On the last week of february 2009, I read about charice in a magazine while having brunch in Makati. I found it incredible that she seemed able to manifest her dreams. l knew she had to be part of this book. However, l read anline that she was in the U.S. recording her debut album. l had no way ofreaching her. A few days passed and, as l was leaving a mall near my house, l was a poster ofa girl who looked like her. A closer look revealed that it was her - she had a one-night show in the philippines at that mall that weekend! l turned right around, went to the administration office, left a message for her manager, for interview during one of her photo shoots the day of the show (Mar 7). She left for the states the next day. ( Her life story is very much like a fairy tale!)
and, just like that, the project was underway - whether i was ready for it or not.
senator KIKO idealim and political independence appealed to me. whila waiting for the charice interview, I left a latter of invitation at his affice in the senate. I soon received a reply, scheduling an interview at the Manila Polo Club a week later. (Mar 11) ( it was such a pleasure talking to Sen. KiKo. my original request for a 30 minute appointment was made into one hour at the start of the interview, but actually went on for almost two hours.)
Work stopped for 3 weeks while I organized a press event in Boracay.
During the time I kept putting off this project, I wrote
a Manila guidebook. From my research, I learned that
Lisa performed at the Ballet at the Park in Luneta, for
a crowd not usually associated with her art. This book's
title was perfect for her. I searched online for her ballet
school, called, and
got
her email. She replied very kindly,
saying she was honored to be invited, and asked me to come
to Ballet Manila for the interview. (Apr 2) (Lisa's amazing. The
many obstacles she has faced have not stopped her from attaining her
dreams. When I sent her the draft, her sincere appreciation for it was
gratifying. She's a big-hearted and quietly generous person.)
The drafts weren't written chronologically, but once done, I'd send
them to each person for checking. They had all generously shared
their time, story, and personal photos, and the least I could do was
extend them the courtesy of verifying that every
detail was accurate
and that nothing was mentioned that should remain off-the-record.
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