Being a member of the Country Program for Children IV of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) I became a child advocate advancing among others the protection on the rights of children and violence against women.

My long exposure to this “labor of love” voluntary work allowed me to see and feel the pain that kids and women got from abusive opposite sex.  I hated them (oppressor) and if only i could embrace those kids everyday, all of them just to lessen the pain.

I learned through the Oprah Winfrey feature of this amazing Filipina girl, Charise, the sad experience she had early in life.

And I salute her mother and Charise for the courage, their determination that led to where they are now.

I admire Charise from the bottom of my heart the confidence she has – very brave, strong, and very natural interacting with famous celebrities.

Watching competitions on TV, especially of kids sporting all their self confidence, kept me wondering where they get all these.

Most of them come from very humble families and others deprive of the chance to have what they want but cannot because resources do not warrant.

With Charise already in the international limelight I believe she can do it till the end.

And with the prodding of her mother to just do the best, the best really came out of her by using to the fullest the talent God gave her.

As a kababayan, me being a Filipina, I salute you young girl Charise – God really is good He allowed you to be in touch with people that will help you bring out your extraordinary talent.  I appreciate your song and in between my day to day work I search for what is new with you – the girl who has a voice that is so powerful yet humble enough to be just the child of God.  (Photo courtesy of Flickr – thank you !)