It’s been in the entertainment news here in the Philippines lately that a veteran and an activist singer/song writer, Freddie Aguilar, made a comment that Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda were just like a monkey that they’re imitating the singers abroad when they perform.
He further stated that it was Mariah Carey who said that Charice is like a monkey. He said that he was invited over 3 decades ago to record an album in the States. Since the recording company refused to record his album that includes a lot of his Tagalog songs he said he just told them to forget it. He said he would rather record here in the Philippines and sell it here. He said that his conscience was clean then. He is the fellow that wrote the song Anak (song about a parent to a kid) and some other songs that were famous before here in the Philippines. Really the song and the lyrics are very good. The Anak song was recorded in a lot of languages all over the world. I’m surprised, why did he allow them to record in different languages?
Before anything else I will give you more background who these people are who he is criticizing. First, Charice Pempengco. She’s a young girl from San Pedro, Laguna. She joined a singing contest in their area and the neighboring place. Then, she joined ABS-CBN show Little big star search in 2005. She was just third placer at that contest. Then somebody uploaded a video of her performing on Youtube. Next, Ellen DeGebeneres saw the the video. They contacted Charice, inviting her to the States to perform at the Ellen show. Really that performance she made at the show really paved the way for her to be an international singer. She was then invited by Oprah Winfrey. Oprah now the manager/mentor of Charice in the States, with the help of producer writer David Foster. Charice now has finished recording her album in the States. She traveled to the States many times a month. Like she will perform there or some other countries, then she comes home to be on the show here in the Philippines then back to the States again. Charice really has a bright future ahead of her. She’s really in good hands.
The second person that was criticized was Arnel Pineda. Arnel was a member of a band here in the Philippines. He is from Manila. He was performing and the video was uploaded in Youtube. The rock band Journey saw his video on Youtube. So, they contacted him to ask if he can come to the States to audition for the group. They got him. He is now the vocalist of the rock band Journey. He really is the success story also that hailed from a very poor family here in the Philippines. Now he tours with the group all over the world. He comes home here in the Philippines regularly since his wife and kids still reside here.
Really, as Arnel said on an interview, if we are singing English songs in other countries, that doesn’t mean we love the Philippines less. He further said that he really is proud to be a Filipino and nobody can take that away from him. Somebody defended Charice on this matter also, a famous performer here. His name is Gary Valenciano. He said that Charice is so young and she was just starting. This is really her stepping stone into stardom. Give Charice time and not judge her. He said that Charice was giving honor in our country by being known in the States and some other countries.
Really a lot of Filipinos have made themselves famous all over the world. I think really we should just be proud instead of criticizing them. It’s not really for him to choose. It’s should just be Charice and Arnel and those other Filipinos who will decide what they want. It’s not up to us. He made his choice before not to record in the States and everybody respects his decisions on that, nobody criticized him. So it’s time for him to respect others decisions too. Some people even said that he might just be jealous that Charice and Arnel were so successful in the States and other countries and that he is not.
What do you think, guys? Do you think that if a Filipino performer be invited to guest on some shows abroad,that they should just perform Filipino songs or any dialect we have here in the Philippines? Would that further the career of a Filipino performer abroad?
Cheers!
Charice is a singer, not a composer/song writer like Freddie Aguilar. She's young and just starting out. I'm sure she will be recording her own songs.
As to Arnel Pineda, he auditioned to be the lead singer for Journey. So, he should be singing the band's music. And why on earth should he speak Tagalog during concert when the audience won't be able to understand?
Freddie Aguilar is just being silly or he's just jealous.
Hi Feyma – It would be nice if a singer from the Phils was invited to do "a set" of songs for an overseas appearance would include at least "one from back home." If the singer was limited to just one song, however, that song would be something tied to popularity ratings.
I agree with Miss August regarding Arnel Pineda. He should "blend" into Journey both in song and in speak.
Can't say anything bad about Freddie – he's golden in my book. 😀
Feyma: The first time I heard Arnel sing with Journey, it was simply amazing how good of a voice he has. As to Charice, give her time… I think she may become truly huge someday, and with Oprah and tons of other singers supporting her, she has a good shot.
Hi Feyma, I think that they are both very talented young performers that come from humble beginnings and I'm happy that they're getting their chance to shine. I love Freddie Aguilar, but it sounds a little like sour grapes to me.
Acctually I've had this discussion with my boyfriend several times before Aguilar brought it up – and a humorus remark from my side as it was stated on TV during our visit in Davao last week definately did not fall in good grace.
My take? Well….Arnel Pineda became the lead singer of Journey and ofcourse he will not onley sing new material – he will also have to perform old Journey material – it's given and it can not be any diffrent and if he pulls it out, I can onley say RESPECT! because falling into the lead role of a rock group with that reputation is no easy task! Honour be with Mr. Pineda!
However when it comes to Charice Pempengco, my opinion is that she's a brilliant copy cat and imitator. I've never heard her sing anything that has not before been performed by someone else, and what's worse – she doesn't even try to personify the material – she sings exactly like Mariah Carrey or Whitney Houston would've done. Sorry to say it – but acting is most likely her main talent.
Next week I've promised that when we arrive in Manila we can buy the new album and when I've heard that one, maybe I have a diffrent view but so far to me Charice Pempengco is a comedian!
Hi Feyma,
I feel the critisism is out of order.
Why critisise people for bettering their lives.
These days artists have to become international, if they wish to get to the top of their career.
regards Chas.
its simple why would they sing Tagalog in america unless it was for Filipinos ? god bless them both and there bright futures,even in the Philippines Filipinos sing in English a lot.remember English is the 2nd official language there!
Freddie made a costructive comments generally. There is lesson for this as lots of Pinoays doing this way. Treat replica as stepping stone and compose your own in the future so that in such a way you can make a difference. Take Freddie's comments a challenge, don't be a copycat forever. I believe you would be thankful to him someday as he is the gateway of your success. blah blah blah!!
Many famous singers don't write their own songs, but are presented with songs, because they are able to sing. I heard Arnel sing with Journey, and he is a fantastic replacement.
Possibly Mr. Auguillar was refused because he insisted on singing Filipino songs to an American audience. The record companies are out for a profit, and obviously they did not see that coming with Mr. Augillar's choice. Sometimes pride can get in the way of good decisions?
BEST WISHES to both young people becoming extremely successful, and handling the responsibility, and money responsibly……i2f….John
hi fEYMA,
Arnel is a good singer, with good voice and he was chosen coz he sings and sounds like the original… end of the story. Freddie should just shut up and try to revive whatever left of his career. Charice is still a child trying to make the best of what she got right now… giving her mom the best life she could give her after all their sacrifices… at least she's not into drugs like some singers' children.
kamusta feyma
ahh i think if an actor or singer can go abroad and local in philippines then thats great.i dont think of them as monkeys but as performers and each have thier own talant.
i hope the best for them all.
godbless you and your family.
Well my take on this is that I don't think Freddie's criticism is warranted at all, i like his song specially 'ANAK" (CHILD) but the way he critized some filipino singers who has a chance to shine internationally is way out of line, it's his decision to turn down a $10 million offered for him by an AMERICAN PRODUCERS for not including his filipino songs on their album bcoz of his being a patriotic filipino but time is changing too fast and people needs to blend to the present trend these young artist tried their best and work hard to get a recognition abroad so he should support them and like GARY V. said, CHARICE is still young so give her time and she will probably have a chance to make her own album, as far as i know she's about to release her first international album this year and also ARNEL will participate on songwriting. until then let's wait and see what happen next. Arnel on the other hand was hired by an AMERICAN ROCK BAND to sing only JOURNEY song and i'm sure it specified on his contract that he is not allowed to sing other song than JOURNEY, so does it make sense MR. Freddie AGUILAR?
Here's Freddie's 'ANAK'( CHILD) W/ ENGLISH VERSION http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA2TMhgZdVc
Hi Miss August – I agree with you. I think she just finished recording an album with David Foster. I really hope she will be the next big star someday. I also hope she will not follow some other teens star in the States that go wild to the point to forget to wear underwear. I would be shock if Charice will be like them.
Yes Arnel should follow what Journey wants him to sing. He agreed to be the lead singer for them. So it should be English since its American rock band.
Hopefully Freddie will understand the other singers when invited abroad to just be happy of what they sing.
Good to see you here. Have a good weekend!
Hi Paul – Point taken. Really I think for Freddie to just be happy of the Filipino singers who perform abroad. We were proud of him before. Time for him to let go and enjoy.
Happy to see you here again. Take care.
Hi JohnM – Can't agree with you more John. Well said it.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
I have loved Freddie Auguilar since I first heard his song Anak. I have the orignal vinyal from the 80's and i still listen to it today. Any preformer from any country should presue all aveneus for their careere,if that is what they want to do. If Freddie only wanted to preform in Tagalog, that's great for him. If other philippino's want to perform internaionaly, then go for it! Music is the international language
WOW!! I have loved this song for so many years, just because of the melody and the guitar, but I have never know the meaning of the song. thank you so much for passing on this version of the song
I used to admire Freddie,his being nationalistic.But what he said is out of the line.A true musician must learn to respect other musicians style or being.He almost reached the age of senility to know that all of us has a different opinions on certain things,and that includes music.If he's a true professional musician,he should have kept his opinion to himself,rather than hurting a fellow musicians feelings.What he said made him look MAYABANG AT INGGIT,so what if Anak was recorded in different languages?What is he now?It was a one-time glory only.He is nothing but a "Cradle Snatcher" he better look at himself in the mirror.He is a filipino indeed,a filipino with a CRAB MENTALITY.
Hi queeniebee – Amen to that. Can't agree you more.
Good to see you again here. Take care.
Hi Michael Holm – I agree with you on Arnel Pineda. Sorry but I disagree with you on Charice. She's a brilliant singer and can sing the song of those famous singers. She's coming out soon with the album written by and I think produced by David Foster. We should be proud of her. She's a teen with a big voice. She's going to be a big star someday. She's also done recording her album here in the Philippines.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Hope to see you more here. Take care.
Hi chasdv – You got that right chasdv.
Nice to see you again. Take care.
Hi mike – Thats for sure. Hopefully people give them time, maybe later they will record an album that will include a lot of Tagalog songs.
Thank you so much for your comment. Take care.
Hi imagine – Thats true. Arnel just sings the song that was given to him. He will follow what the Journey band ask him to do. I'm sure he is proud of what he is doing. Same with Charice. David Foster ask her to be the guest of one of his concert together with a lot of big name artist. Just that we should be proud of her that she was given a chance to perform and seen all over the world. I am really proud of Arnel and Charice and all the Filipinos that make big names all over the world. Cheers to them.
Good to see you here. Thank you for stopping by!
Hi CRIS – Even some artist here in the Philippines said what you've just said. Honestly Freddie still say a lot of stuff. He wanted to makes himself sounds better but the more he talks the more that he sounded like whining. I just hope that he will just quit talking about it. Charice camp didn't say a word yet about it.
Oh well, hopefully he should just leave others alone and he should just write songs about all of this going on right now.
Thank you for stopping by here. Thank you for the comment!
Hi RonW – Thats for sure. Gosh we should just be happy of all the accomplishment.
Good to see you again Ron. Thank you for your comment. Take care!
Hi wildcat75 – Well said it wildcat75. I can't agree you more. Really I hope that he realize that he is not doing any good by criticizing and calling names on anybody. I really hope for him to be quiet now and stop talking about the issue.
Nice to see you again here. Thank you for your comment!
Hi Evelyn – Very true. Honestly I like his song but he should give way to the younger generation and let them chose their path. His not the only person wants to sing.
Thank you for your comment. Hope to see your more. Take care!
Hi ronald – You said it better. Him having the "Crab mentality" makes him looks so inggit. He is making himself looks bad by him talking a lot on TV. He should just stop.
Good comment. Thank you so much. Take care!
At least what he called "monkeys" is known abroad if not the entire world. They are making a decent living out of personal choice. It's none of his business on what they decided to do with their talents and future. This is not about being patriotic this is about making a living and achieving a dream few people in the Philippines can attain. It should not be questioned nor make non-sense comments. But he is free to express himself, either way it really doesn't matter what he say….
Yes typical crab mentality. "I'm a patriot therefore you should be doing the same" that kind of belief is just plain silly. Maybe in other situation it might work.
Hi Feyma!
One point: Arnel Pineda is not from Manila – he is a born and raised Olongapo City native that all 200,000+ residents are very proud of. They will be erecting a stature of him in the City Mall parking lot area next year.
Please tell your hubby that I and my husband agreed with the changes he is making to this blog. Everyone must be rewarded for their efforts. I believe that the membership route is the way to go. Time will tell.
Best to you and family,
Jo
Hey Feyma,
Yes, Freddie might have given an offer to do a record abroad but I don't think well known singers will not recognize him. He is just jealous with the success of these two kids. They started from nothing alright but the best part was that they were recognize by those well known singers and people and had acknowlege their talents. We should all be proud.
Hi Vanessa – Very true. I really hope he will just move on and be happy for others.
Thank a lot for your nice comment. Take care.
Hi Jo – Thank you for some more info.
Good to see you here. Thank you for supporting the changes.
Hi melba – Amen to that.
Thank you for stopping by!
Yes Feyma, I completely agree.
I agree with Freddie! Filipino singers have natural skills and talent others would kill for but Filipino pop isn't an identifiable style of music, nor is it unique.. the only way you can tell it's from the Phils is when the lyrics are in Tagalog.
Very sadle, most of these singers would rather be professionally successful rather than artistically successful!
Hi Mary (Aus-born Filipina) – Oh well everyone of us has different views.
The only thing I will say is that I am proud of every Kababayan that we have that make themselves known to the world. If they sing, dance, boxing etc as long as they are proud to be known too.
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate very much.
There is an American Country Singer of Philippine Desent who has made 11 albums, and had 25 Country Chart Singles, Google the name Neal McCoy and see for yourself. By the way he's GREAT! Now for Freddy, when I first heard him in Olongapo City (I was very young then, as now) I fell in love with his music, I took some of his (Tape's)music back to the states and played them to friends, they all wanted copies. Now being a Boston Irish-American (My father would not have been an American if the boat was one day late arriving in Boston.) I found I don't have to understand the words to enjoy the music.
Hi Feyma,
I would like to respond to the question "Would anyone listen to Tagalog music in the USA?" I love listening to to World Music as do other people in the USA. I listen to Brazilian, Irish, Russian, Indian, Andean Mountain music and other music from other cultures. The music is amazing even though I don't understand the lyrics. I have tagalog songs on my ipod and enjoy them very much. I believe if someone would tell the story about the tagalog song before performing it, the song would be well received here.
There is a quote from Ali Akbar Khan that states "music in tune and in rhythm is music to the soul." I feel like Charice and Arnel are singing to my soul when I have listen or watch them perform. Both will be very successful so it doesn't matter what other people will say about them. All they have to do is keep singing.
I agree that Freddie Aguilar should have kept his opinion to himself, but what is done is done. There is nothing constructive about belaboring the point, it's like rubbing salt on an open wound and prolonging the controversy for no worthwhile purpose. I am neither for nor against Freddie Aguilar because of what he said, but I do take into consideration that even great men misspeak from time to time and continue to be great when all is said and done.
Feyma
I think you failed to put into context what Freddie stated. His comment about “ungoy” or aping in context was misread by so many who overreacted. BTW have you read the whole PEP article that reveals the interview without the spin of the TV clips?
Freddie has been an abrasive character ever since. He’s not going out of his way to be mean to Arnel and Charice. In the latter’s case, her management might be well advised to get her songs of her own (either composed by her or composed for her by other professionals)
I have to take an issue when you wrote that Filipinos should be “proud” of her (ako ay isang Filipino). I’ll be proud if she is not a mimic or she stops singing the same old songs by Whitney, Celine, or Jojo. In the case of original vs copycat, I take the side of the original everytime (I don’t even patronize American remakes of foreign films for the most part).
Hi cardcrusher – For me I am happy that Filipinos were being recognized abroad. I don’t care who or what songs they are singing as long as they have good voice and the people they’re entertaining were happy. That’s good enough for me. They really sings there hearts out.
If anybody hates the foreign land they should just stay in the Philippines and don’t travel to the places they hated most. Don’t you think its a bit conceited to be saying bad words of the country you hated but then go there to work and earned money. The crab mentality again.
Take care!
Feyma
It looks like we’re going to have to agree to disagree regarding Charice and Arnel. I’ll be keeping an eye on how her new album does. It allegedly has new original tracks. She could do well outside of the Top40 stations. David Foster afterall has done ok with musicians who gets much airplay at adult or contemporary stations.
You wrote:
“If anybody hates the foreign land they should just stay in the Philippines and don’t travel to the places they hated most. Don’t you think its a bit conceited to be saying bad words of the country you hated but then go there to work and earned money. The crab mentality again.”
I don’t get where you’re coming from. I never mentioned anything close to “hate” or “bad words” about any country on my last post. To clarify, I dislike copycats or aping or remakes (whether songs or films) from all over the world. It reeks of laziness and mediocrity.
In the case of Hollywood remakes that I brought up, I recommend you read this thread: http://www.empireonline.com/forum/tm.asp?m=1356598&mpage=3&key=
Since it’s a UK based site, it’s a more neutral view of how fans of cinema in general view remakes.
Arnel Pineda he is a rockstar. JOURNEY want him and be thankful be proud people. Freddie, you are not the one who’s feeding him so susshhh your mouth. What you think about ABbA they sang English not Swedish right. I like Freddie but I don’t have respect to people who judge.
You become who you are. You succeed because you made it happen. Arnel, don’t stop
Believe it. And I believing you.