Copyright 2008 to the writer

In the wake of Andre Agassi¿s Grandslam for Children 2008 event, Charice fans worldwide are on a stake-out on YouTube waiting for the latest video of Charice¿s performance at this famous benefit concert held in Wynn Las Vegas, where Charice was a special guest. Did you get that? Special Guest! This event saw her share the stage with big names like Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow and Natasha Beddingfield just to name a few. But let me say it again (just because it feels so good!): Charice¿ was a Special Guest!!!

Even as I write, pictures of Charice taken at the event are being searched, viewed and purchased at www.wireimage.com and gettyimages by those (myself included!) who are too impatient to wait for the video in an effort to quelch our thirst for more Charice videos! We just can¿t get enough of Charice!

So what is it about this diminutive, unassuming young 16 year old ¿no-longer-a-girl-but-not-quite-a-woman¿ that keeps us glued on YouTube up to the wee hours of the morning watching videos (of her performances dating back from when she was 9 years old), over and over again! One fansite even has a gadget on their website dedicated to creating new words resulting from this phenomenon, and they call it the Dic-CHA-nary! Hence, we now have a word for people on the video stake-out: Chaddicts!

It isn¿t just her voice, as utterly captivating as it is, nope. It¿s not just her pretty face and her engaging smile. It isn¿t just her sense of self-assuredness that spills out onto the stage and grabs hold of the entire audience (including the tv/video watching public) from the moment she takes that microphone into her hands and the first melodic tones come out of her. It isn¿t just the depth of emotions that she brings into every note and every word that she sings.

It isn¿t just the facial expressions that seem to naturally just happen at perfectly appropriate sections of the songs. It isn¿t the goosebumps nor the effervescent feeling that emanates from the core of your being as you watch her and listen to her. It isn¿t the joy, nor the sense of pride, nor the feeling of recognition that she evokes in her listener (or beholder). It isn¿t her childlike innocence that lets you know the purity of her heart.

It isn¿t the obvious love and respect she has for her mother. It isn¿t because she broke through all possible limitations and seemingly huge obstacles strategically placed in front of her. It is not even her sudden rise to international stardom. It isn¿t the string of successes that she has added (just in the last 12 months alone) to her already dazzling resumé. It isn¿t because she remains grounded and down to earth amidst the accolades and the standing ovations!

It is precisely because of all of that - put together in one compact albeit beautiful, attractive, delightfully addictive little package! An innocent child yet able to display a maturity that is well beyond her years and, without even trying, exhibit the power to move grown men to tears!

It is because her very existence assures us that there is something, someone Supreme within all of us that makes the impossible possible. It is her absolute belief in herself, and faith in that Supreme being within, which makes her an undisputable evidence of greatness and well-being, as well as a shining example and a great role model for anyone (young and old alike) who harbours a dream in their heart.

Yes, this young diva commands not just your attention, your admiration, your respect, your laughter, your tears, but most of all your unconditional love. Yes, Charice has the magic to pull you right into her world¿ all of you¿ heart, mind and soul! Because she has so much more to give back to you!

So if you haven't experienced the phenomenon that is Charice, I encourage you to get in front of a computer, log on to YouTube, search the name Charice, and get ready for a deliciously emotional ride of a lifetime! Oh and remember to have food and drink nearby because you'll be glued to your seat for a looooong time!

Fasten your seatbelts ladies and gentlemen, I give you... CHARICE!