MANILA, Philippines?Charice Pempengco is back in town for the Independence Day celebrations tonight at the Quirino Grandstand and to prepare for her first major concert on June 27 at Mall of Asia?s SMX Convention Center.

The 17-year-old Filipino singing sensation arrived Sunday from Los Angeles, where she is recording her debut album to be released in the United States. Veteran record man and composer David Foster is her producer.

While taping for an episode on ABS-CBN?s ?Pinoy Bingo Night? game show on Wednesday afternoon, Charice chatted on the phone with the Inquirer.

How?s the recording coming along?
After ?Note to God,? we?re still looking for the right songs. May mga tinanggal si Sir David sa [line-up].

?Note to God? did very well on the singles charts.
Last month, No. 2 po sa Amazon, Top 3 sa iTunes, Top 40 sa Billboard.

Now that you?re earning good money, what else have you bought aside from the seven-door apartment in Laguna?
Nakabili na rin po ako ng sasakyan, Expedition.

Why did you pick Regine Velasquez as guest in your concert?
Idol ko po siya talaga. Nung concert ng ?Divas 4 Divas? sa Long Beach (California) pinilit ko ang nanay ko na manood kami.