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Régine Velásquez is a Actor and Story Philippine born on 22 april 1970 at Tondo (Philippines)
Régine Velásquez-Alcasid (born April 22, 1970), is a Filipina recording artist and actress, and is widely known for possessing an extensive vocal range. She was hailed by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) as the Philippines' Best-Selling Artist of All Time, with more than 7 million albums sold in the Philippines and 1.5 million albums in Asia.
Velásquez won the Grand Prize at the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong. In 1994, Polygram Records produced her first Asia-released album, Listen Without Prejudice. It is considered as Velásquez' most successful album to date, selling more than 700,000 copies in Asia. The album has sold over 100,000 units in the Philippines, 300,000 units in China and 20,000 in Thailand.
In 2000, Velásquez' music video "In Love With You", a duet with Jacky Cheung, landed the #1 spot in MTV Asia's Top 20 Asian Videos. On the eve of the new millennium, as part of BBC's Millennium Special 2000 Today, Velásquez, together with some 2,000 Filipino youths, sang the Philippine millennium theme, "Written in the Sand". This was broadcast by BBC to 67 countries reaching to almost a billion people.
At the age of 21, Velásquez is the first Asian artist to stage a solo concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York, as part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series. In 2002, she is the first Filipino to win in the MTV Asia Awards held in Singapore as Favorite Artist. The following year, she won the same award at the 2003 MTV Asia Awards. On 2003, she is the first Filipino artist to have a CNN Talk Asia special interview with Lorraine Hahn. On 2012, Velásquez is the first Filipino artist to have a solo concert at the Mall of Asia Arena.
She has performed and collaborated with other international artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Alicia Keys, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz, Jacky Cheung, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo, Fernando Carrillo, David Archuleta, Russell Watson and Singaporean vocal band Skritch.
She has also embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode entitled "Lobo", and another Best Actress award for her film Of All the Things. Her movie Pangako Ikaw Lang earned her Box-Office Queen title.
Velásquez is the first child of Teresita and Gerardo Velásquez, born in Tondo, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velásquez studied at the Hinundayan Central School. Music figured largely in her early development; her father always sang Frank Sinatra songs to the children and her mother accompanied on guitar. Velásquez always loved music and even before she could read, she was singing along with the family. Her father signed her up for small local singing competitions. He helped train her voice by having her sing while neck-deep in the ocean. Her mother also helped by teaching her how to move on stage and interpret songs. At the age of six, Velásquez 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. Velásquez continued to compete in more singing competitions in small towns around the country. By nine, Velásquez 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 awards for her school at the annual BULPRISA (Bulacan Private School Association) competition.
At fourteen, Velásquez entered the senior division of Ang Bagong Kampeon (The New Champion), a nationally-televised singing competition, hosted by Bert "Tawa" Marcelo and 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 grand champion of the show in 1984. She was the third grand champion of the show since it started in 1981. 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 Velásquez', her nickname at the time. 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.
1986–1987: Debuts
At the behest of friend and fellow OctoArts recording artist, Pops Fernández, Velásquez guested on the GMA 7 Variety TV show, Penthouse Live on February 16, 1986. Martin Nievera, Pops' husband and co-host of the show, suggested to Velásquez that she drop the name "Chona" and use "Régine" 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 Velásquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album Regine. The album contained the songs "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. Velásquez and Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical Kenkoy at Rosing, recording the cover song "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," and performing duets in concert.
1988–1991: Growing Fame
In 1988, Velásquez cut her hair short out of protestations that she was not given a chance to stage her first concert entitled "True Colors" because The Jets were performing on that same day which was on her 18th birthday.
In 1989, Velásquez was chosen to represent the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest held in Hong Kong. On December 23, 1989, Velásquez won the grand prize with "You'll Never Walk Alone from Carousel and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. After the competition, media started calling her Asia's Songbird.
Jose Mari Chan picked Velásquez to do a duet for his album entitled Constant Change. The album was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA. Gary Valenciano penned the song 'Each Passing Night' which they sang together for his album 'Faces of Love'.
Velásquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included "Narito Ako" (Here I am), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye" and "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, Narito Ako, was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as a guest performer. Velásquez'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. Her special guest was Ray-An Fuentes. The concert was a roaring success that earned three standing ovations from the audience.
She sang "Urong-Sulong" and "Narito Ako" plus "I'm Your Baby Tonight" "Greatest Love of All," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "We Can Work It Out," "Somewhere" and a Barbra Streisand medley and romance medley with guest Ray An Fuentes.
She next released an album, Tagala Talaga ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady"). It comprises 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.
1992–1998: Asian music success
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"Sana Maulit Muli" (1993)
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One of Velasquez biggest hits in the 1990s, with a strong arrangement and powerful soaring vocals
"In Love With You" (1994)
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Velasquez collaboration with Jacky Cheung, one of her biggest singles in Asia
"Days Like These" (1995)
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Contains outlandish musical effects and high vocals
"Fly" (1996)
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Velasquez first single from her album Retro with a sample of "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
"Hold On To Your Dreams" (1996)
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From her album Love Was Born On Christmas Day
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In 1992, Velásquez continued to guest on variety shows in the Philippines. In July 1993, she was discovered by Alex Chan and Norman Cheng, the Regional Marketing Manager of Polygram Far East and President of Polygram Far East while watching Velásquez' "Music and Me" concert. Afterwards, they approached and told Velásquez that they wanted to manage her Asian career.
First, they featured Velásquez in a duet with Paul Anka entitled "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" which is included in her fourth album, Reason Enough, which was released in 1993 and achieved platinum album status. It featured "Sana Maulit Muli," "Babalikang Muli," and a duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away."
In November 4, 1994, Velásquez performed with Janno Gibbs and Ariel Rivera at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. About 6,100 people came. Then on November 12, 1994 they performed at Cow Palace Auditorium in San Francisco; ticket sales exceeded 8,200. On November 18, 1994 they performed at the Beacon Theatre in New York wherein 400 standing-room-only tickets were released along with 3,000 seats sold out two weeks before the concert date.
PolyGram Records produced her first Asian album, Listen Without Prejudice. "In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, turned platinum in Taiwan seven days after its release. In its year-end sales of 1994, Listen Without Prejudice reported sales of over 300,000+ units in Asia in three months. It was reportedly the first huge success of PolyGram in Asia.
Velásquez' second album, My Love Emotion, featured "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. Velásquez said that this album was born from a live performance in Singapore. She performed in Singapore for the Perfect 10 Music Awards in 1995. She was nominated in two categories (Favorite New Act and Favorite Performance in a song for "In Love With You"). She sang "In Love With You" with a Singaporean singer and "What Kind of Fool Am I?". After singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" Phil Buckle (the guitarist of Southern Sons, an Australian band) congratulated Velásquez and told her that he'd like to write her a song. Phil composed "My Love Emotion," which is the title of the album. She did two videos for "You've Made Me Stronger" and "My Love Emotion" and sold 100,000 copies Asia-wide on the first month of its release. In the year-end sales of "My Love Emotion," it sold more than 250,000 units across Asia.
As a part of her My Love Emotion Japanese album launch, Velásquez was invited to perform in many concert guestings, Asian music gatherings, and festivals such as Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture 1994 and 1995 when she did the opening and closing numbers.
Before Velásquez participated in the Asian music scene in Manila in October 18, 1996, her third Asian album Retro was released. The album contains re-arrangements of her favorite songs. She and Remus Choy made a video for the duet "I Can't Help It."
As a part of her Retro album promotion, Velásquez guested and performed with some of the songs included in her album at the event called The Open Concert in South Korea.
Velásquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of José 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. Martín Nievera wrote the theme, "You Are My Song," one of Velásquez's original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De León.
On April 20, 1996, she did a free concert at the UP Sunken Garden to celebrate her tenth year in show business. It was her way of thanking her country for supporting her all these years. The special guests were Ivy Violan, Nanette Inventor, Bernardo Bernardo, the Tux, Louie Ocampo, Janno Gibbs and Cácai Velásquez. Velasquez herself was the stage director and she conceptualized the show. The musical director was Ryan Cayabyab. They were backed up by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. 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 with her then Road Manager, Patty Mayoralgo.
June 7, 1997, Velásquez and Philippine Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma staged the "Power of 2" concert in San Francisco and Pasadena in the U.S. The show was huge with over 12,000 people in attendance. Afterwards, she had a Canada concert tour (Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary) and shows with Pops Fernández in Italy which were all successful.
Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B and hip hop album Drawn, produced by Mark J. Feist, featuring a portrait made by Velasquez on the cover. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "Never Ever Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" celebrated her vocal power, technique, and versatility. A mix of original and cover tracks with an R&B flair comprised the album. The only Filipino track in the album, "Ikaw (You)," was the theme song of her movie with matinee idol Aga Muhlach. The single "Emotions" was produced by Mark Feist, who later produced the Destiny's Child cover of the same song in 2001 with very little variation. Velásquez also developed a more sexy public image, distancing herself from her former demure one.
Drawn was the one of Velásquez best selling albums: Two weeks after its release, it turned platinum with 40,000 copies sold and ended up on 8x Platinum (350,000+ copies sold). It was considered the figure two weeks after the set of its release. Drawn was officially available on November 22, 1998 but, according to VMG advertising and promotion manager Bambi Diploma, a number of outlets sold the album around November 16, 1998.
Eventually, her star shone brighter year after year. Velásquez became an international star and released three multi-platinum albums in Asia. She toured the Philippines and other countries, captivating jam-packed crowds with her performances. She was really a crowd favorite, in large part to her charm and endearing personality. "I work hard at what I do. I try to do better all the time," she says.
1999–2005: Transition and independence
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"On The Wings Of Love" (1999)
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Velasquez biggest hit in 2000
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In November 10, 1999, Velásquez released her album R2K a mnemonic of (Regine 2000) which consists covers of international artists. It went platinum (40,000) within 2 weeks of its release on Nov 27, 1999, it is also the first album by a local artist to include a bonus VCD that is available only include in the album, contains 6 videos of songs from the audio CD. In 2001R2k reportedly ended up with the certification of Octuple Platinum Record Award which equivalent in the Philippines of 8X Platinum (350,000+ copies sold).
But in 2004 it was reportedly certified 12X Platinum (480,000+ copies sold), but never awarded by its own label.
On the evening of December 31, 1999, Christian Lanzar, a Hemophilia stricken child, was joined by more than 2,000 children, some who arrived as early as 10:00 a.m. to rehearse, at the top of Manila Peninsula Hotel. "I was gathering enough energy and strength to face a magnificent milestone in my life," said Christian. Velásquez joined the contingent to perform the country's millennial theme, "Written in the Sand" was beamed to 67 major broadcast networks in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa — reaching more than a billion of people. The first to view the broadcast were the people of the Kiribati Islands in Fiji, and the song crossed 24 time zones, culminating in the Samoa Islands.
Two years later, Velásquez released an all-original album titled Reigne. The album included songs like "To Reach You," "Dadalhin," and "Sa Aking Pag-iisa"which had a remix version. She also worked with singer Marvi Napoles in reviving Mariah Carey/Brian Mcknight Whenever You Call.
Velásquez became the spokesperson for American fast-food chains like KFC and Wendy's in Asia.
As an actress, she appeared in a number of Filipino films. In 2002, she won her first Best Actress award from Star Awards (for Television) in her portrayal of a mentally-challenged woman seeking acceptance and love in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode entitled "Lobo". Lobo is the highest-rating episode (47.9%) in the history of Maalaala Mo Kaya.
She also released the film "Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon" and received an MTV Asia award for "Best Philippine Artist,". She was named the "Box Office Queen" award the same year from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial foundation.
She also staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, One Night with Régine, set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the 2003 Asian Television Awards. Her MTV Asia special entitled Speak Your Mind was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agenda on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.
She also hosted the amateur singing contest Star For A Night which aimed to discover new talents. The weekly show was aired on IBC-13 and was a co-production with Viva.
Velásquez became the first recipient of the MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) in 2002. During the 2002 award ceremony held in Singapore, she sang "Cry" in a duet with Mandy Moore, one of the hosts.
In 2003, Velásquez reunited with Martín Nievera in the Martín Nievera and Régine Velásquez World Concert Tour. The concert was an artistic and commercial success. The first quarter of 2004 saw Velásquez and co-artist, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid in much-anticipated back-to-back concerts entitled The Songbird and the Songwriter. Velásquez formed her own record label called Songbird Music in that same year. She produced an album for Gabby Eigenmann who was her co-host in SOP. Velásquez won her MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) for the second time in MTV Asia Awards.
In 2004, Velásquez released Covers Vol. 1, comprising cover songs including Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics of male singers like Basil Valdez, Martín Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Side A, True Faith, and Ariel Rivera. Velásquez transferred her amateur singing contest to GMA-7 and changed the name to Search For A Star.
Velásquez starred in GMA's telenovela Forever In My Heart opposite Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and former flame Ariel Rivera. December 2004 was Velásquez return to major solo concert performance. She staged in a 24,000 seat Araneta Coliseum another set of back-to-back concert performances regally titled Reigning Still. The show was triumphant amidst a series of typhoons that ravaged Manila and nearby provinces. Reigning Still wasn't a culmination of Velásquez' career, it was a bridge to a new level in her career – maturity – in performance and in work. She moved on with the event and for two consecutive nights, Velásquez conquered the Araneta Coliseum again on her own. The concert was not full to its maximum capacity on the first night (considering that Manila's streets are still flooded at that time) but the second night was a real full house. Never mind since it has been declared Sold Out two weeks before the concert which means even if people didn't make it, tickets were already bought and sold. That's very important especially that Velasquez donned the hat of producer and director. The concert was a showcase of what Velásquez has learned in her craft through the years. It is a spectacle of her running concepts, ideas and style where you can see a Velásquez touch in every detail of it. The concert though was more pop in nature, high spirited, experimental and upbeat, following the trend of recent concerts by Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Christina Aguilera. In 2005, Velásquez and singer Pops Fernández performed a concert, Queens On Fire, later taking it on an eight-city U.S. tour.
Velásquez held the Reflections Concert series at Aliw Theatre late that year. The stage was decorated with mannequins wearing her gowns from the past decade which were later auctioned for the benefit of GMA's Kapuso Foundation. The concert featured the prodigies "Wyeth Gifted Kids" (saxophonist Jacob Sarreal, violinists Joseph Valdés and Paulina, and classical cellist Pocholo Gutiérrez). The concert featured songs by her favorite singers or the foreign female singers who have influenced her career. The concert consisted of numerous medleys of hits by Barbra Streisand, Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.
Velásquez hosted Pinoy Pop Superstar (a singing competition on GMA 7 which started last 2005 until 2008) which launched the career of Jonalyn Viray (1st Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion who also competed at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood where she won five golds for Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B and Variety categories & was declared "Overall Champion Female Solo" in Broadway, Pop and Original).
She recorded the theme song "Di Na Nag-iisa" for the Darna TV series, based on the Darna comic book character created by Mars Ravelo. The theme song was composed by South Border's Jay Durias and the song was nominated for an Aliw Award for Best Song Made For Television. The song was also used in the movie Till I Met You and is included in the original sound track.
2006–2008: 20th Anniversary and independent record label launch
2006 marked Velásquez 20th Anniversary in showbiz. She released the album Covers Volume 2, featuring covers of international hit songs including Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" and The Beatles' "Come Together". All of the songs were presented with new arrangements in various musical genres. The first single was "Hold Me In Your Arms," covering the Southern Sons song.
Her Valentine concert at the Araneta Coliseum, Forever After, co-starred Ogie Alcasid, Rico Puno, and Ai Ai de las Alas. She and Pops Fernández staged the North American leg of the Queens on Fire concert tour in the spring of 2006. The Forever After tour was staged in key US cities and at the Wembley Arena in London.
On August 13, 2006, the Sharon Cuneta Show devoted an to Velásquez. In the middle of 2006, together with manager Cácai Velasquez, boyfriend Ogie Alcasid, and brother-in-law Raul Mitra, Velasquez launched the IndiMusic record label. As part of her 20th anniversary celebration, she staged Twenty concert, at the Araneta Coliseum in mid-October 2006. Velasquez also recorded "Maghihintay Ako," the theme song for the sci-fi telenovela Atlantika.
In 2007, People Asia magazine's "People of the Year" honored her with the Exemplary Achievement Award, shared with three others. On March 14, Velásquez together with Kuh Ledesma represented the Philippines in the Mosaic International Music Festival in Singapore held at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Her movie, Paano Kita Iibigin, opened on May 30, 2007. The movie was the first co-production between Viva Films and Star Cinema which is owned by media conglomerate ABS-CBN. A soundtrack, featuring solos and duets by the co-stars, was released by Star Records, the first time Velasquez produced an album outside Viva Entertainment. The theme song was penned by Ogie Alcasid.
In August 2007, Velásquez and Alcasid started hosting Celebrity Duets (Philippines) on GMA 7. The show pairs up local personalities with local professional singers. Velásquez also endorsed Vicki Belo's "Belo Essentials," which includes singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and model/TV personality Lucy Torres. This year she recorded the theme song of GMA's remake of MariMar. In October 2007, she appeared on the cover of the fashion magazine "Preview".
Velásquez attended the 2007 Aliw Awards held at Palacio de Maynila and won "Best Major Concert Act (Female)" for her 20th year anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum. Velásquez was also awarded "The Most Successful Artist of the Year" award by Walk Of Fame Philippines on December 4, 2007 in Eastwood, Quezon City.
Velásquez had a featured performance on Korean television KBS1 entitled Window of Asia showcasing her life.
She also starred a weekly musical variety show on GMA7 titled Songbird which premiered May 15, 2008.
The "Up Close and Personal" solo U.S concert tour started in May 2008.
A series of concerts with Lani Misalucha started with a tour of the US and Canada in September 2008 before moving to Manila in 2009. Also in 2008, Velásquez released her 15th studio album, Low Key, which earned a certified gold status three days after its release. In December 2008, she performed with Pops Fernández, Kuh Ledesma, and Zsa Zsa Padilla in the biggest concert of the year at the Araneta Coliseum dubbed as Divas 4 Divas.
2009–2011: Directorial debuts, marriage, motherhood and hiatus
Velásquez's Low Key under Universal Records became the first platinum album of 2009.
Velásquez also played Anna in the series Totoy Bato, a soap in GMA-7. In March and May 2009, she went on tour in the US to stage The Divas 4 Divas US Tour; also, in 2009, Velásquez hosted the GMA singing competition, Are You The Next Big Star? which Frencheska Farr ended up as the grand champion.
Velásquez did a docu-biography show aired last May 24, 2009 on GMA Network as part of her month-long birthday celebration entitled "Roots To Riches." The show featured untold stories, "going back to Regine's roots from her amateur singing days in Malolos, Bulacan up to where she is now." She also gave citation to her young rival in singing competitions, Minerva "Eva" Castillo. They joined in one stage singing, "Ako Ang Nagwagi", a Dulce hit-song.
After being scheduled to perform at a concert with Charice Pempengco, Velásquez was forced to pull out after contracting the swine flu. She has since recovered.
At the final requiem mass for President Corazón Aquino, August 5, 2009, Velásquez sang a duet with Martin Nievera, "The Prayer."
In August 1 and 8, Velásquez held a two-night sold-out concert entitled "Régine... Most Requested" at the SkyDome, SM North EDSA, which marked her return to the Viva fold. As the theme of the concert, Velásquez performs most-requested radio airplay classics, OPM and popular hits of different artists such as the rock band Heart, Grammy-winning band Chicago, and Pinoy Rock band Eraserheads, Eva Castillo appeared as her special guest. The TV Coverage of her concert later shown in November 21 in her home network GMA7. Early December, she started her most requested concert in provincial places and early next year she is scheduled to finish her provincial tours.
In August 28, 2009, Velásquez launched a perfume collection via Bench. The two new scents are branded as Reigne and Songbird. Reigne has a touch of sophistication but of a more pronounced charm of floral and fruit combined; Songbird has floral and powdery feel to it symbolic of daintiness that is light enough for everyday use.
Velásquez is also a big part of her husband Ogie Alcasid project- "Kaya Natin Ito" the CD. The said project will be supported by Gawad Kalinga to help the Ondoy and Pepeng victims in the disaster.
In 2010, Velásquez started the year by accepting a comic-villain role in GMA-7's Darna. She starred as Darna’s latest nemesis Elektra – Queen of Planet Women, Velásquez said it would be a different experience indeed because her character belongs to the evil side, hence, it's a new experience for her to play this role. At the same time, went on to conclude the provincial tour of her SRO 2009 concert series, "Régine Most Requested". Also in March 2010, she starred again in a new prime time offering of GMA Network for their 60th Anniversary titled Diva again with Mark Anthony Fernández and supporting role of Glaiza de Castro. The series was highly acclaimed by critics for its being innovative, as well as viewer-friendly to all ages. She also did a concert tour entitled Heart 2 Heart with Ogie Alcasid.
Velásquez attended the inauguration of the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines Noynoy Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand on June 30, 2010, performing Aquino's first campaign jingle "Hindi Ka Nagiisa" and "Bagong Pilipinas" together with other Filipino artists.
For the fourth time (2000-9, 2001–4, 2002–7), Velásquez was ranked 8th in the top 10 of FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman In The World.
In November 2010, Velásquez started shooting for her new GMA-7 teleserye, "I Heart U Pare" opposite Dingdong Dantes. A great deal of the story will tackle the colorful and burlesque world of gays and drag queens. Set to premiere on early 2011, this is Velásquez's 5th series for the GMA network.
Velásquez released an album under Universal Records entitled Fantasy, a 2-CD album containing 22 tracks. Fantasy also has two sets of packaging. Each box-set contains 10 sets of post-cards that are in color and in black and white. Fantasy was awarded a Gold Record Award two weeks after its release, and after one month it was awarded as Platinum Record Award making it one of the fastest selling albums of 2010 in Philippine albums history.
In February 7, 2011, Velásquez TV series I Heart You, Pare premieres.
In March 15, 2011, Velásquez became the recipient of the MYX Magna Award during the 6th MYX Music Awards 2011 to commemorate her 25th year anniversary in OPM Music Scene. Before accepting the special award, she was given a tribute by Yeng Constantino, Julie Anne San José, Frencheska Farr, Kyla, Mark Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista and her husband Ogie Alcasid who sang her hit-songs.
In June 2011, Velásquez was nominated as Coolest Female Singer in 2011 Yahoo Philippines OMG Awards. She got 43% of the overall votes, but she lost it to Charice Pempengco with 54% of overall votes .
2012–2014: Return to television and movie, 25th Anniversary
After her nine-month career break, Velásquez made a comeback in her Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas on February 12, 2012 to promote her Valentine concert. Along with co-hosts Jaya, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, and Jonalyn Viray, Velásquez did an impromptu/unrehearsed performance to give tribute to one of their biggest music influences, American singer Whitney Houston who died hours before the show started. Velásquez sang a medley of Houston's hits such as All the Man That I Need, The Greatest Love of All and I Will Always Love You together with the other singers who also gave a tribute. Prior to her performance, Velásquez gave testimony on the influence Houston made on her, "The songs of this diva shaped and inspired the singer that I am today, to commemorate her, this is my tribute to Whitney Houston." "I’m deeply saddened by her passing. She influenced me, especially when I was just starting. I’m a fan and will always be one. Rest in peace, Ms. Houston!".
As part of her grand comeback, Velásquez had a sold-out joint concert with husband, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, entitled "Mr. & Mrs. A" on February 14, 2012 (Valentine's Day) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This was their very first concert together as husband and wife after Velásquez gave birth to their firstborn son. Love and emotions outpour as the couple sings timeless songs that unravel their life and love stories which surely engaged viewers in the beauty of love. The concept of the show is also based on Velásquez's experience in wonderful and challenging sides of marriage and being a mother. The jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum proved that the Asia's Songbird still reigns the Philippine concert scene. The most talked-about and successful Valentine/comeback concert of the Songbird featured artists from both ABS-CBN and GMA-7 networks. The guests were Dingdong Dantes, R&B Princess Kyla, the first-ever "Star Power" winner Angeline Quinto, Prince of Pop Erik Santos and Vice Ganda. American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta surprised the Big Dome when he showed up and performed with the power couple.
In April 2012, Velásquez' firstborn son, Nathaniel James Alcasid, was featured in her television commercial with husband Ogie Alcasid entitled "Experience Love for Sun Life Financial". Their TVC for Sun Life Financial was first aired on April 9, 2012.
Velásquez made several guest performances in GMA-7's Party Pilipinas. Her live performances on the said variety show have always been the talk of the town as people have witnessed the gradual changes in her body weight from being fat to slim, and of course, her singing prowess has never failed to amaze the audience.
Eight months after giving birth to her son, Velásquez is finally returning from her usual body weight. In July 14, 2012, the Asia's Songbird took centerstage as she performed together with Ms. Sharon Cuneta, Mr. Basil Valdez, Erik Santos, and Christian Bautista during the final performance night of the country's most prestigious songwriting competition, the Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP).
In July 15, 2012, the shooting of her 3rd movie team-up with Aga Muhlach, Of All The Things under Viva Films, has finally resumed after almost 3 years. The shooting was first postponed due to Velásquez' concert in 2009. It was again postponed because Aga Muhlach did another movie under Star Cinema. The shooting had to postpone again because of Velásquez' 9-month break from entertainment due to her pregnancy after her marriage. Viva Management together with the director of the film, Bb. Joyce Bernal have decided to finish the movie since the tandem of Régine and Aga is still loved by many people. Velásquez' previous films with Aga Muhlach include: Dahil May Isang Ikaw in 1999, and Pangako Ikaw Lang in 2000 were both blockbuster movies which made them Box Office King and Queen for two consecutive years. And finally movie Of All the Things was shown on September 26, 2012. with 14-million pesos in opening week and positive reviews from both film and entertainment critics.
As part of her TV comeback, Velásquez became a regular talk show host of GMA-7's newest weekend show, H.O.T. TV, which was premiered on August 5. It's the network's newest Sunday afternoon showbiz and magazine lifestyle talk show replacing Showbiz Central which is scheduled to bid goodbye on July 29. Other hosts included Roderick Paulate, Raymond Gutiérrez and Jennylyn Mercado and under the direction of Rico Gutierrez.
In line with her 25th year anniversary in the business and her countless contributions in OPM Music Scene, Velásquez was hailed and awarded as Natatanging Alagad ng Musika in The 2012 Star Awards for Music alongside 11 other OPM artists last September. She was also nominated for two categories that night Concert of the Year and Female Concert Performer of the Year for her concert Mr & Mrs A last February.
Velásquez embark a new cooking talk show called Sarap Diva which started on October 6, 2012. The show is a cooking-show, talk-show, and a music-show all in one show. The show will have various guests for the host to chat and cook with. Sarap Diva is likewise Velásquez' newest nest, where she will cherish and share her love for food, music, and family. Making the program extraordinarily special is the participation of her son Nathaniel James Alcasid a.k.a. Baby Nate and her dear pet dog, George. They will add spice to the weekly episodes. Music will certainly be a part of the program and Regine will be joined by her brother-in-law and musical director Raul Mitra in piano.
In celebration of her 25th Anniversary in the industry, Velásquez staged a solo-major concert entitled Silver at the 20,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena on November 16, 2012. Velásquez became the FIRST Filipino artist to stage a solo-major concert at the Arena. The most anticipated event of the year which marks her 26 glorious years in the industry was cut short after she lost her voice because of a viral infection. The Asia's Songbird became emotional and apologized to the audience but promised to do a repeat of her concert for free.
On January 5, 2013, Velásquez has opened the year with her crown still firmly in place during her Silver Rewind concert. The Songbird fulfilled her promise, and her fans showed up again, filling the Mall of Asia Arena to capacity. It was clear that she has not only regained her roar but she also had a resounding redemption of reputation by the time the concert ends. The grand concert which was attended by celebrities and known personalities like Kris Aquino, Richard Gómez, Lucy Torres, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Wilma Galvante, Direk Laurice Guillén, Aga Muhlach, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Vicky Belo & Hayden Kho, Fanny Serrano, Vice Ganda, Sarah Gerónimo, Toni Gonzaga, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Raymond Gutiérrez, Jennylyn Mercado, Karylle, Marjorie Barretto, Boboy Garovillo, John Lapus, Angeline Quinto, Bayani Agbayani and so much more was musically directed by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Raúl Mitra and was accompanied by the 60-piece Manila Symphony Orchestra. Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Michael V. and Lani Misalucha were the guest artists during her first Silver Concert on November 16, 2012, while Jaya, Rachelle Ann Go, La Diva, Gloc-9, KC Montero, Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola guested during the repeat on January 5, 2013.
On February 14, 2013, Velásquez had a sold-out Valentine spectacle which combined the talents and charm of iconic show-stopping ex-couple Martín Nievera and Pops Fernández and Velásquez herself with husband Ogie Alcasid. The concert which was also held at the biggest arena in the country, the Mall of Asia Arena, arguably stole the thunder from other concerts held to embrace the heart's day - even those that featured international stars. The successful and much-talked about Foursome Valentine concert that gathered four of the country's singing icons for the first time also had a repeat performance due to public demand. The highly anticipated event happened on March 16, 2013 at the same venue, with a very special guest that definitely intensified the already powerful foursome team-up, Gary Valenciano. The concert being counted as the talk of town was greatly justified when it made the global guide list of last-minute Valentine date destinations as jotted down by CNN's travel writer Pam Grout. In the article titled "50 Cities, 50 Last-Minute Valentine's Dates," Manila was included at number 21, with the "Foursome" show suggested as the "historic Valentine's concert" to catch.
Another recognition has been received by Velásquez this year, which she bagged a Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role (Musical/Comedy) trophy in her film Of All The Things at the 10th Golden Screen Awards. The film which she starred together with his leading man in the film Aga Muhlach also received the same award in male category. This is considered as a big achievement for Velásquez since her league is in performing in entertainment. This award is also considered as Velásquez' second Best Actress award since she received it in Star Awards In Television 2002 for her breakthrough performance of portraying a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya episode entitled Lobo.
In June 12, 2013 during the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Velásquez was named by MEGA Magazine as one of the 10 MEGA Global Pinoys because of her unparalleled contribution to the Philippine Music Industry.
In August 2013, Velásquez was included in YES! Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful Stars List.
Velásquez got 4 nominations at the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music: Female Concert Performer of the Year (for SILVER concert & Foursome concert) and Concert of the Year (for SILVER concert & Foursome concert). Foursome Concert was also nominated as Best Collaboration in a Concert at the Aliw Awards. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, Regine's SILVER Concert didn't get any nomination from the Aliw Awards.
On October 13, 2013, Velásquez won as Female Concert of the Year (for her Silver Concert) at the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music. Also, her collaboration concert "Foursome" with Ogie Alcasid, Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera won as Concert of the Year.
Velásquez was nominated for three categories at the 2013 World Music Awards (WMA): World's Best Entertainer of the Year, World's Best Live Act, and World's Best Female Artist. This year’s list of WMA nominees include Adele, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and many others.
On October 25 - November 4, Velasquez flew to North America to stage the US tour of her critically acclaimed and successful 25th Anniversary Concert, SILVER, which was dubbed as a major US comeback after a long hiatus from doing tours abroad.
Upon her return to the Philippines, Velásquez finally released her much anticipated 16th Studio Album after three long years. Entitled "Hulog Ka Ng Langit", this album is her first LP after getting married and giving birth to her son, Nathaniel. Thus, this is the first album bearing her marital name, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The album was a success for upon its release, Hulog Ka Ng Langit debut at number 1 in the leading record store charts in the Philippines. And in 2 weeks, Hulog Ka Ng Langit turned Platinum with more than 15,000 copies sold making the album as the fastest selling album of 2013.
On November 25, 2013, Velásquez made a surprise guest performance with R'n'B superstar Alicia Keys at the latter's Set The World On Fire Tour in Manila, singing "If I Ain't Got You" alongside Keys. The performance became viral gaining hundred thousand of views in just days in social networking site YouTube. Due to its popularity the performance was adapted in Endemol produced Portuguese singing competition entitled "A Tua Cara Não Me é Estranha Kids" were Portuguese singer Diana Monteiro and her protege Ines rendered the Keys - Velasquez version of that song.
On February 14, 2014, Velásquez staged a concert with Martín Nievera their concert aptly titled Voices Of Love staged at the 20,000 seat Mall of Asia Arena the concert is a reunion between Velásquez and Nievera after the success of their second major concert collaboration entitled Martín Nievera and Régine Velásquez 2003 World Concert Tour 10 years ago. The concert generally has a repertoire of one-of-a-kind take on Broadway showstoppers and their rendition of our favorite love songs. Velásquez baptized her own rendition of Frozen's hit soundtrack called Let It Go were Velasquez combined the versions of Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel, The performance became viral in Philippine social networking sites and surprisingly in Chinese social networking site Toudou and Baidu.
In June 2014, Velásquez leads the 27th Awit Awards with 6 nominations: Hulog Ka Ng Langit as Best Selling Album Of The Year and Best Album Package, Nathaniel (Gift of God) for Best Inspirational/Religious Recording, Hele Ni Inay as Best Christmas Recording and Best Song Arrangement, and Nandiyan Palagi as Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play. She won the Best Album Package, Best Inspirational Recording, Best Arrangement, and Best Christmas Recording
In August 2014, Velásquez also leads the 6th PMPC Star Awards For Music with 6 nominations: Album Of The Year, Female Recording Artist Of The Year, Female Pop Recording Artist Of The Year, Album Cover/Concept of the Year all for her latest studio album Hulog Ka Ng Langit and Concert Of the Year and Female Concert Performer Of The Year for her valentine concert Voices of Love.
In December 2014, Regine Velásquez won Best Christmas Recording for Hele Ni Inay and Best Inspirational/Religious Recording for Nathaniel (Gift of God) at the 27th Awit Awards. Her album Hulog Ka Ng Langit won Best Album Package and Hele Ni Inay won Best Song Arrangement. She now has 20 Awit Awards.
2015: Ultimate and New Concert Series
In February 2015, Velásquez together with Gary Valenciano, Martín Nievera and Lani Misalucha staged a two-night sold out show at the Mall of Asia Arena featuring quartet singing, broadway music and their own singles. Musical Direction by Ryan Cayabyab and stage direction by Rowell Santiago. The concert is produced by Velásquez' iMusic Entertainment and Starmedia Entertainment.
In June 2015, Velásquez won the prestigious 46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards: Female Concert Performer of The Year for Ultimate concert.
In September 2015. Velásquez won the 5th EdukCircle Awards as "Most Influential Female Concert Performer of the Year" for Ultimate. Velásquez' will join Jennylyn Mercado and Joey De León as a part of the panel of main jurors of the upcoming new edition of StarStruck (season 6) hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Megan Young.
Velásquez is also embarked for a new concert series entitled Régine.. At The Theater which will be held at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino on November 6,7 & 20,21 2015. The concert will feature songs from the popular theater songs and broadway musicals.
Source : Wikidata
Régine Velásquez
Birth name Regina Encarnación Velásquez y Ansóng
Nationality Philippines
Birth 22 april 1970 (54 years) at Tondo (Philippines)
Nationality Philippines
Birth 22 april 1970 (54 years) at Tondo (Philippines)
Velásquez won the Grand Prize at the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong. In 1994, Polygram Records produced her first Asia-released album, Listen Without Prejudice. It is considered as Velásquez' most successful album to date, selling more than 700,000 copies in Asia. The album has sold over 100,000 units in the Philippines, 300,000 units in China and 20,000 in Thailand.
In 2000, Velásquez' music video "In Love With You", a duet with Jacky Cheung, landed the #1 spot in MTV Asia's Top 20 Asian Videos. On the eve of the new millennium, as part of BBC's Millennium Special 2000 Today, Velásquez, together with some 2,000 Filipino youths, sang the Philippine millennium theme, "Written in the Sand". This was broadcast by BBC to 67 countries reaching to almost a billion people.
At the age of 21, Velásquez is the first Asian artist to stage a solo concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York, as part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series. In 2002, she is the first Filipino to win in the MTV Asia Awards held in Singapore as Favorite Artist. The following year, she won the same award at the 2003 MTV Asia Awards. On 2003, she is the first Filipino artist to have a CNN Talk Asia special interview with Lorraine Hahn. On 2012, Velásquez is the first Filipino artist to have a solo concert at the Mall of Asia Arena.
She has performed and collaborated with other international artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Alicia Keys, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz, Jacky Cheung, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo, Fernando Carrillo, David Archuleta, Russell Watson and Singaporean vocal band Skritch.
She has also embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode entitled "Lobo", and another Best Actress award for her film Of All the Things. Her movie Pangako Ikaw Lang earned her Box-Office Queen title.
Biography
1970–1985: Early life and discoveryVelásquez is the first child of Teresita and Gerardo Velásquez, born in Tondo, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velásquez studied at the Hinundayan Central School. Music figured largely in her early development; her father always sang Frank Sinatra songs to the children and her mother accompanied on guitar. Velásquez always loved music and even before she could read, she was singing along with the family. Her father signed her up for small local singing competitions. He helped train her voice by having her sing while neck-deep in the ocean. Her mother also helped by teaching her how to move on stage and interpret songs. At the age of six, Velásquez 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. Velásquez continued to compete in more singing competitions in small towns around the country. By nine, Velásquez 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 awards for her school at the annual BULPRISA (Bulacan Private School Association) competition.
At fourteen, Velásquez entered the senior division of Ang Bagong Kampeon (The New Champion), a nationally-televised singing competition, hosted by Bert "Tawa" Marcelo and 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 grand champion of the show in 1984. She was the third grand champion of the show since it started in 1981. 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 Velásquez', her nickname at the time. 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.
1986–1987: Debuts
At the behest of friend and fellow OctoArts recording artist, Pops Fernández, Velásquez guested on the GMA 7 Variety TV show, Penthouse Live on February 16, 1986. Martin Nievera, Pops' husband and co-host of the show, suggested to Velásquez that she drop the name "Chona" and use "Régine" 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 Velásquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album Regine. The album contained the songs "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. Velásquez and Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical Kenkoy at Rosing, recording the cover song "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," and performing duets in concert.
1988–1991: Growing Fame
In 1988, Velásquez cut her hair short out of protestations that she was not given a chance to stage her first concert entitled "True Colors" because The Jets were performing on that same day which was on her 18th birthday.
In 1989, Velásquez was chosen to represent the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest held in Hong Kong. On December 23, 1989, Velásquez won the grand prize with "You'll Never Walk Alone from Carousel and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. After the competition, media started calling her Asia's Songbird.
Jose Mari Chan picked Velásquez to do a duet for his album entitled Constant Change. The album was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA. Gary Valenciano penned the song 'Each Passing Night' which they sang together for his album 'Faces of Love'.
Velásquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included "Narito Ako" (Here I am), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye" and "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, Narito Ako, was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as a guest performer. Velásquez'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. Her special guest was Ray-An Fuentes. The concert was a roaring success that earned three standing ovations from the audience.
She sang "Urong-Sulong" and "Narito Ako" plus "I'm Your Baby Tonight" "Greatest Love of All," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "We Can Work It Out," "Somewhere" and a Barbra Streisand medley and romance medley with guest Ray An Fuentes.
She next released an album, Tagala Talaga ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady"). It comprises 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.
1992–1998: Asian music success
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"Sana Maulit Muli" (1993)
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One of Velasquez biggest hits in the 1990s, with a strong arrangement and powerful soaring vocals
"In Love With You" (1994)
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Velasquez collaboration with Jacky Cheung, one of her biggest singles in Asia
"Days Like These" (1995)
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Contains outlandish musical effects and high vocals
"Fly" (1996)
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Velasquez first single from her album Retro with a sample of "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
"Hold On To Your Dreams" (1996)
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From her album Love Was Born On Christmas Day
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In 1992, Velásquez continued to guest on variety shows in the Philippines. In July 1993, she was discovered by Alex Chan and Norman Cheng, the Regional Marketing Manager of Polygram Far East and President of Polygram Far East while watching Velásquez' "Music and Me" concert. Afterwards, they approached and told Velásquez that they wanted to manage her Asian career.
First, they featured Velásquez in a duet with Paul Anka entitled "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" which is included in her fourth album, Reason Enough, which was released in 1993 and achieved platinum album status. It featured "Sana Maulit Muli," "Babalikang Muli," and a duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away."
In November 4, 1994, Velásquez performed with Janno Gibbs and Ariel Rivera at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. About 6,100 people came. Then on November 12, 1994 they performed at Cow Palace Auditorium in San Francisco; ticket sales exceeded 8,200. On November 18, 1994 they performed at the Beacon Theatre in New York wherein 400 standing-room-only tickets were released along with 3,000 seats sold out two weeks before the concert date.
PolyGram Records produced her first Asian album, Listen Without Prejudice. "In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, turned platinum in Taiwan seven days after its release. In its year-end sales of 1994, Listen Without Prejudice reported sales of over 300,000+ units in Asia in three months. It was reportedly the first huge success of PolyGram in Asia.
Velásquez' second album, My Love Emotion, featured "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. Velásquez said that this album was born from a live performance in Singapore. She performed in Singapore for the Perfect 10 Music Awards in 1995. She was nominated in two categories (Favorite New Act and Favorite Performance in a song for "In Love With You"). She sang "In Love With You" with a Singaporean singer and "What Kind of Fool Am I?". After singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" Phil Buckle (the guitarist of Southern Sons, an Australian band) congratulated Velásquez and told her that he'd like to write her a song. Phil composed "My Love Emotion," which is the title of the album. She did two videos for "You've Made Me Stronger" and "My Love Emotion" and sold 100,000 copies Asia-wide on the first month of its release. In the year-end sales of "My Love Emotion," it sold more than 250,000 units across Asia.
As a part of her My Love Emotion Japanese album launch, Velásquez was invited to perform in many concert guestings, Asian music gatherings, and festivals such as Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture 1994 and 1995 when she did the opening and closing numbers.
Before Velásquez participated in the Asian music scene in Manila in October 18, 1996, her third Asian album Retro was released. The album contains re-arrangements of her favorite songs. She and Remus Choy made a video for the duet "I Can't Help It."
As a part of her Retro album promotion, Velásquez guested and performed with some of the songs included in her album at the event called The Open Concert in South Korea.
Velásquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of José 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. Martín Nievera wrote the theme, "You Are My Song," one of Velásquez's original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De León.
On April 20, 1996, she did a free concert at the UP Sunken Garden to celebrate her tenth year in show business. It was her way of thanking her country for supporting her all these years. The special guests were Ivy Violan, Nanette Inventor, Bernardo Bernardo, the Tux, Louie Ocampo, Janno Gibbs and Cácai Velásquez. Velasquez herself was the stage director and she conceptualized the show. The musical director was Ryan Cayabyab. They were backed up by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. 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 with her then Road Manager, Patty Mayoralgo.
June 7, 1997, Velásquez and Philippine Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma staged the "Power of 2" concert in San Francisco and Pasadena in the U.S. The show was huge with over 12,000 people in attendance. Afterwards, she had a Canada concert tour (Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary) and shows with Pops Fernández in Italy which were all successful.
Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B and hip hop album Drawn, produced by Mark J. Feist, featuring a portrait made by Velasquez on the cover. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "Never Ever Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" celebrated her vocal power, technique, and versatility. A mix of original and cover tracks with an R&B flair comprised the album. The only Filipino track in the album, "Ikaw (You)," was the theme song of her movie with matinee idol Aga Muhlach. The single "Emotions" was produced by Mark Feist, who later produced the Destiny's Child cover of the same song in 2001 with very little variation. Velásquez also developed a more sexy public image, distancing herself from her former demure one.
Drawn was the one of Velásquez best selling albums: Two weeks after its release, it turned platinum with 40,000 copies sold and ended up on 8x Platinum (350,000+ copies sold). It was considered the figure two weeks after the set of its release. Drawn was officially available on November 22, 1998 but, according to VMG advertising and promotion manager Bambi Diploma, a number of outlets sold the album around November 16, 1998.
Eventually, her star shone brighter year after year. Velásquez became an international star and released three multi-platinum albums in Asia. She toured the Philippines and other countries, captivating jam-packed crowds with her performances. She was really a crowd favorite, in large part to her charm and endearing personality. "I work hard at what I do. I try to do better all the time," she says.
1999–2005: Transition and independence
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"On The Wings Of Love" (1999)
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Velasquez biggest hit in 2000
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In November 10, 1999, Velásquez released her album R2K a mnemonic of (Regine 2000) which consists covers of international artists. It went platinum (40,000) within 2 weeks of its release on Nov 27, 1999, it is also the first album by a local artist to include a bonus VCD that is available only include in the album, contains 6 videos of songs from the audio CD. In 2001R2k reportedly ended up with the certification of Octuple Platinum Record Award which equivalent in the Philippines of 8X Platinum (350,000+ copies sold).
But in 2004 it was reportedly certified 12X Platinum (480,000+ copies sold), but never awarded by its own label.
On the evening of December 31, 1999, Christian Lanzar, a Hemophilia stricken child, was joined by more than 2,000 children, some who arrived as early as 10:00 a.m. to rehearse, at the top of Manila Peninsula Hotel. "I was gathering enough energy and strength to face a magnificent milestone in my life," said Christian. Velásquez joined the contingent to perform the country's millennial theme, "Written in the Sand" was beamed to 67 major broadcast networks in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa — reaching more than a billion of people. The first to view the broadcast were the people of the Kiribati Islands in Fiji, and the song crossed 24 time zones, culminating in the Samoa Islands.
Two years later, Velásquez released an all-original album titled Reigne. The album included songs like "To Reach You," "Dadalhin," and "Sa Aking Pag-iisa"which had a remix version. She also worked with singer Marvi Napoles in reviving Mariah Carey/Brian Mcknight Whenever You Call.
Velásquez became the spokesperson for American fast-food chains like KFC and Wendy's in Asia.
As an actress, she appeared in a number of Filipino films. In 2002, she won her first Best Actress award from Star Awards (for Television) in her portrayal of a mentally-challenged woman seeking acceptance and love in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode entitled "Lobo". Lobo is the highest-rating episode (47.9%) in the history of Maalaala Mo Kaya.
She also released the film "Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon" and received an MTV Asia award for "Best Philippine Artist,". She was named the "Box Office Queen" award the same year from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial foundation.
She also staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, One Night with Régine, set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the 2003 Asian Television Awards. Her MTV Asia special entitled Speak Your Mind was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agenda on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.
She also hosted the amateur singing contest Star For A Night which aimed to discover new talents. The weekly show was aired on IBC-13 and was a co-production with Viva.
Velásquez became the first recipient of the MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) in 2002. During the 2002 award ceremony held in Singapore, she sang "Cry" in a duet with Mandy Moore, one of the hosts.
In 2003, Velásquez reunited with Martín Nievera in the Martín Nievera and Régine Velásquez World Concert Tour. The concert was an artistic and commercial success. The first quarter of 2004 saw Velásquez and co-artist, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid in much-anticipated back-to-back concerts entitled The Songbird and the Songwriter. Velásquez formed her own record label called Songbird Music in that same year. She produced an album for Gabby Eigenmann who was her co-host in SOP. Velásquez won her MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) for the second time in MTV Asia Awards.
In 2004, Velásquez released Covers Vol. 1, comprising cover songs including Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics of male singers like Basil Valdez, Martín Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Side A, True Faith, and Ariel Rivera. Velásquez transferred her amateur singing contest to GMA-7 and changed the name to Search For A Star.
Velásquez starred in GMA's telenovela Forever In My Heart opposite Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and former flame Ariel Rivera. December 2004 was Velásquez return to major solo concert performance. She staged in a 24,000 seat Araneta Coliseum another set of back-to-back concert performances regally titled Reigning Still. The show was triumphant amidst a series of typhoons that ravaged Manila and nearby provinces. Reigning Still wasn't a culmination of Velásquez' career, it was a bridge to a new level in her career – maturity – in performance and in work. She moved on with the event and for two consecutive nights, Velásquez conquered the Araneta Coliseum again on her own. The concert was not full to its maximum capacity on the first night (considering that Manila's streets are still flooded at that time) but the second night was a real full house. Never mind since it has been declared Sold Out two weeks before the concert which means even if people didn't make it, tickets were already bought and sold. That's very important especially that Velasquez donned the hat of producer and director. The concert was a showcase of what Velásquez has learned in her craft through the years. It is a spectacle of her running concepts, ideas and style where you can see a Velásquez touch in every detail of it. The concert though was more pop in nature, high spirited, experimental and upbeat, following the trend of recent concerts by Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Christina Aguilera. In 2005, Velásquez and singer Pops Fernández performed a concert, Queens On Fire, later taking it on an eight-city U.S. tour.
Velásquez held the Reflections Concert series at Aliw Theatre late that year. The stage was decorated with mannequins wearing her gowns from the past decade which were later auctioned for the benefit of GMA's Kapuso Foundation. The concert featured the prodigies "Wyeth Gifted Kids" (saxophonist Jacob Sarreal, violinists Joseph Valdés and Paulina, and classical cellist Pocholo Gutiérrez). The concert featured songs by her favorite singers or the foreign female singers who have influenced her career. The concert consisted of numerous medleys of hits by Barbra Streisand, Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.
Velásquez hosted Pinoy Pop Superstar (a singing competition on GMA 7 which started last 2005 until 2008) which launched the career of Jonalyn Viray (1st Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion who also competed at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood where she won five golds for Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B and Variety categories & was declared "Overall Champion Female Solo" in Broadway, Pop and Original).
She recorded the theme song "Di Na Nag-iisa" for the Darna TV series, based on the Darna comic book character created by Mars Ravelo. The theme song was composed by South Border's Jay Durias and the song was nominated for an Aliw Award for Best Song Made For Television. The song was also used in the movie Till I Met You and is included in the original sound track.
2006–2008: 20th Anniversary and independent record label launch
2006 marked Velásquez 20th Anniversary in showbiz. She released the album Covers Volume 2, featuring covers of international hit songs including Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" and The Beatles' "Come Together". All of the songs were presented with new arrangements in various musical genres. The first single was "Hold Me In Your Arms," covering the Southern Sons song.
Her Valentine concert at the Araneta Coliseum, Forever After, co-starred Ogie Alcasid, Rico Puno, and Ai Ai de las Alas. She and Pops Fernández staged the North American leg of the Queens on Fire concert tour in the spring of 2006. The Forever After tour was staged in key US cities and at the Wembley Arena in London.
On August 13, 2006, the Sharon Cuneta Show devoted an to Velásquez. In the middle of 2006, together with manager Cácai Velasquez, boyfriend Ogie Alcasid, and brother-in-law Raul Mitra, Velasquez launched the IndiMusic record label. As part of her 20th anniversary celebration, she staged Twenty concert, at the Araneta Coliseum in mid-October 2006. Velasquez also recorded "Maghihintay Ako," the theme song for the sci-fi telenovela Atlantika.
In 2007, People Asia magazine's "People of the Year" honored her with the Exemplary Achievement Award, shared with three others. On March 14, Velásquez together with Kuh Ledesma represented the Philippines in the Mosaic International Music Festival in Singapore held at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Her movie, Paano Kita Iibigin, opened on May 30, 2007. The movie was the first co-production between Viva Films and Star Cinema which is owned by media conglomerate ABS-CBN. A soundtrack, featuring solos and duets by the co-stars, was released by Star Records, the first time Velasquez produced an album outside Viva Entertainment. The theme song was penned by Ogie Alcasid.
In August 2007, Velásquez and Alcasid started hosting Celebrity Duets (Philippines) on GMA 7. The show pairs up local personalities with local professional singers. Velásquez also endorsed Vicki Belo's "Belo Essentials," which includes singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and model/TV personality Lucy Torres. This year she recorded the theme song of GMA's remake of MariMar. In October 2007, she appeared on the cover of the fashion magazine "Preview".
Velásquez attended the 2007 Aliw Awards held at Palacio de Maynila and won "Best Major Concert Act (Female)" for her 20th year anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum. Velásquez was also awarded "The Most Successful Artist of the Year" award by Walk Of Fame Philippines on December 4, 2007 in Eastwood, Quezon City.
Velásquez had a featured performance on Korean television KBS1 entitled Window of Asia showcasing her life.
She also starred a weekly musical variety show on GMA7 titled Songbird which premiered May 15, 2008.
The "Up Close and Personal" solo U.S concert tour started in May 2008.
A series of concerts with Lani Misalucha started with a tour of the US and Canada in September 2008 before moving to Manila in 2009. Also in 2008, Velásquez released her 15th studio album, Low Key, which earned a certified gold status three days after its release. In December 2008, she performed with Pops Fernández, Kuh Ledesma, and Zsa Zsa Padilla in the biggest concert of the year at the Araneta Coliseum dubbed as Divas 4 Divas.
2009–2011: Directorial debuts, marriage, motherhood and hiatus
Velásquez's Low Key under Universal Records became the first platinum album of 2009.
Velásquez also played Anna in the series Totoy Bato, a soap in GMA-7. In March and May 2009, she went on tour in the US to stage The Divas 4 Divas US Tour; also, in 2009, Velásquez hosted the GMA singing competition, Are You The Next Big Star? which Frencheska Farr ended up as the grand champion.
Velásquez did a docu-biography show aired last May 24, 2009 on GMA Network as part of her month-long birthday celebration entitled "Roots To Riches." The show featured untold stories, "going back to Regine's roots from her amateur singing days in Malolos, Bulacan up to where she is now." She also gave citation to her young rival in singing competitions, Minerva "Eva" Castillo. They joined in one stage singing, "Ako Ang Nagwagi", a Dulce hit-song.
After being scheduled to perform at a concert with Charice Pempengco, Velásquez was forced to pull out after contracting the swine flu. She has since recovered.
At the final requiem mass for President Corazón Aquino, August 5, 2009, Velásquez sang a duet with Martin Nievera, "The Prayer."
In August 1 and 8, Velásquez held a two-night sold-out concert entitled "Régine... Most Requested" at the SkyDome, SM North EDSA, which marked her return to the Viva fold. As the theme of the concert, Velásquez performs most-requested radio airplay classics, OPM and popular hits of different artists such as the rock band Heart, Grammy-winning band Chicago, and Pinoy Rock band Eraserheads, Eva Castillo appeared as her special guest. The TV Coverage of her concert later shown in November 21 in her home network GMA7. Early December, she started her most requested concert in provincial places and early next year she is scheduled to finish her provincial tours.
In August 28, 2009, Velásquez launched a perfume collection via Bench. The two new scents are branded as Reigne and Songbird. Reigne has a touch of sophistication but of a more pronounced charm of floral and fruit combined; Songbird has floral and powdery feel to it symbolic of daintiness that is light enough for everyday use.
Velásquez is also a big part of her husband Ogie Alcasid project- "Kaya Natin Ito" the CD. The said project will be supported by Gawad Kalinga to help the Ondoy and Pepeng victims in the disaster.
In 2010, Velásquez started the year by accepting a comic-villain role in GMA-7's Darna. She starred as Darna’s latest nemesis Elektra – Queen of Planet Women, Velásquez said it would be a different experience indeed because her character belongs to the evil side, hence, it's a new experience for her to play this role. At the same time, went on to conclude the provincial tour of her SRO 2009 concert series, "Régine Most Requested". Also in March 2010, she starred again in a new prime time offering of GMA Network for their 60th Anniversary titled Diva again with Mark Anthony Fernández and supporting role of Glaiza de Castro. The series was highly acclaimed by critics for its being innovative, as well as viewer-friendly to all ages. She also did a concert tour entitled Heart 2 Heart with Ogie Alcasid.
Velásquez attended the inauguration of the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines Noynoy Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand on June 30, 2010, performing Aquino's first campaign jingle "Hindi Ka Nagiisa" and "Bagong Pilipinas" together with other Filipino artists.
For the fourth time (2000-9, 2001–4, 2002–7), Velásquez was ranked 8th in the top 10 of FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman In The World.
In November 2010, Velásquez started shooting for her new GMA-7 teleserye, "I Heart U Pare" opposite Dingdong Dantes. A great deal of the story will tackle the colorful and burlesque world of gays and drag queens. Set to premiere on early 2011, this is Velásquez's 5th series for the GMA network.
Velásquez released an album under Universal Records entitled Fantasy, a 2-CD album containing 22 tracks. Fantasy also has two sets of packaging. Each box-set contains 10 sets of post-cards that are in color and in black and white. Fantasy was awarded a Gold Record Award two weeks after its release, and after one month it was awarded as Platinum Record Award making it one of the fastest selling albums of 2010 in Philippine albums history.
In February 7, 2011, Velásquez TV series I Heart You, Pare premieres.
In March 15, 2011, Velásquez became the recipient of the MYX Magna Award during the 6th MYX Music Awards 2011 to commemorate her 25th year anniversary in OPM Music Scene. Before accepting the special award, she was given a tribute by Yeng Constantino, Julie Anne San José, Frencheska Farr, Kyla, Mark Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista and her husband Ogie Alcasid who sang her hit-songs.
In June 2011, Velásquez was nominated as Coolest Female Singer in 2011 Yahoo Philippines OMG Awards. She got 43% of the overall votes, but she lost it to Charice Pempengco with 54% of overall votes .
2012–2014: Return to television and movie, 25th Anniversary
After her nine-month career break, Velásquez made a comeback in her Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas on February 12, 2012 to promote her Valentine concert. Along with co-hosts Jaya, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, and Jonalyn Viray, Velásquez did an impromptu/unrehearsed performance to give tribute to one of their biggest music influences, American singer Whitney Houston who died hours before the show started. Velásquez sang a medley of Houston's hits such as All the Man That I Need, The Greatest Love of All and I Will Always Love You together with the other singers who also gave a tribute. Prior to her performance, Velásquez gave testimony on the influence Houston made on her, "The songs of this diva shaped and inspired the singer that I am today, to commemorate her, this is my tribute to Whitney Houston." "I’m deeply saddened by her passing. She influenced me, especially when I was just starting. I’m a fan and will always be one. Rest in peace, Ms. Houston!".
As part of her grand comeback, Velásquez had a sold-out joint concert with husband, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, entitled "Mr. & Mrs. A" on February 14, 2012 (Valentine's Day) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This was their very first concert together as husband and wife after Velásquez gave birth to their firstborn son. Love and emotions outpour as the couple sings timeless songs that unravel their life and love stories which surely engaged viewers in the beauty of love. The concept of the show is also based on Velásquez's experience in wonderful and challenging sides of marriage and being a mother. The jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum proved that the Asia's Songbird still reigns the Philippine concert scene. The most talked-about and successful Valentine/comeback concert of the Songbird featured artists from both ABS-CBN and GMA-7 networks. The guests were Dingdong Dantes, R&B Princess Kyla, the first-ever "Star Power" winner Angeline Quinto, Prince of Pop Erik Santos and Vice Ganda. American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta surprised the Big Dome when he showed up and performed with the power couple.
In April 2012, Velásquez' firstborn son, Nathaniel James Alcasid, was featured in her television commercial with husband Ogie Alcasid entitled "Experience Love for Sun Life Financial". Their TVC for Sun Life Financial was first aired on April 9, 2012.
Velásquez made several guest performances in GMA-7's Party Pilipinas. Her live performances on the said variety show have always been the talk of the town as people have witnessed the gradual changes in her body weight from being fat to slim, and of course, her singing prowess has never failed to amaze the audience.
Eight months after giving birth to her son, Velásquez is finally returning from her usual body weight. In July 14, 2012, the Asia's Songbird took centerstage as she performed together with Ms. Sharon Cuneta, Mr. Basil Valdez, Erik Santos, and Christian Bautista during the final performance night of the country's most prestigious songwriting competition, the Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP).
In July 15, 2012, the shooting of her 3rd movie team-up with Aga Muhlach, Of All The Things under Viva Films, has finally resumed after almost 3 years. The shooting was first postponed due to Velásquez' concert in 2009. It was again postponed because Aga Muhlach did another movie under Star Cinema. The shooting had to postpone again because of Velásquez' 9-month break from entertainment due to her pregnancy after her marriage. Viva Management together with the director of the film, Bb. Joyce Bernal have decided to finish the movie since the tandem of Régine and Aga is still loved by many people. Velásquez' previous films with Aga Muhlach include: Dahil May Isang Ikaw in 1999, and Pangako Ikaw Lang in 2000 were both blockbuster movies which made them Box Office King and Queen for two consecutive years. And finally movie Of All the Things was shown on September 26, 2012. with 14-million pesos in opening week and positive reviews from both film and entertainment critics.
As part of her TV comeback, Velásquez became a regular talk show host of GMA-7's newest weekend show, H.O.T. TV, which was premiered on August 5. It's the network's newest Sunday afternoon showbiz and magazine lifestyle talk show replacing Showbiz Central which is scheduled to bid goodbye on July 29. Other hosts included Roderick Paulate, Raymond Gutiérrez and Jennylyn Mercado and under the direction of Rico Gutierrez.
In line with her 25th year anniversary in the business and her countless contributions in OPM Music Scene, Velásquez was hailed and awarded as Natatanging Alagad ng Musika in The 2012 Star Awards for Music alongside 11 other OPM artists last September. She was also nominated for two categories that night Concert of the Year and Female Concert Performer of the Year for her concert Mr & Mrs A last February.
Velásquez embark a new cooking talk show called Sarap Diva which started on October 6, 2012. The show is a cooking-show, talk-show, and a music-show all in one show. The show will have various guests for the host to chat and cook with. Sarap Diva is likewise Velásquez' newest nest, where she will cherish and share her love for food, music, and family. Making the program extraordinarily special is the participation of her son Nathaniel James Alcasid a.k.a. Baby Nate and her dear pet dog, George. They will add spice to the weekly episodes. Music will certainly be a part of the program and Regine will be joined by her brother-in-law and musical director Raul Mitra in piano.
In celebration of her 25th Anniversary in the industry, Velásquez staged a solo-major concert entitled Silver at the 20,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena on November 16, 2012. Velásquez became the FIRST Filipino artist to stage a solo-major concert at the Arena. The most anticipated event of the year which marks her 26 glorious years in the industry was cut short after she lost her voice because of a viral infection. The Asia's Songbird became emotional and apologized to the audience but promised to do a repeat of her concert for free.
On January 5, 2013, Velásquez has opened the year with her crown still firmly in place during her Silver Rewind concert. The Songbird fulfilled her promise, and her fans showed up again, filling the Mall of Asia Arena to capacity. It was clear that she has not only regained her roar but she also had a resounding redemption of reputation by the time the concert ends. The grand concert which was attended by celebrities and known personalities like Kris Aquino, Richard Gómez, Lucy Torres, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Wilma Galvante, Direk Laurice Guillén, Aga Muhlach, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Vicky Belo & Hayden Kho, Fanny Serrano, Vice Ganda, Sarah Gerónimo, Toni Gonzaga, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Raymond Gutiérrez, Jennylyn Mercado, Karylle, Marjorie Barretto, Boboy Garovillo, John Lapus, Angeline Quinto, Bayani Agbayani and so much more was musically directed by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Raúl Mitra and was accompanied by the 60-piece Manila Symphony Orchestra. Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Michael V. and Lani Misalucha were the guest artists during her first Silver Concert on November 16, 2012, while Jaya, Rachelle Ann Go, La Diva, Gloc-9, KC Montero, Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola guested during the repeat on January 5, 2013.
On February 14, 2013, Velásquez had a sold-out Valentine spectacle which combined the talents and charm of iconic show-stopping ex-couple Martín Nievera and Pops Fernández and Velásquez herself with husband Ogie Alcasid. The concert which was also held at the biggest arena in the country, the Mall of Asia Arena, arguably stole the thunder from other concerts held to embrace the heart's day - even those that featured international stars. The successful and much-talked about Foursome Valentine concert that gathered four of the country's singing icons for the first time also had a repeat performance due to public demand. The highly anticipated event happened on March 16, 2013 at the same venue, with a very special guest that definitely intensified the already powerful foursome team-up, Gary Valenciano. The concert being counted as the talk of town was greatly justified when it made the global guide list of last-minute Valentine date destinations as jotted down by CNN's travel writer Pam Grout. In the article titled "50 Cities, 50 Last-Minute Valentine's Dates," Manila was included at number 21, with the "Foursome" show suggested as the "historic Valentine's concert" to catch.
Another recognition has been received by Velásquez this year, which she bagged a Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role (Musical/Comedy) trophy in her film Of All The Things at the 10th Golden Screen Awards. The film which she starred together with his leading man in the film Aga Muhlach also received the same award in male category. This is considered as a big achievement for Velásquez since her league is in performing in entertainment. This award is also considered as Velásquez' second Best Actress award since she received it in Star Awards In Television 2002 for her breakthrough performance of portraying a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya episode entitled Lobo.
In June 12, 2013 during the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Velásquez was named by MEGA Magazine as one of the 10 MEGA Global Pinoys because of her unparalleled contribution to the Philippine Music Industry.
In August 2013, Velásquez was included in YES! Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful Stars List.
Velásquez got 4 nominations at the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music: Female Concert Performer of the Year (for SILVER concert & Foursome concert) and Concert of the Year (for SILVER concert & Foursome concert). Foursome Concert was also nominated as Best Collaboration in a Concert at the Aliw Awards. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, Regine's SILVER Concert didn't get any nomination from the Aliw Awards.
On October 13, 2013, Velásquez won as Female Concert of the Year (for her Silver Concert) at the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music. Also, her collaboration concert "Foursome" with Ogie Alcasid, Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera won as Concert of the Year.
Velásquez was nominated for three categories at the 2013 World Music Awards (WMA): World's Best Entertainer of the Year, World's Best Live Act, and World's Best Female Artist. This year’s list of WMA nominees include Adele, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and many others.
On October 25 - November 4, Velasquez flew to North America to stage the US tour of her critically acclaimed and successful 25th Anniversary Concert, SILVER, which was dubbed as a major US comeback after a long hiatus from doing tours abroad.
Upon her return to the Philippines, Velásquez finally released her much anticipated 16th Studio Album after three long years. Entitled "Hulog Ka Ng Langit", this album is her first LP after getting married and giving birth to her son, Nathaniel. Thus, this is the first album bearing her marital name, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The album was a success for upon its release, Hulog Ka Ng Langit debut at number 1 in the leading record store charts in the Philippines. And in 2 weeks, Hulog Ka Ng Langit turned Platinum with more than 15,000 copies sold making the album as the fastest selling album of 2013.
On November 25, 2013, Velásquez made a surprise guest performance with R'n'B superstar Alicia Keys at the latter's Set The World On Fire Tour in Manila, singing "If I Ain't Got You" alongside Keys. The performance became viral gaining hundred thousand of views in just days in social networking site YouTube. Due to its popularity the performance was adapted in Endemol produced Portuguese singing competition entitled "A Tua Cara Não Me é Estranha Kids" were Portuguese singer Diana Monteiro and her protege Ines rendered the Keys - Velasquez version of that song.
On February 14, 2014, Velásquez staged a concert with Martín Nievera their concert aptly titled Voices Of Love staged at the 20,000 seat Mall of Asia Arena the concert is a reunion between Velásquez and Nievera after the success of their second major concert collaboration entitled Martín Nievera and Régine Velásquez 2003 World Concert Tour 10 years ago. The concert generally has a repertoire of one-of-a-kind take on Broadway showstoppers and their rendition of our favorite love songs. Velásquez baptized her own rendition of Frozen's hit soundtrack called Let It Go were Velasquez combined the versions of Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel, The performance became viral in Philippine social networking sites and surprisingly in Chinese social networking site Toudou and Baidu.
In June 2014, Velásquez leads the 27th Awit Awards with 6 nominations: Hulog Ka Ng Langit as Best Selling Album Of The Year and Best Album Package, Nathaniel (Gift of God) for Best Inspirational/Religious Recording, Hele Ni Inay as Best Christmas Recording and Best Song Arrangement, and Nandiyan Palagi as Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play. She won the Best Album Package, Best Inspirational Recording, Best Arrangement, and Best Christmas Recording
In August 2014, Velásquez also leads the 6th PMPC Star Awards For Music with 6 nominations: Album Of The Year, Female Recording Artist Of The Year, Female Pop Recording Artist Of The Year, Album Cover/Concept of the Year all for her latest studio album Hulog Ka Ng Langit and Concert Of the Year and Female Concert Performer Of The Year for her valentine concert Voices of Love.
In December 2014, Regine Velásquez won Best Christmas Recording for Hele Ni Inay and Best Inspirational/Religious Recording for Nathaniel (Gift of God) at the 27th Awit Awards. Her album Hulog Ka Ng Langit won Best Album Package and Hele Ni Inay won Best Song Arrangement. She now has 20 Awit Awards.
2015: Ultimate and New Concert Series
In February 2015, Velásquez together with Gary Valenciano, Martín Nievera and Lani Misalucha staged a two-night sold out show at the Mall of Asia Arena featuring quartet singing, broadway music and their own singles. Musical Direction by Ryan Cayabyab and stage direction by Rowell Santiago. The concert is produced by Velásquez' iMusic Entertainment and Starmedia Entertainment.
In June 2015, Velásquez won the prestigious 46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards: Female Concert Performer of The Year for Ultimate concert.
In September 2015. Velásquez won the 5th EdukCircle Awards as "Most Influential Female Concert Performer of the Year" for Ultimate. Velásquez' will join Jennylyn Mercado and Joey De León as a part of the panel of main jurors of the upcoming new edition of StarStruck (season 6) hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Megan Young.
Velásquez is also embarked for a new concert series entitled Régine.. At The Theater which will be held at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino on November 6,7 & 20,21 2015. The concert will feature songs from the popular theater songs and broadway musicals.
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Filmography of Régine Velásquez (11 films)
Actress
Add to a movie list
Raketeros (2013)
Directed by Randy Santiago
Origin Philippines
Genres Comedy
Actors Herbert Bautista, Dennis Padilla, Andrew E., Ogie Alcasid, Joey Marquez, Mark Gil
Rating61%
Raketeros shares the adventures and misadventures of a group of middle-aged male friends–-Berto (Herbert Bautista), the cable guy; Mando (Dennis Padilla), the billiards player; Mulong (Long Mejia), the driver; Julio (Ogie Alcasid), the all-around singer; and Andoy (Andrew) the ‘religious.’ The five are gathered to do a simple task of delivering an expensive gown to their rich friend’s mansion. However, a series of hilarious mishaps puts them and their task in jeopardy.
Of All the Things (2012)
Directed by Joyce Bernal
Origin Philippines
Genres Comedy, Romantic comedy, Romance
Actors Régine Velásquez, Aga Muhlach, Rachelle Ann Go, John Lapus, Mark Bautista, Nikki Echieverri Bacólod
Roles Berns
Rating74%
Muhlach plays the role of Umboy, a notary public attorney who earns a living by notarizing important documents and other papers. Velasquez plays the role of Berns, a professional documents fixer. Every time Berns needs a notary public, she goes to Umboy to "legalize" her documents. Umboy is not a fan of Berns fixing documents. Their different ideology and principles in life are the causes of friction between the characters. However, with friction came attraction. How will these two get along? How will they deal with the tense attraction? See the movie and find out.
Kimmy Dora (2009)
, 1h43Directed by Joyce Bernal
Origin Philippines
Genres Drama, Comedy, Romance
Actors Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes, Gabby Eigenmann, Archie Alemania, Zanjoe Marudo, Baron Geisler
Roles the English teacher
Rating69%
Sisters Kimmy and Dora Godonghae (Eugene Domingo) are identical twins with radically different personalities. The older Kimmy is the intelligent, domineering and Machiavellian type, while Dora is a sweet, kindhearted half-wit. Kimmy has always been jealous of her sister as Johnson (Dingdong Dantes), the man she really likes, only has eyes for Dora. All hell breaks loose when their Korean father, Luisito Go Dong-hae (Ariel Ureta) suffers a heart attack and makes Dora the majority owner of their family conglomerate in case he dies. Kimmy thinks this to be unfair and gets the help of their family's lawyer, Harry (Baron Geisler), to take care of business. A misunderstanding brings forth a plan to kill Dora, but the hired hands kidnap Kimmy instead. Now Kimmy must find a way to escape her captors while Dora must act as her tough sister and control their company in order to hide the truth from their sick father.
Origin Philippines
Genres Comedy, Romantic comedy, Romance
Actors Judy Ann Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Sharon Cuneta, Régine Velásquez, Manilyn Reynes, Roderick Paulate
Roles Chit
Rating67%
, 1h36Origin Philippines
Genres Comedy
Actors Michael V., Ogie Alcasid, Aiko Melendez, Jomari Yllana, Leo Martinez, Roxanne Guinoo
Roles Angelina's First Yaya (cameo)
Rating61%
Angelina is a seven-year-old brilliant and talented girl, but with an undeniably spoiled personality. After her first 'yaya' (nanny) gets hospitalized because of her disobedience (A fire occurred prior to her hospitalization; Angelina was the cause of the fire because the nanny was teaching the latter how to grill), her parents decide to find her another 'yaya' who would combat her behavior, and a lot of applicants quit the job due to Angelina's attitude.
Urduja (2008)
, 1h40Origin Philippines
Genres War, Comedy, Action, Musical, Animation, Romance
Actors Régine Velásquez, Cesar Montano, Eddie García, Johnny Delgado, Jay Manalo, Ruby Rodriguez
Roles Urduja (voice)
Rating71%
Set in the 13th century, the film is a fictionalized tale of Princess Urduja, legendary warrior princess of Pangasinan.
Paano Kita Iibigin (2007)
Directed by Joyce Bernal
Origin Philippines
Genres Drama, Romance
Actors Piolo Pascual, Régine Velásquez, Eugene Domingo, Mark Bautista, Iya Villania, Erich Gonzales
Roles Martee
Rating58%
Terminated from her job and evicted from her own home Martina "Martee" Diamzon Regine Velasquez and her son Liam flee away for a vacation to Zambales despite the luxurious area here she finds Lance Monteagundo Piolo Pascual who owns a resort whose only idea is to meet there clientle while Martee is on vacation apparently shes unhappy with the service given by Lances employees Martee finds herself with no other way but to accept employment after her son Liam apparently accidentally damaged Lance's Motorcycle side mirror in which Lance wanted to auction and sell but Martee decides to take the opportunity to escape from her problems back at home but as she finds herself with the comfort with being with Lance who too underneath is arrogant and mean demeanor also falls for Martee he tries to change his ways for her so he does not scare her off but the two find one thing in common they are scared to love and forgive again.
Till I Met You (2006)
Origin Philippines
Genres Drama, Romance
Actors Régine Velásquez, Robin Padilla, Eddie García, Marky Cielo, Jackie Rice, Joonee Gamboa
Roles Luisa
Rating67%
Señor Manuel (Eddie Garcia)is an elderly gentleman who falls in love with the charming Luisa (Regine Velasquez), a confidence trickster posing as a rich socialite. In preparation for their upcoming wedding, Señor Manuel takes Luisa back to see his hacienda and introduces his new fiancé to the staff. Among which is Gabriel (Robin Padilla), Manuel's right-hand man, who is not only well respected by the town’s people, but is also the one person that Señor Manuel trusts the most. Likewise, Gabriel cares deeply for the old man and is very protective of the haciendero; so much so that during the initial meeting, the fiercely devoted Gabriel immediately becomes suspicious that Luisa is a fake and is only after Señor Manuel’s money. In order to expose Luisa as nothing but a gold digger, Caught in a tangled web of lies and deceit, all so unexpected .
Directed by Joyce Bernal
Genres Comedy
Actors Antonio Aquitania, Rufa Mae Quinto, Gina Pareño, John Lapus, Sunshine Dizon, Kier Legaspi
Rating53%
With the weight of an alcoholic née suicidal sister Brigitte (Sunshine Dizon), a womanizing addict for a brother Bogs (John Lapus), a hypochondriac for a mother Lupe (Gina Pareno), and a socially challenged lovelife Mark (Rudy Hatfield) hanging on her shoulders, Boobita Rose (Rufa Mae Quinto) breaks down by breaking into a song. However, she proves to be a tough cookie to crumble and gamely deals with her tribulations through a roller coaster ride of laugh and tears. Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Lani Misalucha, and other big-name stars grace the musical interludes and provide added comic relief.
You're the One I Need (2000)
, 2h10Directed by Joyce Bernal
Origin Philippines
Genres Comedy, Musical, Romance
Actors Robin Padilla, Régine Velásquez, John Lapus, Rufa Mae Quinto, Katya Santos, Joy Viado
Roles Francine Natra
Rating71%
Francine Natra (Regine Velasquez) is a popular singer enjoying the peak of her career. But due to stardom and her hectic schedules she suffers from a simple life on her own. Meanwhile, Guillermo "Gimo" Talumpati (Robin Padilla) lives his ordinary life as an auto mechanic taking care of his family and especially Ging-Ging, his sister with down syndrome. Their fates cross when a promo contest called "Date With A Star" makes Gimo the winner to take the popular Francine on a special date. But the prize date gets cut short when Francine's suitor Alex appears while Gimo was star struck to her. Feeling cheated, Gimo schemes his way to abduct the singer to be able to get to know her and carry out the prize date. Realizing what Francine was missing, living life's simple pleasures, she becomes closer to him. Being the honest person that he is, Gimo also falls in love with her. Until his sister had to go for a medical operation that needed an amount of money that their relationship went public. As a consequence Gimo can’t handle Francine's showbiz world. With her popularity and his pride, their relationship breaks off after an argument. Disappointed Francine leaves and clarifies the issue about Gimo. Days later, Francine kidnaps Gimo and asked him to marry her. He quickly realizes he has made the biggest mistake of his life by letting her go. They marry, the film concluding with a shot of Francine giving birth to their first child.
Do Re Mi (1996)
, 1h49Origin Philippines
Genres Drama, Comedy, Musical
Themes Musical films
Actors Donna Cruz, Régine Velásquez, Gloria Romero, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Gary Ejercito, Berting Labra
Roles Reggie Mendoza
Rating74%
The film uses the concept of three female singers who, "as they sing their way through life's ups and downs, they build a friendship strong enough to last a lifetime."
Scriptwriter
Origin Philippines
Genres Comedy, Romantic comedy, Romance
Actors Judy Ann Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Sharon Cuneta, Régine Velásquez, Manilyn Reynes, Roderick Paulate
Roles Story
Rating67%