http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/14/12/allen-and-kz-x-factor-ph-defend-mentor-charice
Charice-related article - Allen and KZ of 'X Factor PH' defend mentor Charice
Allen and KZ of 'X Factor PH' defend mentor Charice
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 09/14/2012 7:21 PM | Updated as of 09/14/2012 7:21 PM

MANILA, Philippines - KZ Tandingan and Allen Sta. Maria, finalists of the "The X Factor Philippines," on Friday defended their mentor, Charice, who drew flak for her new hairstyle.

In a press conference for the show's finale, the hopefuls said Charice is only being true to herself.

They also praised the singer for being a great mentor.

"Siyempre po masakit din...na parang bina-bash siya o may sinasabi sa kanya ng masama. Mentor namin siya. Parang sa amin, hindi na lang namin pinapansin kasi as a mentor ginagawa niya ang dapat niyang gawin kahit di kami laging nagkakasama," Tandingan said.

"She always makes it a point and finds time na gumawa ng demo namin. Minsan, siya pa ang kumakanta sa demo namin para magkaroon kami ng arrangement na maganda."

Sta. Maria, meanwhile, said: "Sa amin masakit kasi bakit kailangan mong i-judge ang isang tao kung saan siya masaya... pero 'yun pong nangyayari sa kanya na 'yon, nagiging lesson sa amin 'yon kasi sinasabi niya kung saan ka magiging masaya, gawin mo yon."

The two also praised Charice for being a "strong woman" who does not mind all the negative comments.

"Sinabi niya sa amin kahit na hina-hate ka nila, they still make you famous so... isipin na lang na ang mga haters ay supporters in denial," Tandingan said.

Charice recently became the target of online ridicule, with some netizens comparing the singer to the Bride of Chucky character in the 1998 horror movie.

'X Factor PH' finale

After months of searching for the country's most talented singers, "The X Factor Philippines" is now down to its last four weeks.

Tandingan and Sta. Maria are among the six finalists who will be competing for the Top 3 slots. The others include Jeric Medina from Paranaque, Gabriel Maturan of Dapitan City, Kedebon Colim of Cebu, and Daddy's home composed of Allan Silonga, Herbert Silonga, Eric Dacanay, and Jerome Icatar.

Medina, Maturan and Colim are mentored by Martin Nievera, while Gary Valenciano has taken Daddy's Home under his wing.

The mentees of the fourth judge-mentor, Pilita Corrales, have been eliminated from the competition.

"The X Factor Philippines" will air its finale on October 6 (performance night) and October 7 (results night).

The show, hosted by KC Concepcion, airs on ABS-CBN every Saturday after "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and every Sunday after "Sarah G Live."