Charice is back with family this Christmas

More than 500 townmates received bagfuls of goodies (groceries, rice, dresses, etc.) from Charice yesterday at the Cabuyao Central School in Cabuyao, Laguna, where Charice studied Grade 1.

“It was Charice’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to her townmates,” said Grace Mendoza. “It was long overdue.”

Charice has good reasons to be thankful for, most especially her reconciliation with her mom Raquel Pempengco and brother Carl, likewise Grace who is back as Charice’s manager, friends who stood by her during a turbulent chapter of her life following her “coming out” three years ago, and, of course, her fellow Cabuyeño  residents who supported her unconditionally.

As her way of saying ‘thank you’ Charice distributed gifts to her fellow Cabuyao residents…

“First and foremost,” added Grace, “we have God to thank for giving Charice the strength and determination to survive the past years.”

There’s also Oprah Winfrey, one of Charice’s godparents when she was baptized in Catholic rites a few years ago after she converted from another religion. When Charice returned to guest on Oprah’s show a few months ago, Oprah assured her that she approved of Charice’s decision to come out despite the bashing that followed, telling Charice that she was happy for her.

After a family feud waged on national television, Charice and mom Raquel have kissed and made up. Initially against it, Raquel has learned to accept Charice’s relationship with Charice’s partner Alyssa Quijano.

Together, mother and daughter, Charice’s brother Carl and Alyssa were a picture of a happy family as they helped each other distribute the gifts. Highlight of the day was Charice’s rendering a few songs. She was visibly touched when small children dedicated songs to her, bringing her to the verge of tears. “Actually,” said Grace, “Charice cried.”

…including a PWD (Person With Disability), who was visibly overwhelmed

Although she was busy with concerts abroad, Charice did only one at home, a Valentine concert with Aiza Seguerra (who married her partner beauty-queen/actress Liza Diño in California last Dec. 8, the first such same-sex marriage between Filipinos).

Asked about it, Charice said that she has heard about Aiza and Liza’s wedding and tentatively said that, why not, she and Alyssa might do the same without saying where and when.

“We have big plans for 2015,” disclosed Grace, “but we cannot yet reveal the details.”

This Christmas is special to Charice and family because it’s the first time in three years that they are sharing Noche Buena as one big, happy family again.

“I am blessed,” Charice told Funfare. “Thank you, Lord!”