Regine comes of Age

Crispina Martinez-Belen
Manila Bulletin
July 15, 1991

Regine Velasquez undeniably is the hottest concert artist of the '90's, others already call her "Concert Queen." Like the proverbial desert flower, she waited for the right time to bloom. According to Joyce Villanueva, personal manager to Regine, "Napapanahon na si Regine. Kung baga dati manibalang pa lang, ngayon hinog na."

Just how 'hinog' she is, people will get to see her new concert titled "Regine In Season." The concert promises to reveal a side of Regine seldom seen on stage. With a repertoire that is basically young and upbeat, Regine takes a step away from her established image as a standard singer. It is interesting to note that the title of the concert may be considered by some to be misnomer. Because unlike the common connotation of maturity and seriousness, which usually follow the phrase in season; The concert transforms Regine from a sombre singer to a more upbeat, more youth oriented performer.

Amazingly, her hidden side is more natural to her than her than her current image. For Regine is really still a kid at heart, not withstanding her 21 years. Through she projects an air of sophistication and poise on stage that is more a product of packaging and image building. In fact, talking with Regine in person, you are not apt to recognize her as the voice behind the hits "Narito Ako," "Promdi" and "Urong-Sulong."

Regine slips in and out of that mantle of sophistication easily but it is very evident that the girl from Bulacan is much more comfortable with the simple life she leads than with the act that she has to put up on stage. And probably for the first time her fans will be treated to a glimpse of the real Regine, loose, fancy free and certainly young.

Regine has been in the industry for several years and is considered a veteran. But uncharacteristically like a veteran, she still is given to bouts of insomnia whenever she has major concerts. "When the day for my concert, 'Narito Ako' was nearing, I really couldn't sleep. Alas quatro pa lang gising na ako," she enthused.

For the nth time around, Regine and Louie Ocampo are working together in a show and as such their close rapport is certain to produce another mega success.

Joining Regine in her July 20 concert at the ULTRA are Hotlegs and other queen concert and Regine's very close friend Ms. Pops Fernandez. Having Pops as guest is also a novelty and that is unusual for a female singer to have only a female guest in her concert. And to have two of the most talented concert artists in the country in one show is truly a treat.

Regine in Season, in essence, is timeless.