Cebu City – Regine Velasquez- Alcasid is starting a new chapter in her 30-year-old showbiz career with the release of a 30-song compilation album under Viva Records.
“’Yung mga songs na ’yun new songs,” she said. “So, you know why I’m excited. It’s just pretty amazing.”
Just recently, Regine launched her first-ever cookbook, “Bongga Sa Kusina: Recipes From Sarap Diva,” also part of her anniversary activities. More, she will hold a grand concert sometime October.
“Milestone kasi ’yan na kailangan i-celebrate and I’m just glad that people are still interested in me after 30 years,” the singer-actress related.
Regine maintained she is still as passionate with singing as she was when she was just starting. She considers it a blessing too that her voice sounds great as ever.
“Kaya nga thankful din ako na I was able to rest my voice for sometime. Some performers don’t. What happens is that they get burned out. Especially if they do the same thing everyday. So, for me, thankful ako na I get to rest for two weeks to a month bago sumabak uli,” she shared.
Her family, as with the continued love and support of fans, inspire Regine to keep going.
On enjoying the trust of promoters and sponsors, she said, “You just need to show them you are serious with your craft and that you are always willing to give your all.”
Happy
Regine is happy good friend Jaya has found a home in ABS-CBN.
She wasn’t surprised about the transfer, revealing Jaya texted her before she made her debut as Kapamilya in July, joining the judges’ table on “It’s Showtime’s” rebooted “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” segment.
Regine only wishes Jaya the best, noting how they have become quite close through the years.
“Kumare ko ’yan eh,” she quipped.
The two worked together in several programs on GMA including “SOP,” “Party Pilipinas,” and “Sunday All Stars.”
Saying goodbye
Meanwhile, Regine recently organized a gathering for her co-stars in the now-defunct primetime series “Poor Señorita.”
She gave them lavish gifts such as Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch bags and Gucci sandals, among others.
“Nabili ko lang ’yun sa Greenhills,” she jested, before going on to explain how it was her way of thanking the cast for the good memories and friendship they built.
“Tsaka what I have naman I consider blessings so I need to share it. I’m just happy din with the success of the show,” she said.
Family is home
Busy as she is, Regine always finds time to bond with her family, including organizing picnics and out-of-town trips.
“I love holding family days talaga kahit nu’ng buhay pa si Papa,” she related.
The 46-year-old mother believes home is where the heart is, noting, “Kahit saang lupalop pa kami, basta magkakasama kami, it’s home.”
Still at it
Regine’s family was with her in Cebu, where she performed in a concert for PLDT Home.
The concert series, which was extended for a second year due to fan demand, is in line with with promotions for the Regine Telset Series, a limited edition landline phone series the company launched last year.
As soon as she appeared on stage, fans were thrown into a tizzy.
She began the proceedings with Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be,” followed by her hits “Ako’y Iyong-Iyo,” “Sana Nga” and “Tuwing Umuulan.”
Properly warmed up, Regine then peformed more crowd-friendly tunes, including Rivermaya’s “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita” and a medley of Nina’s hits including “Someday,” “Jealous” and “I Don’t Want To Be Your Friend.”
A high point in the show was her duet of “I Can” with Donna Cruz, whom she plucked out from the crowd.
Other guests in the concert were husband Ogie Alcasid and Christian Bautista.
Regine was energetic throughout the show held at the North Wing of SM City Cebu.
“This is the most memorable leg of the tour,” she told us. “Kasi ang dami kong guests and eto na ata ang pinakamahaba kasi mas marami akong songs na piner-form.”
The concert series’ next stop is Davao on Aug. 6.
