MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - International singing sensation and "Glee" season 2 cast member Charice is set to add another feather in her cap when she sings the national anthem at the historic inauguration of President-elect Benigno Aquino III Wednesday afternoon.

In a phone interview, Charice said she is “very proud” to be part of the historic event.
"Siyempre, sobrang proud [ako] na maging part ng history.”

Charice will sing the national anthem alongside chorale group Madrigal Singers at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

"Kasama ko po ang Madrigal Singers at conductor po si Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Original tempo po ang gagawin," Charice said.

Charice and her mother, Raquel Pempengco, flew home from the United States just for the occasion. They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103 from Los Angeles, California at 7 a.m.

Charice sings an Italian song, “Adagio,” with “IO Canto" contestant Cristian Imparato in Italy. (File photo)

From the airport, Charice proceeded to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for her 2-minute practice.

The Pempengcos, who own a house in Tagaytay, will stay in Manila Hotel.

It will not be the first time for Charice to be part of such an important event. It would be recalled that the 18-year-old “Pyramid” singer also performed at one of US President Barack Obama's pre-inauguration balls.

‘It’s an honor’

Raquel said it is an honor for her daughter to be part of Aquino’s inauguration. Charice is willing and very ecstatic to sing for the country’s 15th President, Raquel added.

It was through ABS-CBN's “TV Patrol World” that they learned about the invitation to sing at the inauguration, the mom said.

Raquel said Wednesday’s inauguration will be their first time to meet the incoming president.

"Ang naalala namin sa kanila ay ‘yong legacy siyempre ng nanay niya, si dating pangulong Cory, na maganda naman talaga ang pamamalakad sa bansa noong panahon niya," she said.

Singing the national anthem at the inauguration was initially a toss-up between "Journey" lead vocalist Arnel Pineda and Charice.

Early last week, Kris Aquino, the President-elect’s youngest sister, announced that Charice was chosen by her family to sing the “Lupang Hinirang” on Wednesday.

"Siyempre proud si Charice noong narinig niya 'yon. Tuwang tuwa siya na siya ang pinili ni Kris na kumanta," Raquel said.

Kris is one of the Filipino pint-sized singer’s godmothers.

Non-stop work

Charice has been working non-stop for the past months.

“Nakapagod ‘yong biyahe but enjoy ‘yong radio shows na pupuntahan ko…to promote ‘Pyramid,’” she said.

After the inauguration, Charice will stay in Asia for a series of radio shows. By late July, she will go back to Los Angeles for “Glee.”

“Kinakabahan ako kasi first ever serious acting ko talaga… Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pero may rehearsals naman,” she told ABS-CBN North America Bureau. –With a report from Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau