Charice fans in Dubai support starlet's surgery

Lights, camera, action! Starlet Charice Pempengco is ready to face the camera for the US television series Glee. The Filipina singing sensation turned 18 in May and is free to do anything she wants.

Apparently plastic surgery is the right she exercised. She has had Botox injections and facial surgery in Manila recently. It was reported that this is to make her round face slender.

Due to this change Charice has faced criticism around the world. However, most of her fans in Dubai supported her saying that the young musician charms them more with her vocal prowess and personality.

Gulf News readers gave tabloid! their take on the controversy.

Ellen Samano, accounts executive in an advertising agency, said: "Let's face it. Cosmetic surgery is an acceptable practice nowadays. There's nothing extraordinary or abnormal about what Charice did.

"She's an international artist now, so she should be up to the level of her contemporaries' physical looks. I think it's being blown out of proportion when there's really no issue. She wants to improve her looks, she has the money to do it, then let her be."

‘Boost morale'

Eloisa Leron, personal assistant in a sporting company, said: "Generally, I have nothing against Botox and/or cosmetic surgery. I strongly believe that women must take good care of their body very well, as this aspect could definitely help them boost their morale and confidence.

"In the light of Charice Pempengco's case, I do not see the necessity of her to do this cosmetic surgery at a very young age. Instead, I shall encourage her to do some sports and live healthier and sportier. This would certainly be possible with all the support from her family and close friends."

Leron felt that it would be best for Charice to focus more on her talent and skills, and be known for her magnificent voice rather than being acknowledged as "a young girl who has had Botox".

Alex Wenceslao, an interior designer, said: "Her publicist announced that Charice had the Botox for her medical condition around her jaw line. Let's hope it is true.

"Charice is now considered a product. People around her know how to sell their product, even if it involves some physical changes. Whatever she does to herself I just hope it's for the betterment of her career. Besides, if she can afford it and if it makes her a better person, why not?"

The doctor says...

Amidst the growing backlash on the treatment she recently gave Charice, Dr Vicky Belo has issued a clarification to the media. "It wasn't a surgical, cosmetic procedure. Neither was it an anti-aging treatment. It was a simple corrective measure designed to relax the muscles in her jaw."

According to the celebrity doctor, Charice is suffering from a mild case of muscle contraction in her jaw area brought on by extensive and prolonged gum chewing.

With input from Vincent Anthony Garcia