MANILA, Philippines – Aside from cosmetic procedures and voice lessons, international singing sensation Charice has also tapped a speech coach to improve her diction before she starts taping for popular American musical television series “Glee” on July 28.

Charice, the 18-year-old Filipino singer who is behind the hit song “Pyramid,” said she is learning a lot from her lessons.

“Iba rin po talaga kapag nag-take ng professional lessons, Mas madami ka pong malalaman at para malaman mo kung paano talaga i-save ‘yong voice mo. Nakakatulong din po ‘yong diction. From Broadway ‘yong vocal coach, which is totally better than pop talaga. Siyempre, nandoon na ‘yong stage presence, pag-acting-acting, nandoon na rin po ‘yong diction,” she said.

Recently, Charice also underwent thermage and Botox procedures at a Belo Medical Clinic for her role in “Glee.” The singer said she wanted to look “fresh” for her role in the TV series.

The report, however, drew negative criticisms, with some of her fans saying that she is still too young for the cosmetic procedures. Others also expressed concern that the procedures might affect her powerful voice.

"Glee" is an hour-long comedy series that follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to reignite his passion while working with a group of outcasts to revive the fortunes of the school's glee club.

Charice will play the role of a foreign exchange student "whose killer vocals get lead star Rachel contemplating murder," entertainment website EW.com said.

Temptations

Meanwhile, with all the opportunities that come with international stardom, there are also temptations that could post threat to any career.

“Actually, sa lahat ng mga celebrities na mga nabalitaan ko na natukso, never pumasok sa isip ko na baka maging ganoon ako. Kasi siguro dahil depende rin sa pinanggalingan,” explained Charice, who has been vocal from the very beginning that she came from a poor family.

“Sila kasi may kaya, mga sosyal sila… mas [madali] silang matukso, ‘Yong iba depende rin talaga sa friends at mga taong nakapaligid,” she said.

Even with her friends, Charice admitted that she is still very careful with her actions.

“Hangga’t maaari siyempre kailangan always be careful baka hindi natin alam ‘yong mga ka-close natin, may intensyon pala na baka ginaganito ka na kasi may gusto silang ipagawa sa ‘yo… that’s why importante din talaga ‘yong mga taong nakapaligid sa‘yo which is very careful naman ako and siyempre ‘yong mga taong nakapaligid naman sa akin okay naman,” she said.

Career over love life

With sure signs of international stardom, Charice said she is setting aside her love life in favor of her career.

“Wala pa. Hindi naman kailangan ‘yon,” she said. “Actually sakit naman sa ulo ‘yon, pwede siyang makasira [sa career ko]. Careful lang ako siyempre hindi pa ako nagkaka-boyfriend.”

Charice said she intends to be very careful when it comes to matters of the heart.

“Sa mga nakikita ko ngayon, biruin mo ang daming isyu nagbi-break up. Ngayon ang hirap makahanap ng tamang guy, very careful ako doon siyempre. Kung first time akong magmahal, ang gusto ko ‘yong worth it, ‘yong masasabi n’yong hindi ‘yong gaya ng other celebrities na break na agad,” she said.

When asked about her ideal guy, she said: “’Yong importante sa akin ‘yong responsible. Kaya ngayon hindi pa ako ready kasi parang ngayon wala, wala ‘yong ganoon.”