Charice

Ricky Pempengco had been at a small grocery store in San Pedro, Laguna, a township south of Metro Manila, when he brushed against a drunk man who became angry and stabbed him with an ice pick in the chest and back, according to the Laguna province police chief. Charice expressed her sadness through her Twitter account about the death of her father by typing:

"I want to thank my fans from around the world for their support and love at this very difficult time for my family and I," she said in a statement. "We are all very sad about this terrible tragedy" and "I loved him and I will still love him," she wrote. "He's still my Dad after all."

Charice has mentioned many times that she looks up to her mother as her top musical influence. A former vocalist in a band, Charice's mother Raquel always practiced with her band and sang everywhere throughout Charice's childhood. Envious of her mother, Charice begged to be taught how to sing. Ever since the age of four Charice began forming her voice to become the powerhouse it is today. Growing up she listened to many types of music but mostly music from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Destiny's Child. Aside from her mother, the two performers that Charice expresses much appreciation for are Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Charice has always said that she looks up to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé for their attitude, fashion awareness, and their beautiful voices. Read Less