MANILA - International singing sensation Charice appeared tearful before viewers on a top entertainment show as she recounted all her struggles and failures when she was just starting out in the music industry.

In an exclusive interview with "SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon," Charice told the show's host Boy Abunda that she had almost given up singing when she was 12 years old. She said she became upset when people had belittled and mocked upon joining ABS-CBN's "Little Big Star."

Charice, who started joining singing contests at 7 years old, said she was the first to audition for the show's pilot episode and was also the first "Little Big Star" grand finalist. She chose "How Could You Say You Love Me", popularized by Singer Sarah Geronimo, as her audition piece.

However, all her excitement faded after she performed the hit Regine Velasquez song "Shine" and was booted out of the show, which came as shock to the young singer.

"Minsan po noong natalo ako, may mga nakikita po ako na natatawa sila noong natalo ako. Sobrang sakit po nun. Ayaw ko pong magsalita pero sana po ay makita nila ang nararating ko ngayon," Charice said, while wiping her tears.

Charice admitted she became depressed and didn't leave her room for almost 2 weeks. At the time, Charice refused offers to rejoin "Little Big Star" as a "wild card" contestant.

The YouTube sensation said her mother had convinced her to give the show another try. "She said 'winning is not everything but what is important was that they try everything to showcase their talent'," she said.

When Charice reached the Monthly Finals of "Little Big Star", things gots worse. She said a lot of people questioned her talent, as well as her age. Some alleged that Charice was 14, above the show's age cut-off, though she was actually 12.

"Feeling ko parang ang dami ko pong kalaban. Minsan nga po sinasabi ko kay mommy na parang huwag na lang po. Minsan iniisip ko na sumuko na. Pero sinasabi ni mommy na ituloy, kasi sobrang sakit ng binabato nila sa akin," she said.

The petite singer shared she had received harsh criticism from others, who told her that she would not be popular because she had no "star quality."

"Sinasabi nila na 'wala yang mararating, 'di siya maganda.' Masakit din sa akin 'yon. Inisip ko na lang na at least narating ko 'yong grand finals. Itong pangit na ito narating ang grand finals," she said.

Charice eventually ranked third on "Little Big Star." She admitted that she was saddened by the result because she had originally hoped to win the top prize in order to help ease her family's financial troubles.

"Iniisip ko, paano na, kasi kahit sumasali ako doon, kulang pa din ang napapanalunan ko po," she said.
 
Adding insult to injury, Charice said her schoolmates had mocked her after failing to win big at the singing contest. "Pagdating ko po ng school, ‘yon po tinutukso ako. At nagpaparinig sila na 'talo ka pala eh.' Noong narinig ko po 'yon sabi ko kay mommy 'ayaw ko na po.' Pero sabi niya na maghintay lang," she said.

As her emotional crutch throughout her life, Charice's mother has definitely been the force behind the country's newest singing superstar. The mother-and-daughter tandem even have a special song for each other - "Maghintay Ka Lamang", originally performed by Ted Ito in 1991.

The road to fame has not been an easy journey for Charice, but she said all the mockeries, hurdles, and difficulties were worth it. She is now in the country to promote her second album under Star Records titled "My Inspiration."

She is also busy rehearsing for her upcoming concert “Charice… The Journey Begins” with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez as her special guest.  The concert will be held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay this coming Saturday, June 27 at 8 p.m.