What's Da Buzz?

So far, I have had two close friends make the same statement to me. “Did you know Charice got Botox?” Initially, I didn’t know. I have to admit a less than desirable medical event was the center of my attention as I was the recipient. That’s beside the point. They got my attention and I checked out the story online.

If you noticed, this article is headed to my Charice Corner and Words of Caution. Why the latter? This whole thing with Charice and Botox can make current issues very clear.

One must exercise extreme caution when you are reading things especially by American journalists and bloggers. Gone are the days when you could trust American journalism. Instead, you must question everything you read and not be manipulated. Many American journalists no longer care about reporting the truth but just getting higher ratings and by extension higher income from commercials and advertisements.

• For the first example, we have a shameless blogger trying to get traffic by doing shock-tactic writing and demonstrating very poor research skills. The writer  immediately jumps to the conclusion that Botox and Thermage were for cosmetic processes.

• CBS had a misleading post focusing on the cosmetic aspect as well. Not so surprisingly, it has been removed for a more balanced article. Makes you wonder if they got a call from a certain somebody’s attorney.

• The most balanced report came from the Philippines where they disclosed the primary purposes are not for cosmetics but dental issues for the Botox. In particular, TMJ and Bruxism. I’ll get to the Thermage.

There are a number of things to remember when reading and reacting to all of this hoopla.

• Botox is not just for cosmetic use. That is what is it known for but it is not the only reason. It also treats pain in the facial muscles namely it is a treatment for TMJ. Technically, it is called an Onabotulinumtoxin A Injection. I know this as I deal with it commonly enough in my job in the pharmaceutical field. (Yes, I can pronounce the names of the meds too.)

• We know Charice competed in contests so she could generate money so she and her mother could eat. I highly doubt proper dental care factored into their budget. If you notice, one tooth is out of alignment on her upper left jaw. Unresolved jaw alignment issues can cause problems later.

• We also know Charice is 18 years old and about to be on the TV show Glee. Reread that sentence. You have a teenager jumping around many different climates about to be on a TV show where the cameras are not as forgiving as a photograph. What do teenagers commonly have? Acne, zits, pimples. What don’t you want seen on TV? What do you get more of when you change climates? You know the answer. (I did see her up close and personal. She’s human.)

• What are the other uses for Thermage? I’ll copy and paste the answer from their website. “Thermage will also help people with active acne and acne scars. Just one treatment will give visible improvement in most people.”

• Why would you believe the doctor over Charice and her agent? If the doctor is telling the truth, then it is a blatant HIPAA violation and grounds for punitive action. If she is lying, then it is a slander case which may or may not be pursued.

With all that said, what seems more believable? Treatment for TMJ, Bruxism, and acne from a person from the Philippines or remodeling the face of an 18 yr old?

Rule to live by:

“Be skeptical of all claims especially those published in the media or by those connected to celebrities. Also, don’t immediately react based on limited information – Do your homework first. “

Live well,

Anah

What does our famous Charice have to do with chickens? The answer is in two parts. There isn’t much she has to do with them except eat them. The other part is she performed in Darboy, Wisconsin at the Chickenfest.

What is a Chickenfest? Well, it had events, food, rides, and a finishing concert. What it has to do with chickens is beyond me. I didn’t dig into the history of the festival as my oldest daughter and I wanted to see Charice perform live.

There were three performers that night and Charice went second in the line-up. We weren’t that impressed by the first performer and didn’t stick around for the third performer. We (and about 300 other Filipinas) were there for Charice. She did not disappoint! Every clip you see on Youtube of her is legit. There was no band, no backup singers, and no major distractions. It was just her with her background music for some of her songs on her CD. There were 2 other songs where she went totally a cappella when performing other Top 40 songs.

Here are a few of my impressions of the time with Charice. First, Charice is a totally down-to-earth person. She doesn’t wear much for make-up and is generally conservative except for the heels. This kind lady has been blessed with a voice, moves, and a wonderful personality. However, she is tiny even by Filipino standards. That doesn’t matter as Charice did one thing that my oldest will never forget. She signed our CD of her music and paid attention to my oldest. It left my daughter absolutely beaming with happiness. Next time, it’ll be a photo together. I also have to thank her for having all of us short Filipina’s moved into the VIP section.

On the crowd side, there are a couple of things that jumped out at me. Why on earth do the teenage girls have to scream so much? I nearly went deaf from their screaming. I wanted to hear Charice sing, not girls scream. Oh well, I can’t be too critical as there was a group of Filipina’s who also did something that I deem to be a big no-no. They were up front and holding up the Philippine flag. With all of the tension in the USA right now with Mexico and the illegal / legal immigration stuff, it was a disrespectful thing to do especially in a Mid-West area which is mainly conservative.

All that said, my daughter was thrilled by the experience as was I. What did my hubby do? He drove us there, hung in the background and found out all of the information we needed to know. That is who he is. He always helps us to shine. So thanks hubby!

For everyone else, here is Charice:

Live well and make it a great day,

Anah

Charice is at it again. This time at a charity event called Carousel of Hope devoted to raising funds for combating diabetes. In order to get in, you had to pay $10,000 or half a million PhP to get in per ticket.

I become more and more convinced that the Philippines has a truly untapped resource that can be presented to the world and elevate the Philippine standings internationally. When more people learn of the system in which such talent is produced, more attention will be brought back to the good old hard work with a positive attitude many in the Philippines have.

You really have to be good to have people tell Josh Groban that he is a “dead man walking” because he had to follow her. Even Jay Leno was stunned at Charice’s skills.

Way to go girl!!

As for did it break out in rehearsals? The answer is a definitive yes.

Thanks much,

Anah