MANILA, Philippines -- For the first time, Charice's girlfriend Alyssa Quijano spoke up on their controversial relationship in an interview with "KrisTV" hosted by Kris Aquino.
Although Quijano has been seen on TV before, this is the first time she answered questions about her relationship with Charice, who recently admitted on national TV that she is a lesbian.
"Basta nagkaroon lang po kami ng communication. Through Facebook lang po kamustahan. Tapos ayun hanggang sa nagka-kwentuhan kami noon," Quijano told Aquino, who visited Charice in Laguna.
Asked why Charice's mom is against her, Charice came to the rescue and said: "Ang mahirap kasi dito 'yung main theme na sinasabi ng mommy ko is magka-kumpetensiya kami before sa mga singing contest. So parang 'yun ;yung medyo hindi namin ma-get kasi parang iniisip niya ay magkalaban talaga. So siguro shock siya at hindi ini-expect."
Charice and Quijano faced off several times in amateur singing contests and were also competitors in the ABS-CBN talent search "Little Big Star" in 2005.
After seven years, Quijano met Charice again when she joined the singing contest "The X Factor Philippines," where Charice was one of the judge-mentors.
It was during this time when Pempengco and Quijano had a chance to become closer although Quijano's mentor during the show was Gary Valenciano, who was in charge of the groups. Quijano, along with other contestants, were picked to form the girl group AKA Jam, which, despite losing in "The X Factor," has remained active through performances on local TV.
