MANILA - International singing sensation Charice Pempengco is now busy promoting her first major concert titled "Charice: The Journey Begins" this coming June 27, Saturday at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City at 8 pm.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Charice said she was excited that her music idol, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, will be part of her concert.

"I'm so happy. First time kong magkakaroon ng concert at hindi ako makapaniwala na makakasama ko po siya (Velasquez) sa concert. Excited po ako na talagang makasama siya, kasi idol ko po siya," the pint-sized singer said.

Charice, who has sung duets with Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, shared that it was her dream to perform with Velasquez onstage.

"Nagbiro lang po ako na siya ang gusto kong makasama (si Ms. Regine) kasi idol ko nga siya. Tapos na-surprise ako na siya na nga po ang magiging guest ko. So another blessing na naman po ito from God," she said.

Charice shared that she still remembers the time when she watched Velasquez's concert in the United States.

"Hindi po ako nanonood ng concert talaga, lalo na po dito sa atin. Pero sa concert niya sa US nakisama po talaga ako sa mga audience. Super bait niya. At ngayon po talagang looking forward ako na makaka-duet ko siya. Natupad na talaga ang dream ko," Charice said humbly.
 
The teen sensation said that aside from Velasquez, her former "Little Big Star" fellow candidates will also be part of her big night.

Charice said she will be performing songs that are close to her heart, as well as some original tracks from her albums.

"Itong concert na ito parang, sabihin natin na parang music of my life. Parang lahat po ng songs na naging parte ng life ko. Kung ano ang kinanta ko sa contest, kung ano ang kinanta ko sa Oprah, kung ano ang naging single ko sa first and second album ko and single ko sa US. So lahat po talaga," she told the news site.

Dream projects

Aside from having a successful career locally and internationally, Charice shared that she is also hoping to be a lawyer someday.

"Gusto ko po talagang maging lawyer. Na-inspire po ako ng mga lawyer ko. Parang gusto ko po parang maging entertainment lawyer po para din makakasama ko pa din ang mga stars," she said.

A hard worker, Charice said that aside from her personal needs, all she wants to do is provide for her brother Carl and mother Raquel.

This Laguna-born young lady said that every night, she prays that God would keep showering her with blessings. "Akala ko kasi dati walang nangyayari tapos naging sunod-sunod na. So, sana huwag magsawa si God na bigyan ako ng surpresa," she said.

Charice insisted that she won't have all the blessings in her life without the help and support of her fans and supporters.

The teen singer said she will always remember what Oprah Winfrey told her: "Always be humble even though you are wearing a nice shoes."

Charice even dished out advice to aspiring superstars: they should always strive for the best and remember to keep their feet on the ground.

Charice, who believes that wearing a rosary every time she performs is her lucky charm, is thrilled with the latest report that her second album under Star Records called "My Inspiration" is nearing Gold record status, while her first self-titled album is now certified Platinum.

After her concert this June 27, Charice is set to return to the US to continue recording her first international album with well-known musician David Foster.

"Promise ko po sa kanya babalik ako agad ng US pagkatapos ng concert. So sa June 29 lalabas na kami ng bansa. Nagpaalam kasi ako sa kanya, at bilang kapalit, mag-i-stay ako ng two months para sa recording namin," she said.
 
She and Foster are reportedly contemplating whether to have an Asian concert tour after the album is completed.

"Mayroon po kaming plan. Mayroon kaming Asian tour, so siyempre po, I'm sure hindi mawawala ang Philippines. Kasi last time noong nag-repeat concert kami, ang daming Filipino. So parang na-ano siya na 'okay I will go to the Philippines,'" Charice said.