Ogie mentioned in a separate interview that he and Regine had a major fight recently when he forgot about their fourth anniversary as a couple last November 11. Ogie instead shoot scenes for the movie Desperadas 2.
"Siya ba ang nagsabi no'n? E, gago pala siya, e! Minura talaga!" quips Regine when we asked about her reaction.
"Hindi ko naman inaway, bonggang-bonggang hindi ko lang pinansin! Hindi, kasi usapan namin, anniversary namin, dinner. Akalain mo, nag-shooting! Inis na inis ako! Pero okay na ‘yon, nakabawi naman na siya nang bonggang-bongga. Binigyan niya ako ng cash!" she says in jest.
Was she supposed to prepare anything, like cooking a meal for him?
"Yeah, pero nag-pancit pa rin kami!" Regine laughs. "Long life, pancit... Hindi ako nagluto kasi na-depress na ako, nag-pancit na lang kami... Hindi naman, nakabawi din naman siya. At saka ano naman ako, uto-uto. Madali naman akong mauto. Yun kasing talent fee niya sa movie niya, mapupunta sa akin ‘yon!"
Does she have any plan of doing a "Regine Sings Alcasid" album?
"I really would like to do that," she says. "Sharon [Cuneta] did it, and he was so honored. It would be nice if mabigyan din ako ng chance to sing his songs ‘cause he's got beautiful songs. And most of them are dedicated to me!"
What happened to the movie that she was supposed to do with Ogie?
"Hindi ko nga alam, e," says regine. "Kahi hindi na kami nagtagpu-tagpo sa schedule. Kasi nung time na puwede ako, siya naman yung hindi puwede. Nung puwede na siya, gumawa na ako ng soap [Ako Si Kim Samsoon]. Hindi na kami nagkita-kita.
"But I talked to Boss Vic [del Rosario, Viva Films top honcho], he still wants to do it. Hindi lang kasi nagtutugma yung schedule namin ngayon, e. Next year, I'll have a lot of out-of-the-country shows, so hindi nagtatagpo. Pero maganda naman kasi he's [Ogie] now doing his own thing. He has a movie [Desperadas 2] na girl siya, nakakatawa... Uy, may kissing scene din siya ha! Sa lalake! Boy din! I'm excited for him.
"Hopefully magawa namin. Kasi maganda talaga yung story no'n, sobra! Ang cute-cute nung story no'n. Tsaka parang bagay talaga sa amin. Kasi romantic-comedy, e. But in the meantime, gagawa muna ako ng Totoy Bato. Ako yung ‘bato'!" jokes Regine about her next soap in GMA-7.
MAJOR FIGHT WITH OGIE
REGINE'S NEW LEADING MAN
Before the start of the presscon proper, the music video of "Tell Me That You Love Me," Regine's first single in Low Key, was shown. In the music video, Regine was paired with half-Brazilian, half-Japanese model Akihiro Sato, who is one of the Top 10 Cosmopolitan bachelors this year.
What can she say about her leading man?
"Ang cute-cute niya," Regine says with a smile. "He's such a nice ‘boy.' No, he's such a nice guy. I hope something happens to him. Gusto niyang mag-artista. Nag-aaral managalog. He's very handsome. And I really, really hope that something really good will happen to him. Kasi he's only 25, and I think he's got potential.
"Pero ang cute niya, he's a gentleman. The whole time, medyo nanginginig siya, pero game siya. Kasi nga, he's not naman from here. I think he's been here for like six months lang, so hindi niya ako kilala. Naririnig na niya yung mga kuwento about me, ganun-ganun. So parang, ‘My God, I'm so honored.' Di lang niya alam, pinagsamantalahan ko na siya!" laughs Regine.
Regine also had some kissing scenes with Akihiro in their music video. Does Ogie knows about this?
"Sanay na siya, e," says Regine. "Hindi ko na nga pinapaalam. Nakikita na lang niya. Sabi niya [Regine makes a face], ‘A, may ganyan pala.' Parang yung movie namin ni Piolo [Pascual] yata, akala niya isa lang. Kasi normally sa last lang... Parang binibilang niya, ‘Ba't ang dami na?' Parang kumota na raw ako. Pero ganun lang naman ‘yon."
She then added, "Pero siya bawal siyang makipag-kissing scene. Unfair, ano? Basta ‘yon. Yun ang rules and regulations!"
PEP: Regine sings 'Low Key'in first album with Universal
Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez faced the entertainment press, including PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), once again at the launching of her first album with Universal Records (UR) titled Low Key. The launch was held at the 9th floor of Universal Tower in Quezon Avenue yesterday, November 14.
Compared to her previous albums, Low Key has Regine singing mellow songs—all covers. Some of the tracks include Terri Gibbs's "Tell Me That You Love Me"; Don McLean's "And I Love You So"; Rita Cooldige's "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In love"; Katie Irving's "I Never Dreamed Someone Like You Could Love Someone Like Me"; Orsa Lia's "No Walls, No Ceilings, No Floors"; Cat Steven's "How Can I Tell You"; Dennis Lambert's "Of All the Things"; Dan Fogelberg's "Longer"; Janis Japlin's "At Seventeen"; Christopher Cross's "Never Be the Same"; Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever," among others.
Noticeably, Regine's rendition of the songs are more restrained, a far cry from the usual belting that she does in most of her albums.
"Yeah, that's why it's called Low Key, cause it's more relaxed, more laidback," she agrees. "Hindi naman talagang pinigil, ‘no, but the songs are mellow din kasi, e. So, ang hirap namang magtititili ako na... It doesn't really call for it."
Who chose the tracks in the album?
"UR, of course, helped with the selection of the songs," says the Asia's Songbird. "Pero pinili ko talaga yung mga songs na I'm very familiar with. And most of these songs talaga are my favorites, the songs that you hear on the radio... Pag nag-iisip ka ng kantang favorite mo, parang kinakalimutan mo na. But when you hear it, you'll just say na parang, ‘Oo nga, alam ko ang kanta na ‘to.' And you sing along with it, di ba?"
PEP asked Regine why she decided to do an all-covers album again, just like her last album with Viva Records, Covers 2.
"Kasi uso na naman siya ngayon, e," she replies. "Hindi pa ako nauubusan ng kantang ire-revive, e. I would really love to record naman an all-original album, kasi I haven't done that in a while.
"Yung panahon din ngayon, people like to hear something that they are already familiar with. So, sa akin, okay lang din naman to give our audience what they want. Plus, I happen to like naman all the songs. It's an opportunity for me to do this also kase these are the songs I used to listen to the radio, and wishing that one day, I'll be able to have my own version. It has come true na.
"Pero like I said, I also would like to record original songs. Anyway, kapag gumagawa naman ako ng pelikula, gumagawa rin ako ng soundtrack. I'm able naman to do that, e. Like the theme songs, usually ginagawa nang original. Kung hindi man yung theme song, may ginagawang kanta especially just for the movie. So, nagagawa ko pa rin naman ‘yon," explains Regine.
Regine also reveals that she has songs in the album dedicated to her parents, Gerry and Tessie Velasquez. For her father, Regine recorded Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band" while she picked Billy Joel's "She's Always A Woman To Me" for her mom.
What about a song for her special someone, Ogie Alcasid?
"Actually, if you listen to the whole album, halatang in love ako!" laughs Regine. "Halata talaga, kasi sabi nga ni Ms. Kathleen Dy ng Universal, very emotional yung album. So ‘yon, yun lang ang maiko-comment ko diyan."
High marks for Regine’s ‘Low Key’
SHARON Cuneta did it for Rupert Holmes’ “Terminal.” So did Nina for Michael Johnson’s “I’ll Always Love You.” And now, in her latest album of covers, “Low Key,” Regine Velasquez is doing the same for a number of standards and pop favorites. Surely, the popularity or instant recall of an old hit song makes it easier for singers to sell an album, but only intelligent performers have the ability to “resurrect” a conventional tune with worn-out melodies or dated lyrics and give it a fresh spin.
For instance, how do you revive Anne Murray’s “You Needed Me” and Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” without aping the schmaltz-fueled sensibility of their original versions? But, a performer’s interpretive ability makes a lot of difference. After all, turning sap into substance is no easy feat—it requires more than just bravura singing.
Aggressive belting
In Regine’s 18-track collection, you’ll hardly hear the relentlessly aggressive belting that catapulted her to the top of the local music industry’s hierarchy via her show-stopping renditions of “Narito Ako,” “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going),” “You Are My Song” and “Love Me Again,” her first single.
This time, she is no longer driven by the motivation to show-off—and her high notes are delivered like a gentle kiss or a soothing caress. The only time she displays her famous vocal bravado is in the bonus track, Jim Brickman’s “Christmas Is.”
In the liner notes, Asia’s Songbird describes the new direction as part of her “personal and musical evolution.” She explains: “I discover new things about myself and use them in my songs. I realized that the voice doesn’t have to be loud to be forceful, and that a performer can convey a wide range of emotions even in soft or gentle singing.”
Regine accomplishes just that in “Low Key”: Her heartfelt renditions of Terri Gibbs’ “Tell Me That You Love Me,” Orsa Lia’s “No Walls, No Ceilings, No Floors,” Rita Coolidge’s “I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love” or Mary Macgregor’s “Good Friend” will convince listeners to think beyond cloying sentimentality and over-indulgent schmaltz.
Personal journey
Through her songs, Regine takes us on a personal journey—not just hers, but ours, as well. Take Don McLean’s “And I Love You So.” Her exquisitely sung version of the hit classic reminds us of growing up in Davao listening to our dear father humming the song during long family trips to the city. In our childhood years, the tune may not have mattered much, but its lyrical beauty resonates with us now more than ever. Such is the power of great music.
Magnificent too are Regine’s revivals of the Rah Band’s “Clouds Across the Moon,” Manhattan Transfer’s “Walk in Love,” The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” and Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer,” which she sang in a previous album as a hidden track, as part of a medley that also included Wet Wet Wet’s “Love is All Around.”
Maturity has truly brought perspective and depth to Regine’s musicality. She no longer shrieks and shouts as much as she used to, and she has realized that there’s more to beautiful singing than belting!
Kris Aquino’s musical tribute to her mom
Like her or dislike her, Kris Aquino has always been newsworthy. But, there’s good reason why “The Greatest Love,” her latest “album,” especially deserves to be heard. No, the 37-year-old actress-TV host doesn’t sing in it. Instead, she gathers a playlist of beautiful songs and heartfelt prayers to pay tribute to her mom, former President Corazon C. Aquino, who’s been diagnosed with colon cancer.
In the album, Kris paints an intimate portrait of her mother as a private person. This time around, her famed candor doesn’t dispense self-indulgent ramblings about how she figures in the bigger scheme of things, but instead offers heartwarming nuggets of revelatory information about her illustrious family and how they’re coping during this difficult time.
Inspirational duet
In the album, before Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha render their smashing cover of the inspirational Whitney Houston-Mariah Carey duet, “When You Believe,” Kris tells her mother: “Dear Mom, I hope and pray that when you’re reading this, you’re okay. We didn’t want to add to your burden by showing you how torn up we all were when we found out about your cancer.
“When Viel told me (about it), I felt the world crashing down, and all the weight was centered on my heart and stomach. I cried uncontrollably, I threw up so much, wanting to purge myself of the worst possible news. Memories came rushing back, and I wanted to share them with you, just so you’d know how much being your baby has meant to me.”
As Kris looks back, she coats her memories with 13 well-chosen tracks, performed by some of the music industry’s most beautiful voices, among them Martin Nievera (“The Greatest Love of All”), Gary Valenciano (“Isn’t She Lovely?”), Ogie Alcasid (“Ugoy ng Duyan”) and Piolo Pascual, who sings Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s “No Matter What.”
Also notable are Billy Crawford’s reworked version of James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is,” Jay-R’s soothing “A Song for Mama,” Mcoy Fundales’ “Bless the Beast and the Children,” and Ronnie Liang’s inspired remake of Carol Banawa’s hit ballad, “Iingatan Ka.”
Vivid recollections
Understandably, these beautiful tunes take the back seat when Kris begins sharing her touchingly vivid recollections: When she lost in a declamation contest in second grade; how Cory gathered Kris and her siblings to pray the Rosary after getting a call from a foreign news agency and learning about Ninoy’s assassination; Cory and Kris’ brother, Noynoy, literally dragging her after a bomb exploded outside her bedroom window in Arlegui, etc.
But, the most touching part of Kris’ “open letter” is an earnest apologia: “When the doctors during colonoscopy asked when your last operation was, you told them it was while giving birth to me via Caesarian section—when your blood pressure went to zero and you hemorrhaged because of placenta previa. That was just a preview of the stress, suffering and heartaches that were to come, courtesy of me.
“I’m sorry, Mom, for all the times I wasn’t the daughter you deserved. The best thing I ever heard said about me during my last birthday was that I was a loving daughter. I know I am, because having you as a mom makes my job easy. I may have stumbled, fumbled and grumbled—and yet, you never stopped believing that I’d eventually find my way.”
The best of Ogie in ‘20/20’
MANILA, Philippines—Ogie Alcasid’s 20th anniversary concert at the Big Dome had the right mix of fun and sentimentality. He exactly knows the kiliti of his audience.
Even in such a huge venue, it seemed like an up-close and personal encounter. Ogie has a way of reaching out to every single person watching him. His sincerity cuts through each song. His spontaneity makes you feel instantly at home so you don’t notice time passing by. The Alcasid charisma puts you on a daze.
I particularly enjoyed Ogie’s number with Janno Gibbs. The “Small Brothers” reminisced about their friendship and partnership in crime through their wacky yet heartwarming version of Apo’s “Awit ng Barkada.”
Rufa Mae Quinto, Michael V and Ogie brought the house down with their ’80s medley as they impersonated Madonna, Prince, Wham, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson. Pandemonium broke loose when Piolo Pascual sang. He thanked Ogie for being his vocal coach and mentor in singing.
Highlighting the night was Ogie’s song for his parents which he composed and his touching rendition of “I Will Be Here” for his daughters. The eldest, Sarah, joined him onstage but his bunso Leila was too shy to do so. Ogie’s ex Michelle Van Eimeren couldn’t hold back her tears while Ogie was serenading their kids.
“Thank you, Michelle, for being there when I’m not,” he said. They are living proof that there can be friendship after marriage.
Ogie also thanked Michelle’s BF Mark Murrow who was with her. “You’re now tabloid material, Mark,” Ogie ribbed. He introduced Regine Velasquez as his leading lady for life. She had no dramatic message for Ogie. Their sweet photos flashed onstage already said everything she could not say.
If only all celeb ex-couples could be like Ogie and Michelle, then show biz would be a more peaceful place. Even non-show biz couples could learn a thing or two from them about the art of letting go.
I congratulated Ogie after his concert via text. His reply: “It’s the happiest day of my life! I’m thankful to God for making everything fall into place.”
He will set aside time to bond with his kids before they fly back to Australia.
Ogie has truly lived LOVE to the fullest. It shows in his songs. His “20/20” sold-out concert made my heart have 20/20 vision.
Concert repeat
Some good things are worth repeating. Just like premier classical balladeer Bo Cerrudo’s “Love … Around the World,” which will be staged once again at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental on Oct. 3 and 4 (750-8888 loc. 2446). His special guest is Sen. Chiz Escudero’s lovely wife Christine.
Together with the rhythm ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, they will perform well-loved songs from different countries. Let Bo take your heart on a trip. Fasten your heartstrings!
"Main Event." A Big Triumph for Regine and Lani
After a long drought of good shows, Starmedia Entertainment mounted an unforgettable concert that has left LA concertgoers enthralled and astounded.
Main Event, the concert that converged three of the brightest stars of the Philippine music industry - Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera-proved to be a commercial and critical sucess.The venue was filled to rafters , filling up three thousand seating capacity.
The two Divas reigned supreme during that night, both providing great vocal prowess and versatility while the Concert king gave an excellent complement .The chemistry of the three singers was brilliant,fllawless and exceptional.This concert was ,indeed, a casting coup .Their performance was simply unforgettable.
Regine Velasquez performed with her marked scintillating and clear vocie, bringing the audiences to greater heights. She sang favorite pop songs and OPM hits, so much intensity and flair.Top of the list is her much adored Maybe its You, the intimate OPM Dadalhin and her showstopper Mariah Carey hits.
Lani Misalucha was a big revelation for many who have not experienced her singing style.
She performed with bravura and versatility, contrasting the elegant Conti Partiron with the rock opera version of Laklak. She gave a fantastic renditon of Whitney Houston hits that has kept everybody stunned and speechless.
Their solo spots gave them the opportunity to showcase their craft but Main Event provided the vehicle for these two divas to present that they can play beautiful music together.Forget the great divide of the fans of both queens who have kept comparing the two premiere artists. In this concert, they were pitting talents but they both came out victorious as they did play music harmoniously.Their spiels were natural amd comedic but both spoke and sang like they were doing a sister act.
The opening act was pure energy and fun with Broadway’s favorite Dreamgirls medley which segued to Mama Mia. Later they did a sexy Beautiful Liar, of Shakira and Beyonce but the crowd hooted to the more popular Aegis Medley.
The most applauded number was the back to back to back OPM hits which showed their strong connection to the people because these romantic ballad songs kind of brought the audience back home .
The finale was the biggest showstopper when they both pay homage to the artists they both adore -Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
When they ended the show, the audience clamored for more and they gave in with the most lifting duet of Barbra Streisand ‘s Piece of Sky. The performance was simply magnificent!
This show is the most splendid and fantastic concert ever. You should never miss it in your lifetime.It is an imperative for any music lover. A “must see’ with all the superlatives!
Mainstream strikes back
MANILA, Philippines - While independent films dominate the nominations for the Urian (critics) Awards, mainstream movies lead the race for the 26th Luna Awards handed out by the Film Academy of the Philippines.
The nominations were announced by FAP director-general Leo Martinez and member-actors Candy Pangilinan and Jason Abalos Friday night in SM Megamall.
Three Star Cinema (SC) productions topped the bids in 12 categories: Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “A Love Story” with nine; Jose Javier Reyes’ “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” with eight; and Cathy Garcia-Molina’s “One More Chance” with five.
The SC projects, among the top box-office earners last year, all received nods for Best Picture.
Among the independent projects that cinched nominations in different categories are Cesar Apolinario’s “Banal,” Eddie Romero’s “Faces of Love,” Neal “Buboy” Tan’s “Ataul for Rent,” Benji Garcia’s “Batad: Sa Paang Palay” and Bong Ramos and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Haw-Ang.”
“Banal” is in the running for Best Picture, Director, Actor (Paolo Contis) and Supporting Actor (Pen Medina).
“Ataul” received nods for Actor (Joel Torre), Supporting Actress (Irma Adlawan), Supporting Actor (Ronnie Lazaro), Cinematography (Renato de Vera); “Faces” for Picture, Director (Eddie Romero), Screenplay (Romero and Rica Arevalo), Musical Score (Jobin Ballesteros); “Batad” for Supporting Actor (Galura) and Screenplay (Vic Acedillo Jr.); “Haw-Ang” for Screenplay (Murphy Redd and Bong Ramos) and Production Design (Bianca Dadivas and Felisberto Besina).
Two actresses got double nods in a single category: Maricel Soriano for Actress (“A Love Story” and “Bahay Kubo”) and Eugene Domingo for Supporting Actress (“Bahay Kubo” and “Paano Kita Iibigin”).
Veterans and newcomers are in the acting honor roll this year.
Other nominees for Best Actress are Bea Alonzo (“One More”), Regine Velasquez (“Paano Kita”) and Judy Ann Santos (“Sakal”).
For Actor, other nominees are Aga Muhlach (“A Love”), John Lloyd Cruz (“One More”) and Piolo Pascual (“Paano Kita”).
For Supporting Actor, other nominees are Dante Rivero (“A Love”) and Wendell Ramos (“Happy Hearts”).
For Supporting Actress, other nominees are Angelica Panganiban (“A Love”) and Gina Pareño (“Sakal”).
For Best Director, other nominees are Maryo J. de los Reyes (“A Love”), Jose Javier Reyes (“Sakal”) and Joel Lamangan (“Silip”).
Four special awards will be given this year: Golden Reel Award to former President Joseph Estrada; FPJ Lifetime Achievement Award to Mowelfund executive director Boots Anson-Roa; Manuel de Leon Award to director Cirio Santiago; Lamberto Avellana Memorial (Posthumous) Award to sound engineer Juanito Clemente.
Touted as the local Oscars, the 26th edition of the Luna Awards will be mounted by the Manio Events Management at the SMX Convention Center (set tentatively next month), with the ceremonies to be aired on Studio 23.
AKo si Kim Sam SoOn
As part of the network’s 58th anniversary celebration, GMA proudly presents the network’s first-ever Pinoy adaptation of a Koreanovela with Ako si Kim Samsoon. The show that is set to tickle the hearts of the Kapuso viewers everywhere.
Ako si Kim Samsoon is the adaptation of the award-winning Koreanovela My Name is Kim Sam Soon, a show that became a hit here and around the world in 2006, though it was originally produced by MBC and Telesuccess Productions, Inc. in 2005.
Ako si Kim Samsoon will make the viewers roll with laughter as it shows an unusual way of telling a story about love, family and the importance of beauty, spiced up with a star-studded cast that certainly fits the taste of Filipinos.
Playing the title role is no less than the Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez. She has proven, through her numerous blockbuster romantic-comedy films, that she is perfect to play the coveted role of the huggable and lovable Kim Samsoon Buot, the baker-turned-pastry chef in her late 30’s who is about to discover that loves knows no age, shape nor size.
Joining Regine in this hilarious primetime series are Mark Anthony Fernandez as Cyrus, the handsome but snooty owner of the five-star restaurant; and Wendell Ramos as Harvey, the weak-willed ex-fiancé of Samsoon.
Also in the cast are Nadine Samonte as Hannah, the beautiful ex-fiancée and first love of Cyrus; Eugene Domingo as Chef Dina, the restaurant’s head chef; Carmi Martin as Mrs. Ruiz, the haughty mother of Cyrus; John Lapus as Marcus, the secretary of Mrs. Ruiz; and Ms. Tessie Tomas as Sonia, Samsoon’s volatile but loving mother.
Completing the bitter-sweet and sometimes spicy life of Samsoon are Jennica Garcia, Mart Escudero, Pauleen Luna, Maureen Larrazabal, Sheena Halili, Doc Hayden Kho, Mel Kimura, Marcus Madrigal, Dido dela Paz, Marky Lopez, Arthur Solinap, Stef Prescott and Cheska Eugenio with directors Dominic Zapata and Khryss Adalla at the helm.
The story begins with Samsoon dealing with two devastating news— her fiancé stood her up at their wedding, and their family’s bakery was gutted by a fire. Samsoon then decides to apply as a pastry chef in a five-star restaurant where she crosses paths with the rich and arrogant Cyrus in a very unusual spot—the male comfort room where he gives her a piece of advice about love and men. Not long after, Cyrus will discover Samsoon’s outstanding talent in baking and hires her to work in his restaurant.
Cyrus has his share of problems too. His domineering mother insists that he marries soon. To be free of his mother’s consistent prodding, Cyrus offers Samsoon a love contract—in which she must act as his girlfriend in exchange for a huge amount of money. He offers Samsoon the contract because he knows he will never fall for a girl like her. Although hesitant and furious about Cyrus’s overconfidence, Samsoon takes the opportunity to pay her family’s debts.
Are they both brave enough to face the consequences of the love contract? Will their plan still work even if their former paramours—Hannah and Harvey—re-enters the picture? Can a gorgeous guy like Cyrus fall for a plump, boisterous girl like Samsoon?
The plot is made more memorable with Regine’s version of ‘Maybe It’s You’, the same song used as the theme of My Name is Kim Sam Soon that became a hit in 2006.
Catch primetime’s most gigantic romantic-comedy series every weeknight after Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel only on GMA Telebabad.
Guess who's singing on TV Saturday nights
Bus drivers, sidewalk vendors, informal settlers along the Pasig River and the bridges spanning it, as well as along the numerous creeks in the metro are definitely not glad to hear his voice doing a less-than-spirited version of the Rico Puno ditty “Macho Guwapito” on television.
Yet, the chairman of Metro Manila Development Authority, or more popularly known for its abbreviation MMDA, Bayani Fernando, is determined to stay longer than most of the other seven contestants (referred to by the GMA-7 production hands as “contenders,” as if they are in a boxing bout) that include President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s fashion designer, a former politician now full-time comedian and his half-sis ex-beauty queen and quondam runway model and occasional actress, a chef sans restaurant, a soccer player in England now on an indefinite leave, an ex-beauty queen without an international title, and a talk-show host-turned-wellness guru.
Fernando capped last Saturday’s premier episode, but definitely gave the show that much-needed boost for its ratings (it got a whopping 26.7 percentage points against the Kapamilya’s much touted top-rating Komiks (Varga) that mustered an admirable 21.7.
Celebrity Duets, folks, is back on GMA-7.
Regine Velasquez, still reeling with the success of Ako si Kim Samsoon on primetime weeknights, is back as host of the musical program with her beau (rather fiancé) singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid.
Last Saturday’s introductory episode of Celebrity Duets gave the audience a preview of what to expect in the next 12 Saturdays beginning tomorrow.
No, there was no voting yet that happened last Saturday. The text votes will be accepted only after the show tomorrow night. So, if you have decided which among these eight you’d like to be the second Celebrity Duets grand winner (after Tessa Prieto-Valdes, last year’s winner), do start hoarding those pre-paid phone cards. But if you discover that outlets have run out of supplies, you’d know who to blame.
The eight “contenders” who each would have the chance to sing with a famous singer on the show are MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, fashion designer JC Buendia, actor-politician Joey Marquez, supermodel-turned-actress Melanie Marquez, chef JL Cang, professional soccer player Phil Younghusband, beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, and lifestyle guru Cory Quirino.
This season’s panel of judges includes veteran concert and theater director Freddie Santos, renowned composer and arranger Danny Tan, and all-around social butterfly and Celebrity Duets’ first grand winner, Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
The opinion of these judges, each of whom are trying to pull the rug under the contenders by clowning around, won’t have any bearing at all on the potential of any of the contender to win. Remember that the winner will be determined by the number of text votes he or she accumulates after every show. The contender with the lowest vote will have no choice but to go home.
This is a contest that doesn’t focus on talent… Tessa Prieto-Valdes is the role model, if you’re not aware of it yet… but on audience impact. And if the performer can muster some gimmick or two during the performance, then that’s a plus.
Yet, it is more important that the contender is a member of a huge clan, or has a wide following… the more the better as the text votes are sure to come in.
The last one standing will not only be proclaimed as the grand winner but he or she will also have the chance to donate in whole or in part the one-million-peso grand prize to his or her designated charity.
Celebrity Duets promises to be even bigger and brighter with an added twist of originality to Fremantle’s version of the show. Catch it every Saturday after Pinoy Records only on GMA!
Regine Velasquez
Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez (born April 22, 1970) is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer, and TV host.
Velasquez was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series.[1] Her album Listen Without Prejudice achieved platinum certification in several countries. In 2000, she performed the country's millennial theme[2], televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila. She has sold more than 5 million albums making her the best selling Filipino Artist in the Philippines and one of the best in Asia proving her title as the "Asia's Songbird".
"In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, reached MTV Asia and Channel V music charts. She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka[3], David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight[4], Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson[5], Jeffrey Osborne[6], Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo and Billy Crawford.
She embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya. Velasquez also formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with the late Bella Tan's Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions. Today, Velasquez is already announced as "The Most Successful Diva Of All Time" in The Philippines because of her countless achivements and dedications on her work.
1970–1986: Early life and discovery
Velasquez is the first child of Teresita and Gerardo Velasquez, born in Tondo, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velasquez studied at the Hinundayan Central School[7].
The Early Years
Music figured largely in her early development; her father sang to the children Frank Sinatra songs and her mother accompanied family sing-alongs on guitar. Her father trained her voice by having her sing while submerged neck-deep in the ocean; her mother taught her how to move on stage and interpret songs. Before she could read, her father taught her song lyrics. At six, Velasquez participated in a nationally-televised amateur singing competition, The Tita Betty's Children's Show. Her piece, "Buhat Nang Kita'y Makilala" ("Since I Met You"), won third place and "youngest contender." Velasquez joined more singing competitions in small towns around the country. By nine, Velasquez and her family had moved to Balagtas, Bulacan, where she studied at Balagtas Central School. She later studied at St. Lawrence Academy, where she won Vocal Solo and Vocal Duet for her school at the annual BULPRISA (Bulacan Private School Association) competition. Her parents saved money on competitions by designing and sewing her gowns using materials at hand and fabric from old gowns. Velasquez won the top prize in 67 of approximately 300 competitions [8]
At fourteen, Velasquez entered the senior division of Ang Bagong Kampeon, a nationally-televised singing competition, hosted by Bert "Tawa" Marcelo and Asia's "Queen of Songs", Pilita Corrales. Her father suggested that she audition with "Saan Ako Nagkamali" ("Where Did I Go Wrong"). She won for eight straight weeks and became the first grand champion of the show. The show's musical director, Dominic Salustiano, suggested her winning piece, George Benson's "In Your Eyes." She won a contract with Octoarts, recording the single "Love Me Again" as "Chona Velasquez," her nickname. She then joined the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), an organization of Filipino singers, performing in music lounges all over Metro Manila. Members of OPM helped her out by giving her industry advice and by lending their gowns for her performances.[9]
1986–1987: Debuts
At the behest of friend and fellow Octoarts recording artist, Pops Fernandez, Velasquez guested on the now defunct GMA 7 Variety TV show, 'Penthouse Live', on February 16, 1986. This is considered the biggest turning point of her career as this is where Ronnie Henares, the show's producer, noticed her potential and offered to become her manager. Martin Nievera, Pops' husband and co-host of the show, suggested to Velasquez that she drop the name Chona and use Regine as her screen name. That year, her father resigned from his job as a construction estimator to fully attend to his daughter's blossoming career.
Viva Records signed Velasquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album. The album contained the hits "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang," "Isang Lahi," and "Urong Sulong."
Her first regularly televised performances were musical variety shows with ensemble casts, such as ABS-CBN's Triple Treat and the Sunday variety show Teen Pan Alley. Velasquez and Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical Kenkoy at Rosing, recording the hit cover song "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," and performing duets in concert.
1988–1991: International exposure
Velasquez won the grand championship of the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest, an international competition held in Hong Kong, with "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. Her win garnered her celebrity status.
Carnegie Hall, New York at the age of 21
In 1989, Velasquez recorded two duets that boosted her career. One of the veteran singer-composers in the Philippines, Jose Mari Chan, hand-picked Velasquez to be his duet partner for his album entitled Constant Change. The song "Please Be Careful with My Heart" became one of the most requested songs at that time. The album went on to become the Philippine's biggest selling record of all time and was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA (equivalent to ten platinum awards). Another hit-maker, Gary Valenciano, one of the country's biggest singer-songwriters, penned the song 'Each Passing Night' for his album 'Faces of Love'.
Velasquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included her Tagalog hit single "Narito Ako" ("Here I Am"), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye," and her pop hit "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, Narito Ako, was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as a guest performer.
Velasquez's debut United States solo concert, Narito Ako sa New York (Here I Am in New York), was held at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall on October 11, 1991, part of one hundred events of its centennial celebration. Velasquez is the first Filipino to stage a solo concert in the revered venue. (The first Filipino group act to perform is the Apo Hiking Society)[11]
The album Tagala Talaga ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady") comprised of her renditions of classic Filipino compositions by Nonong Pedero, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, Louie Ocampo, Freddie Aguilar, and National Artists for Music Awardees Ryan Cayabyab, Lucio D. San Pedro, and Levi Celerio.
1993–1998: Asian Music Scene
Her fourth album, Reason Enough, was released in 1993 and achieved platinum album status. It featured "Sana Maulit Muli," "Babalikang Muli," and her duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away." It also included a duet with Paul Anka, "It's Hard to Say Goodbye," a cover of a 1986 single.
PolyGram Records released Velasquez's first pan-Asian studio album, Listen Without Prejudice in 1994. The album featured "In Love with You" with Jacky Cheung, "Follow the Sun," "What Kind of Fool Am I?," and "Reason Enough." Two more releases were My Love Emotion, featuring the cult favorite "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. Her next album, Retro, contained covers of hits from the 1970s, and an acoustic version of "Dance With Me," a duet with her mother, Teresita Velasquez.
Velasquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere at the CCP in 1995. She played the tragic role of Maria Clara opposite Audie Gemora's Crisostomo Ibarra, directed by Nonong Padilla. Vic Del Rosario of Viva saw her performance and offered her the lead in Wanted: Perfect Mother, a movie adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comic book series, loosely based on The Sound of Music. Martin Nievera wrote the theme song, "You Are My Song," one of Velasquez's original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De Leon.
In 1996, she staged Isang Pasasalamat, a free tenth anniversary concert at the UP Sunken Garden. Janno Gibbs, Bernardo Bernardo, The Tux, Nanette Inventor, Ivy Violan, and Martin Nievera were among her special guests. In the same year, Velasquez recorded a Christmas album, Love Was Born on Christmas Day, her final album under Polycosmic Records. She also ended her contract with Primeline, Inc., opting to manage her own career.
Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B and hip hop-album Drawn, produced by Mark J. Feist, featuring a portrait made by Velasquez herself on the cover demonstrating her background in fine arts. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "I'll Never Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" demonstrated her versatility. The Filipino track "Ikaw" ("You"), was the theme song of her movie with Aga Muhlach. During this period, Velasquez moved from her demure image to a more sexy appearance.
