Big in more ways than one

Big Champion Frenchie Dy is a bigger winner in many ways today.

Indeed, 2004’s Search For The Star In A Million ultimate victor is winning the battle against Bell’s Palsy; an illness that has temporarily paralyzed one side of her face since two months ago. Though full recovery is taking time, it surely is forthcoming with prayers, rehabilitation and the indomitable spirit of a woman who refuses to let the condition halt her normal goings-on.

Today, Frenchie is busier. She has returned to her regular shows ASAP and Wowowee; has launched a bar tour that will run for two months with some concerts abroad on the side; and will be inking a recording deal for a debut album.

On top of these, the house she had won in Star In A Million is finally ready for occupancy with title already in her name. "People may find this weird but it’s true – I am more blessed now," she says with such calm that could only stem from steel conviction. "This chapter in my life has been a learning experience. It is a profound lesson that made me realize how temporary things are and how important it is to value every moment that we have."

Triumphing over seemingly insurmountable odds is nothing new to Frenchie. When she first came out as a contestant in Star In A Million, many did not take her seriously. The talent was there without question but some thought the absence of the standard artista package of svelte and snow-white skin would derail her. But she prevailed.

And when she wins against Bell’s Palsy, it’s a rematch that again went to her favor. Unknown to many, Frenchie has actually had the condition when she was twelve years old and it lasted for two weeks.

"That’s why I won’t be impatient, I won’t be afraid and I certainly won’t be sitting around waiting for full recovery to happen while life passes me by," she says. "I’ve been here before and I know that this can be overcome. Besides, I know that far worse things could’ve happened to me. I am alive, I could still sing and I have people I love and who love me back and who support me all the way. These are enough."

Frenchie admits though that at the onset were moments of weakness. At the hospital, she refused to allow both showbiz and non-showbiz friends to visit her. When she got out, Frenchie, too, was wary of being seen publicly. "I didn’t want people ridiculing me or, worse, pitying me. I had to deal with myself first."

The reclusion was unnecessary. When she did finally see her friends and go out in public, nothing but encouraging words were showered on her. Frenchie says that she is most touched when complete strangers walk up to her to say, "Okay na? Magpagaling ka. Kaya mo yan." "And the text messages I have received from my ‘Champion’ friends! Some, especially those from Erik Santos, really got me to tears. I also got messages from Gary Valenciano and Sharon Cuneta who both said they were praying for me and have even asked their friends to do the same. This condition has reminded me how much loved I am."

More than earning a living, Frenchie is resolute in being on the spotlight again for nobler reason. "I want people who also have Bell’s Palsy to know that having the condition is nothing to be ashamed of," says Frenchie. "And for others to better understand what it’s all about."

Based on research Frenchie did, the cause of Bell’s Palsy is usually viral. Her weight had nothing to do with it, says Frenchie. As for speculations that she, perhaps, was on illegal drugs immediately prior to contraction is totally hilarious to Frenchie. "Sa laki kong to, mukha pa ba akong nag-dru-drugs?" she quips.

But how hard is it to have Bell’s Palsy? "Extremely hard. The paralyzed side of your face feels tender all the time that’s why at the beginning, I was on really strong pain killers round the clock aside from taking other medicines. You have difficulty talking because half of your tongue is affected. Fortunately, my singing is not affected at all because I know how to project my voice and open my mouth properly."

She adds, "At night, you have to sleep covering the eye where the paralyzed side is or it would dry up if left exposed to air. I also undergo acupuncture treatment thrice a week. I eat healthier now because though my weight has nothing to do with it, the whole point of it all is that health truly is wealth."

When asked to pick a song that could best sum up her experience, Frenchie chose Gulong Ng Palad. "You cannot choose the hand life deals you with. But you have absolute control on how you respond to the challenges. Are you going to let it get you down or will you do everything to rise above it? I choose the second." Spoken like a true champion.

(Frenchie Dy’s bar tour is on Oct. 20, 22, 27, 28, and Nov. 4, 11, 25 at 22nd St. Marcos Highway; Oct. 13 and 14 at 22nd St. Cebu; Oct. 26, Ratsky Tomas Morato and Nov. 3, 10, 24 at 22nd St. Las Pinas. Frenchie will also be the special guest in Erik Santos’ concert in Kaui Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii on Nov. 18, 19 and 20.)