My Heart Sings

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Meeting New People, Finding New Friends in Japan

I was so happy for this new venture and opportunity. 
Thanks be to GOD. We are so blessed. 

June 29, 2013 – 11 Booked Lessons, Successful Classes

Morning Sessions

5:00 am – Hiroshi
5:30 am – Yasuko
6:30 am – Sou

Afternoon Sessions

1:00 pm – Saeki Shigeru

2:00 pm – Mami (mikanchan)
2:30 pm – Shuichi




Evening Sessions
8:00 pm – Naoto
9:00 pm – Tomoyo
9:30 pm – Jun Kume
10:00 pm – Hiroshi Iwai

10:30 pm – Goh 

*No Pending Tutoring Notes 

Everything is considered done, duly accomplished. 

Happiness! 

Til my next classes with you, guys. Thanks for taking my lessons and for having a fun-filled free conversations and intelligent discussions with you. Cheers! All the best for everyone.

xoxo,

Teacher/Tutor Myraine


Thursday, June 27, 2013

Lunch for Today: Veggie Tempura, California Maki, Sushi Rolls, Mogu-Mogu

Lunch with Hubby and Eieo

We had Filipino vegan/veggie tempura: squash, okra, eggplant, baguio beans, carrots and onions. We also had california maki, sushi rolls, sour and cream dips, kikkoman soy sauce, and of course, our fave beverage, Mogu-Mogu - lychee fruit juice with nata de coco.


I was so happy that my husband and my kid love what I prepared. It's also nice to see my sister, Pia and my lovely niece, Merylle Alyanna enjoying their share. Delicious! Muah!

It's true that it takes much of my time and effort to prepare these meals but I must say that it was all worth it. I had fun and was so overwhelmed. Til my next meal preparations. 

This is the best part of being a full-time mom and wife - having to spend quality time with the family and enjoying every minute of it. 

Nothing beats my three F's: Faith, Family and Friends.

Burp at its best! Yum!

xoxo,

Mommy Mai

Monday, June 24, 2013

How to Make California Maki Sushi Rolls at Home


We love california maki - flavorful, indulging, and oh so yummy!


Hubby and I prepare our own california maki and sushi rolls... and guess what? They're so yummy! 

Make yours today and enjoy the fun of preparing your own delicious and healthy rolls.  Happy rolling!  
Cheers! :-)

Quick and easy-to-do California Maki recipe from panlasangpinoy.com 

Ingredients:
1 medium sized avocado, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
4 sheets sushinori
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced in 1/8 inch thick pieces
4 pieces crabsticks
3 cups cooked sushi rice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt

How to prepare:
1. In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt then stir well.
2. Place in a microwave oven for about 10 seconds then stir again so that all the ingredients will be dissolved.
3. Pour the vinegar-sugar-salt mixture on the sushi rice then mix well. Set aside.
4. Cut the sushinori (nori) in half crosswise.
5. Lay one sushinori (shiny side down) on a flat surface
6. Scoop some sushi rice and spread over the sushinori (make sure to distribute the rice evenly)
7. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the sushi rice
8. Cover the mat (or bamboo mat) with plastic (such as cling wrap)
9. Place the mat on a flat surface then put the sushinori with rice over the mat. The part that has the rice should be facing down.
10.Arrange the crabstick, cucumber, and avocado in the center of the sheet
11.Grab the edge of the mat, keeping the fillings in place with your fingers, and roll it into a tight cylinder, using the mat to shape the cylinder. Set aside.
12.Continue doing the process until all the rice are used.
13.Trim the edge of the rolled sushi then cut the cylinder in half using a sharp knife
14.Slice each half crosswise into three equal pieces.

15.Place in a serving plate then serve with soysauce and wasabi. Share and enjoy!

Watch this self-help video - great resource, useful and very interesting. 
Thanks to Tatyana! Awesome vid! Great techniques!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Pugad Baboy Issue - St. Scholastica's College to File a Lawsuit; Pol Medina Apologizes; PDI to explain

I used to be a reader of Pugad Baboy Series. Now, it faces controversy, an issue. To those who are interested, curious or even intrigued as to what's really going on, here are some related and relevant news about the Pugad Baboy issue. 

Happy reading!

Must-read articles.  Click the links. Take a stand.  :-) Good reads. 





Photo Credit : getrealphilippipnes.com
Inquirer: Sorry for 'offensive' Pugad Baboy strip
BY ANGELA CASAUAY

MANILA, Phiippines - The Philippine Daily Inquirer on Thursday, June 6, issued a public apology for the controversial Pugad Baboy comic strip by cartoonist Pol Medina Jr.

Calling Medina's cartoon "offensive," Inquirer publisher Raul Pangalangan clarified that Medina was not fired but his cartoon will not appear in the newspaper pending further investigation.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse, the Inquirer's internal ombudsman Elena Pernia said the inquiry would look into the editorial processes that allowed the controversial comic strip to appear in the paper, and a decision on the cartoon would be made soon after.

The comic strip, which appeared in the Inquirer on Tuesday, June 4, depicted two characters talking about how hypocritical it is for Christians to denounce homosexuality when gays and lesbians are tolerated in Catholic all-girls schools. It went on to name St Scholastica's College as an example.

Below is the full statement issued by Pangalangan:

‘‘The Philippine Daily Inquirer apologizes for the offensive Pugad Baboy cartoon by P.M. Junior on June 4, 2013. In the words of the president of St. Scholastica’s College, 'our school was singled out and our Sister-Administrators accused of allowing homosexual relationships between its female students.

‘‘Our Reader’s Advocate, Elena E. Pernia, has begun an inquiry into this matter. Her preliminary findings show that this cartoon strip had been rejected for its insensitivity when it was submitted in April 2013 but, due to a mix-up in the comics section, was picked up for publication. The Inquirer confirms its commitment to the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and good taste.

‘‘Contrary to erroneous news reports, P.M. Junior was not fired and remains a contributor. Pugad Baboy will not appear in the Inquirer, however, pending further investigation.’’

St Scholastica's College president Sr Mary Thomas Prado sent a letter to the Inquirer seeking an audience with the Inquirer on the day the comic strip was published.

Part of the letter said: "If we will not hear from PDI this week, the lawsuit will be filed. If the dialogue will be arranged, we will be inviting administrators, faculty and students who care about this issue to join us. The entire Sisters community will be present."

Medina, for his part, has hinted at a possible "conspiracy" regarding the issue. He said the comic strip was republished after he created a series of strips against former president Ferdinand Marcos. – Rappler.com

Why Inquirer suspended 'Pugad Baboy'
By Kim Arveen Patria | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

A major broadsheet on Wednesday announced  it is suspending the publication of a widely popular comic strip after a recent issue drew flak online.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer said it has pulled out “Pugad Baboy” from its comics section, following online outrage over a strip about a Catholic school for girls.

On June 4, the comic strip, penned by Antonio “Pol” Medina, discussed Catholic hypocrisy and alluded to St. Scholastica as a school riddled with lesbians.

A character in the strip said: "Sa St. Scho e wala kang makikitang magandang kulasa na walang girlfriend (In St. Scholastica you can't find a 'kulasa' who doesn't have a girlfriend.)"

Kulasa is a term used to refer to students in the exclusive school for girls run by nuns.

Another character said: "Di kaya tongril din 'yung mga madre (Could it be that the nuns are also lesbian?)"

The strip has stirred violent reactions online, with some St. Scholastica alumna posting their comments on the Inquirer website itself.

"I'm a true blue Kulasa, and not once did I hear the sisters or professors badmouth gays and lesbians. I'm proud that we were taught to always keep an open mind about things," Jenny Santiago said in a comment.

Meg Siasoco meanwhile said: "Una sa lahat, walang masama sa pagiging lesbian. Kaming mga Kulasa--all employees and superiors included--nirerespeto ang bawat tao ano man ang gender preference (First of all, there is nothing wrong about being a lesbian. We in St. Scholastica--all employees and superiors included--respect everyone regardless of gender preference)."


In its official Twitter account, St. Scholastica also posted a statement condemning the comic strip and hinting at a possible lawsuit.

The school has sent a letter to the Inquirer and has sought an audience with newspaper officials and Medina.

"We protest in strongest possible terms the way the school was singled out and out sister-administrations accused of allowing homosexual relationships between its female students," its letter read.

It added that it is ready to file a case against the Inquirer and Medina if they do not hear from the publication within the week.


Medina, for his part, said St. Scholastica's reaction to the strip, which was originally published in March, is questionable.

"If you zoom in on that particular strip that got me fired, you'll see that the strip first appeared in March. No reaction then," Medina said via Facebook.

"It was reissued after I made a series of anti-Marcos strips, then boom! nag-trending sa Twitter. Interesting. I smell a consPIGracy," he added.

Medina later on noted, however, that he received an email from the Inquirer saying that he did not get fired but has only been suspended.

"They're still deliberating... Let's wait for the official word. Salamat sa suporta (Thanks for the support)," he said via Facebook.

“Pugad Baboy” (pigpen) is famous its hard-hitting and satirical take on Philippine politics and society. It was first published by the Inquirer in 1988.



Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Capt. Bok - The Guiding Voice and The Hero in the CebPac Drama

I was in tears when I read the article of Mr. Nino Ruel Alinsub (you may read it below). After reading, all I'd say was "Thank You, dear Lord." I am grateful that everybody's safe. Truly, there's really goodness in everyone. And during these difficult times, I know that there will always be big heroes in us. Capt. Bok (as stated in the article but now I know it's Capt. Bo as I saw in the news when he was interviewed) was really a hero as he was also tagged as the 'guiding voice'. I really salute him along with the other concerned citizens, their fellow passengers, and all. God bless you all and I'd pray that we all continue to pass the good deeds on. 

Capt. Bok : The Hero
The lone hero who stood out during the 15 minutes of chaos brought by Cebu Pacific Airbus was already identified as Navy Reservist Lt. Marlon Bo, a graduate of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in 2003.

Lt. Marlon Bo was first identified as “Captain Bok” by his fellow Cebu Pacific passengers. The identification of Captain Bok was made through Philippine Navy commander of the Civil Military Operations Group Co. Edgardo Arevalo.

According to the passenger’s account, despite the panic, Captain Bok stood up, took control and calmed everyone down. Passengers of the plane, followed Captain Bok during those minutes of panic and thanked Captain Bok for his help, even the officials of Cebu Pacific gave thanks to Captain Bok. - philnews.ph

‘Seconds after the plane took off, I noticed a sudden change in the humming of the engine’

By Nino Ruel Alinsub on June 4, 2013 at 1:33 am

This is the timeline as seen from the cabin.

We were seated at row 22 with a great view on the back of the left engine that was heavily damaged. With Smoke filling in the cabin, and the airline staff not letting us out, I just held my wife Joy and my son, Jouno, closer and prayed that there would be no explosion that would happen.

4:25pm
It all started while we were waiting for boarding at Gate 16 in T2 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. We were informed that our flight will be delayed for 20mins due to the late arrival of our turn around aircraft much to the dismay of the passengers awaiting boarding. Nevertheless we patiently waited.

4:30pm
But after 5 minutes, we were asked to transfer to Gate 20 as there were changes on the flight schedule. When we get there we were directly boarded to an awaiting plane. I thought our original aircraft was still not here? Oh well, I guess this is better than waiting further. This change however turned out to be a critical one.

4:45pm
A few seconds after the plane took off, I noticed a sudden change in the humming of the engine. It was pretty much like shifting to second gear in a car even when you haven’t got the initial speed that you want. I thought the timing was off. But we were able to reach our flying altitude yet it was rough sailing from then on. The fasten seat belt sign was turned on and off several times as there were a lot of air pockets and turbulence along the way.

Throughout the flight, the passengers notice something strange. The pilot went to the restroom about 4 times within an hour, and every time he gets out he looked dazed. At one time he even asked the stewardess to make coffee for him. I do not want to make any speculations but most people can hold it even for the entire trip. A fellow passenger who was seated at the first few rows in front whom I was able to talk with after the incident proved this fact true.

6:25pm
The captain announced our flight details saying that we are already on our initial decent towards Davao International Airport and that we would land at 7:05pm. I remembered him saying that the weather was fair but a little cloudy in Davao, which generated a sigh of relief for most passengers.

Then suddenly there was a really hard turbulence that went on for a while when the staff were collecting garbage disposals. They were ordered to go back in their seats and that we were already landing in a few minutes.

6:55pm
One thing I really noticed was the speed when we approached the runway. I am a frequent traveler, and this is my 11th plane ride this year alone. We were really going in fast! I did not see the flaps moving even a bit when we were approaching the runway. Based on my experience it should have initially moved as we go nearer to subsequently decrease our airspeed but there was no movement at all. I was shocked when I looked out the window and we were that close to the ground at that speed!

When we hit the ground it felt like a bowling ball hitting the floor. It was a really hard landing. Right on impact the flaps fully opened at once and the wheel was screeching like crazy. From the sound of it, the wheels were not turning at all as the pilot slammed the brakes to the floor hoping for a complete stop.

This caused a lot of commotion from the passengers as we all lunged forward. I can hear all the hand carried baggage rumble to the front of the aircraft. I can just remember looking at my wife on my right and holding her hand and when I saw her in the emergency landing position, I just held on to my 5-yr old son tightly bracing for impact. I can see the family sitting adjacent to us doing the same and protecting their month-old baby.

At the back of my mind I was thinking this is it! I was waiting for something to blow up… the plane veered heavily to the right the sound of metal dragged on the ground was something you won’t forget pretty soon and then I heard a pop from underneath us, probably the wheels breaking off or going aground, just before the plane took a front nose-dive on the grass…luckily when the airplane stopped it didn’t happen.

6:57pm
The scene from inside the cabin was like a scene taken directly from a Hollywood crash movie flick. It was eerily dark with only the emergency exit lights on. We could hear the sound of the rain and wind gushing outside, and the loud cries of babies on board the plane. Nobody talked for a few seconds until my wife shouted “OPEN the doors” then people suddenly broke their silence. The smoke inside the cabin was enough to stir panic among the passengers reeling to get out of the plain. Yet we were instructed by the cabin crew to stay put, as they would wait for further instructions from the captain.

What? Really? You gonna wait for this freakin’ plane to blow while we were still inside? The initial responses from the passengers were a total mayhem. Everyone wants out. People were crying, some were trying to use their mobile phones to contact their loved ones outside, which I just realized could have been disastrous as it could ignite a flame that could blow us all off to the heavens.

One minute, two minutes, five minutess gone by and we are left to ourselves trying to figure out what to do next. Some members of the cabin crew were crying as well as they try their best to calm the passengers down. No ambulance, no fire trucks and no help from outside on the first few minutes of the crash. 23minutes after and with only smoky air to breath, not only oxygen, but patience, was running dangerously low as well.

It took the courage of one person, whom we only know as Captain Bok from the Philippine Navy, to stand up calm everyone down. He knew what he was doing and he was in control when even the cabin crew looked like they were really at a lost on what to do. Capt. Bok gave clear instructions for everyone to sit down so that we can leave row by row to prevent the plane from tilting over. He was the clear definition of a “guiding voice”.

In the midst of high levels of adrenaline rush, the heroes in all of us onboard sufficed as every man in the plane urged the elderly and those who have children to go out first, not minding the dangers that await us should the plane catch fire and blows to pieces. Amidst the chaos, it was elderly and children first. Classic human nature at its best.

I saw my son and my wife made it out safely from the window and that was enough to draw a smile on my face and my heart. Thank God they are safe. Now I have to save myself as well.

7:45pm
When I finally got out of the plane I let out a big sigh of relief. I looked at the plane for the first time and saw the huge crack on one of the engine turbines. It was just then that I realized how precious life is and how someone from above just gave us a second serving of life. It was a brief 10 seconds of my life…but it could easily have been the last.

7:50pm
There were only 2 vehicles that ferried the passengers from the grounds to the terminal. One was a private van most probably owned by somebody working on the premises, and another ambulance. The passengers are left out standing in the rain waiting for a ride. From the moment of impact, it took more than 5 minutes for the fire fighters to reach the scene. There were no medical first responders; in fact there were no one else. I can just imagine what would’ve happened to us if the plane did blow up and there were serious injuries on site. It would have been a mess.

8:10pm
All the passengers are now safe at the baggage conveyor section, eagerly awaiting guidance or any support from the Cebu Pacific management. But lo and behold, again there was no one to face us. Wow, in the movies you could see an outpouring of support for people who have just been to such traumatic experiences. But for us…no food, no warming blankets for those who were dripping wet from the rain, no drinks, no nothing! Not even the sight of the cabin crew consoling passengers. There were even no seats for us to rest our shaking bodies so most people just sat on the conveyor itself. And then I remembered, yes this is not Hollywood.

8:30pm
One employee from CebPac announced that we should not worry, as our baggage will be delivered door to door for compensation. This however back-fired since all passengers are weary of their hand-carried items left at the plain during the emergency exit that do not have any form of tags in them. It looked like some of the passengers were ready to pounce on the little fella.

9:00pm
we were all led to Gate no. 2 where we settled down and talked with CebPac’s management about the ordeal. Those who are from Davao were given some money for Taxi Fares, while those with connecting flights were offered hotels and meals. This was also the place where the hand-carried items were released to the passengers. We were also given juice drinks and a bottle of water during this time but it wasn’t enough to quench the anger of some of the passengers who are clearly dismayed with the absence of medical responders more than two hours after the incident. There were 3 passengers that needed help; one was an older woman whose blood pressure shoots up. The other one was a young girl on her twenties that is clearly suffering from panic attacks, and a pregnant lady that complains of severe abdominal pain… and yet there was no help until this time.

Luckily my cousin, Carlo Dela Cruz is a nurse working in Marbel Doctors Hospital, and another passenger, were capable of dealing with the situation. So just like what we did on board the aircraft, we took it upon ourselves to help each other. The two gallant nurses took care of the affected passenger until help arrived 3 hours after the incident in the form of one woman who have stethoscope and a BP apparatus. Yep! you heard me right.

9:45pm
We went back to the conveyor to get our luggage and went our separate ways, but still finding time to smile for the camera of all the media people waiting at the gates.

The whole ordeal was a life-changing one. We were really blessed to come out of a crash unscratched and alive and to call ourselves as survivors. There were more questions than answers as of this time as to what really happened. Some people said that 3 seconds before the plane touched the ground there was a sudden heavy rain and wind that made the plane swerve. Some said there was a power outage just before the plane landed.

Still some said that they saw one of the engines burning even before we landed, while others share that our engine barely whizzed by one of the metal markers as we were reeling down the runway. It would’ve blown the engine away and wrote a different ending to this story.

For all these extreme experiences, one thing stuck on my mind the most. As we were tumbled left and right, front and back on the runway, with virtually no control over our own fate, it was Jesus’ Name that was called upon by all the passengers. And it was the sincerest and sweetest “Thank You Lord” that was uttered the moment the plane came to rest.

To all the 165 passengers of Cebu Pacific Air Flight 5J 971–we did it!

June 2, 2013. Happy birthday to all of us.

NEWS: PHL Navy to honor 'Capt. Bok,' the 'guiding voice' in Cebu Pacific mishap

The Philippine Navy plans to give honors to 'Captain Bok,' described by a fellow passenger as the one who "calmed and led passengers to their safety" after a Cebu Pacific plane skidded off its runway Sunday night at the Davao International Airport. 

On Wednesday, the Navy's Civil Military Operations Group commander, Col. Edgard Arevalo, identified 'Captain Bok' as Lt. Marlon Bo, who is a Navy reservist and a graduate of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in 2003. 

"We have plans of bestowing him an award," said Col. Arevalo in a phone interview.

As of posting time, GMA News Online has yet to reach Bo for his side on the matter.

Incidentally, Bo was mentioned in a personal account of one of the passengers, describing him as a "guiding voice" at the time of the incident. 

"It took the courage of one person, whom we only know as Captain Bok from the Philippine Navy, to stand up and calm everyone down. He knew what he was doing and he was in control even when the cabin crew looked like they were really at a loss about what to do," Nino Ruel Alinsub said on his Facebook status Monday.

Arevalo said Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alan, the flag officer in command, has agreed to honor Bo. 

"To Lt. Marlon Bo, Uwah! Hooyah! Mabuhay Ka! Ipinagmamalaki Ka namin!," Arevalo said.

The airplane has been towed from the runway Tuesday evening. 

Disappointed passengers of Flight 5J-971 aims to file a class suit against Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific CEO Lance Gokongwei had already apologized for the incident. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab/RSJ, GMA News

Monday, June 3, 2013

Love at Its Best

Words of LOVE…


I got interested in reading posts about life, love, hatred and letting go. Well, I must say that I have learned some points about it and how to practically apply those thoughts in real life, in relationships. 

What anonymous people have to say about love? 

Here’s my list… Just to add spice, romance and intimacy to everyday life. Indulge in each line…

God gave us eyes to see the beauty in nature...and hearts to see the beauty in each other.

Love isn't what makes the world go round; it is what makes the trip worthwhile.

Love gives light even in the darkest tunnel.

Love can heal any dying soul.

A man falls in love through his eyes, a woman through her ears.

A man sees himself through the eyes of the woman he loves. 

Some love lasts a lifetime, true love lasts forever.

They say love hides in every corner; then, I must be walking in circles.


Sa Isang Sulyap Mo - 143 Juan Dela Cruz

Sa Isang Sulyap Mo - One-Forty Three (1:43)

Enjoy the video as it makes you fall in love with the lyrics and the message. 
Happy viewing!



Yuki:
Bakit kapag tumitingin ka natutunaw ako,
Bakit kapag lumalapit ka kumakabog ang puso ko
Bakit kapag nandito ka sumasaya araw ko
Lahat ng bagay sa mundo parang walang gulo

Anjo:
Bakit kapag nakikita ka parang nasa ulap ako
Bakit kapag kausap kita nauutal-utal sayo
Bakit kapag nandito ka nababaliw ako
Nababaliw sa tuwa ang puso ko

Chorus:
Sa isang sulyap mo ay nabihag ako, para bang himala ang lahat ng ito,
sa isang sulyap mo nabighani ako, nabalot ng pag-asa ang puso,
sa isang sulyap mo nalaman ang totoo, ang sarap mabuhay punung-puno ng kulay,
sa isang sulyap mo ayos na ako, sa isang sulyap mo, napa-ibig ako

Kim:
Bakit kapag kasama kita ang mundo ko’y nag-iiba
Bakit kapag kapiling kita ang puso ko’y sumusigla

Goldmon:
Bakit kapag nandito ka problema ko’y nabubura
Ikaw ang aking pag-asa at ang tanging ligaya

Chorus:
Sa isang sulyap mo ay nabihag ako, para bang himala ang lahat ng ito,
sa isang sulyap mo nabighani ako, nabalot ng pag-asa ang puso,
sa isang sulyap mo nalaman ang totoo, ang sarap mabuhay punung-puno ng kulay,
sa isang sulyap mo ayos na ako, sa isang sulyap mo, napa-ibig ako

Yuki:
Sa isang sulyap mo, ayos na ako
sa isang sulyap mo, napa-ibig ako..

Wikipedia says:

1:43 (pronounced as "one forty-three") is a boy band in the Philippines under MCA Records composed of Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, Kent Malunda, and Yuki Sakamoto. Their debut slambook-album titled "Time For Love" under MCA Records was released on April 27, 2011.


On its first week, the slambum was named as the No. 2 Best Selling OPM Album by Odyssey Records and Videos and No. 5 in the Overall Ranking (including foreign artists).

Juan dela Cruz - Coco Martin and Erich Gonzales

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Charice : I am a Lesbian. (Opo, Tomboy po Ako.)

It has been widespread. Many got interested about her coming out of her shell, her comfort zone. And her revelation has garnered lots of criticisms and controversies. Yes, it was an issue. It was sensationalized and was a certified hit, trending in many social networking sites. 
Photo Credit: thechicka.com
Oh well, I just wondered who's going to be her look-alike this time. LOL.

Here is the latest news on Charice Pempengco's Statement : I am a lesbian.

Charice Pempengco admits she’s lesbian
By Glaiza Jarloc ----> Sunday, June 2, 2013

INTERNATIONAL singing sensation Charice Pempengco ended all speculations about her gender preference and revealed that she's a lesbian.

"Opo. Tomboy ako. Hindi ko alam kung ano yung problema doon kasi para sa akin walang problema," the singer said in an exclusive interview with King of Talk Boy Abunda on "The Buzz," Sunday, June 2.

She said she had the option of doing the tell-all interview abroad but she chose to do it here in the Philippines because she owes everything to the public.

The singer added that she respects how everyone will take her revelation, but hopes that they will accept her for who she is.

entervrexworld.wordpress.com
"Sa mga hindi makaitindi, hindi makakaunawa, hindi ako matatanggap, sorry po. Naiintindihan ko po kayo. Pero sa lahat ng makakatanggap, maraming maraming salamat po."

Charice said it's a humbling experience for her to finally share her gender. "Ang gaan ng pakiramdam ngayon. Na makakalabas ako ng bahay na wala akong itatago, wala akong masasagasaang tao kasi wala akong itinatago."

After her emotional admission, Charice apologized to her mother, Racquel, and younger brother Carl.

She confirmed that there was a miscommunication between them, but they fixed it already and she's just waiting for the latter to fully accept her decision.

"Sorry mommy, Carl, pero ito ako. Proud ako sa sarili ko at mahal ko ang sarili ko kaya ko ginagawa ko ito."

"Kailangan ko siyang intindihin kasi kung nasaktan niya ako, alam ko na mas nasaktan siya bilang ina. Ngayon hindi kami magka-away. Nasa stage kami na nag-try kami na intindihin yung isa't isa," she said.

The singer also revealed that she left their house about a month ago and she's currently staying with a family in Cabuyao, Laguna.

The 21-year-old did not expect that the said foster home will accept her with open arms and she could be her real self with them.

"Ang hirap mag trust, ang hirap maghanap ng taong ganoon. Pero hinayaan ko ang Diyos na bigyan ako ng sign, kung sino ang pwedeng tumulong sa akin."

"Finally, na pumasok ako sa isang bahay pwede na akong humiga, na (pwede kong sabihin na) 'pagod na ako'. Na pwede kong lahat gawin. Pwede kong ipakita kung sino si Charice sa kanina na walang manghuhusga."

Charice also gave her two cents on the recent interview given by her grandmother. The singer said they haven't spoken yet, but there's no rift between them.

She's also certain that things will get better in the coming weeks.

Abunda also asked Charice on her rumored girlfriend, a certain Alyssa Quijano.

Without confirming anything, the singer said that Alyssa is very special to her and they've known each other since their younger years. They reconnected when Quijano joined "X-Factor Philippines," where Charice used to be a judge.

"Ang masasabi ko lang po, si Sha, she's an inspiration. Isa po siya sa mga pinagkukunan ko ng lakas ngayon. She's a very special person."

"Sana mabuksan ninyo na lang ang puso ko para makita... ang lakas ng tibok," she said.

The singer also clarified that Alyssa is not the reason behind the rift between her and her family.

Charice also spoke about rumors circulating around that she doesn't have a clear career now in show business.

The international singer reiterated that she's yet to do another recording in the US, will produce a song that will be used in one big project, will do some television shows, and will record her third album here in the country.

She's still also under the management of Marc Johnson in the US.

Charice said that she knows that some of her fans may feel disappointed by her revelation, but reiterated that she's still the same singer they’ve come to love and support.

"Ang dasal ko na sana eventually matanggap ako ng mga tao. Chasters, this is a new chapter. Welcome to my crazy life and enjoy the ride," she ended. (Sunnex) (sunstar.com.ph)