mouths agape.

“What a jaw-dropping performance,” quipped an “invited” guest. “Siguro kung may langaw dito, lahat pumasok sa bibig ng audience. Mabuti na lang wala.”

Charice stole the People night by singing first a medley of I Will Always Love You and I Have Nothing, followed by Listen which was, according to Charice, re-arranged for her by the David Foster who was quoted when he and Charice guested together on Good Morning, America, that Charice actually helped him with the re-arranging. “She’s a musical genius,” said Foster, “she can re-arrange a song so easily, as if she’s just picking a dress from the closet.”

Revealed Charice, “Mr. Foster asked me to point out kung saan ko dapat itaas ang aking key at kung saan dapat ibaba, kung saan dapat magtu-turn ang boses ko.”

In response to shouts for an encore, Charice obliged with a heart-stopping rendition of I Will Survive. The audience gave her a standing ovation.

Last night, Charice and her mom Raquel took a JAL flight to the US where she’s performing two songs, God Bless America and One Moment in Time, tomorrow, Jan. 18, in one of the pre-inaugural parties for President-Elect Barack Obama.

“I will send The STAR exclusive photos of my performance,” promised Charice. Good. That should put in place detractors who have been belittling Charice’s part in the event.

Incidentally, as Funfare reported in a “scoop” several issues ago, Charice is included in Foster’s album entitled You’re The Inspiration: The Music of David Foster & Friends which honors Foster’s colorful four-decade career. The CD/DVD features the tribute to Foster held last year in Las Vegas. Aside from Charice, also on the DVD/CD are Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Katharine McPhee, Blake Shelton, Kenny G, Peter Cetera and Brian McKnight. It’s available in record bars at P550 apiece.

Keep on soaring high, Charice!

Here are bonus videos:

Charice One of People Asia's People of the Year