By J. Hanzel M. Villafuerte
Star Studio Magazine
April 15, 2000
After 15 years in the business, Regine Velasquez has very little left to prove except perhaps, that she can find the right man at last.
After watching a Coco Lee show in Hong Kong, a Filipino journalist remarked: "She (Coco Lee) is good, but Regine is a much better performer. If Regine wold only be given the same breaks, she could definitely make it in the international scene."
A Filipino journalist saying that about a Filipino singer? Perhaps taken with a grain of salt, yes. But no matter what anyone says, Filipino or not, Regine Velasquez is definitely a talent to reckon with. After 15 years in the business, she has very little left to prove.
She is one of the country's most popular female singers, a known hit-maker, concert artist, TV host, and actress. She has recorded more than a dozen albums, some of w/c chalked sales abroad. Her last two albums, 1998's "Drawn" and 1999's "R2K" copped platinum awards within months of their release.
She is popular concert performer both here and abroad, and is one of the few Filipino artists who have set foot in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York. Her concerts here are sold-out affairs; any free concert she stages (like her recent Valentine's Day show at the Glorietta) draws hordes of people. And her forthcoming major concert this year at the Araneta Coliseum, produced by Viva Concerts, set on April 7 and 8 will most likely set a new record in the local concert scene.
She is also a trendsetter and trailblazer. She was one of the first local artists to try and direct her own concerts and videos. She's also one of the first to produce her own album "R2K." It marked the first album by a local artist to have a companion VCD (video compact disc) with videos of six songs from the album, including the carrier single "On the Wings of Love," and its own full-color magazine with photos of Regine taken by the country's noted photographers like Pancho Escaler, Jun de Leon and Ronnie Salvacion.
Moreover, Regine is one of the few singers who have successfully crossed over the acting arena . Regine's entry into the movies sealed whatever gap there was between her and the masa. She has done several movies with some of Philippine cinema's most talented actors for leading men-the likes of Drama King Christopher de Leon and Aga Muhlach. Being a singer, she is most at home with musicals, but her cheerful, happy personality makes her a natural for comedies and light romance-dramas such as "Wanted: Perfect Mother" (with Christopher de Leon and "Dahil May Isang Ikaw" (with Aga Muhlach).
But perhaps the most amazing thing about the phenomenon that is Regine is her staying- all 15 years of it. Starting as a 16-year-old ingenue a decade and a half ago, she has truly come a long way. Originally known as a belter, Regine has learned to control her powerful voice to be able to interpret songs that require sensitivity and vocal artistry.
Regine believes in the adage that when you stop being better, you stop being good. Whether it's her music, acting, concertizing, or recording, she never does anything half-heartedly. If there's a way of doing anything better, trust that she'll do it that way. "I think that's the artist in me," she says. "I love to do things, to create and to make things happen. I'll try anything at least once. I guess that's why I've lasted this long in the business."
Neither will she rest on her laurels. Her plans include writing songs and producing albums for other artists, starting with a song she is planning to write for young singer-actress Antionette Taus. She also has in mind her younger sister Cacai. "I see this as the next logical step after producing my album," says Regine. "After proving to myself that I can do it, I want to try something else naman also because I'm not getting any younger."
For Regine, it's all about sharing her talents. "I'm very blessed to have been given so much. Through my singing, I've gained so much that I feel I have to help others as my way of giving back what I have received."
Inevitably, the subject turns out to her love life for as she herself says she's "not getting any younger." With a blank stare she replies: "Next question, please."
Saturday, April 15, 2000
Wednesday, April 05, 2000
Regine Velasquez: 14 Years of Memories
By Mich Velez
Vanity Magazine
April 5, 2000
After 14 years in the business, Regine Velasquez has built up plenty of beautiful memories. But she says that the best is yet to come.
"I have a lot to look forward to, and that's definitely a good thing," says the lovely singer who, incidentally, is turning 30 this year. And one of the things she has to look forward to is her biggest production ever-her first concert at the Araneta Coliseum on April 7 & 8, billed "R2K, The Concert."
It's her biggest show ever. For the Rajo Laurel costumes alone, Viva Concerts, which is producing it, spent between P250,000-300,000. For the huge billboard along EDSA near Guadalupe, they had to shell out half a million pesos. And dig her guests -a handful of stars led by her sister Cacai Velasquez, Gabby Eigenmann, DC Montero and the Hotlegs, will be there too. Viva is obviously sparing no expense to make this a special concert.
Finally, it is her biggest production in terms of venue. But would you believe that Regine, who has conquered every stage from New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall to the venerable CCP, was afraid of doing a concert at the Araneta because she was afrad she couldn't fill it? "I usually do a concert at venues like Folk Arts, at laging okay ang turn-out," says Regine. "I've been avoiding Araneta for the longest time because I always thought it was too big. Imagine 17,000 seats o fill per night - I didn't know if I could do it."
Well as they say, there's no turning back. With barely days to go before the concert. Regine - who conceptualized and is directing herself in this show - is going crazy trying to assure herself that everything will be okay. She's breaking out into rashes from the nervousness she feels.
"How am I feeling?" she asks. "It's everything combined basically. I'm nervous worrying if everything is gonna be okay at kung mapupuno ko ang Araneta. I've never thought I could do one night at Araneta. Imagine, now I'm doing two nights! I'm very excited especially since it's going to be a celebration of my 14th year and my 30th birthday."
Regine is 14 years in the business have been very fruitful. She has many special memories of those 14 years, starting with the time she met her former manager, Ronnie Henares. Ronnie and his wife Ida were instrumental in giving her new sophisticated image. "We all know naman why Ronnie is one for the people whom I consider important to my career. He saw the potential in me. A lot of people were discouraging him from trying to manage me kasi I was thin, dark and unsophisticated. Pero ipinaglaban niya ako. Ronnie was the first person who believed in me." explains Regine.
She has cut her ties w/ Ronnie but they remain good friends. Today, in managing her own career, Regine applies many of the lessons she learned from Ronnie. They helped a lot, especially when she was producing her latest album, "R2K." It was Regine's first time to produce an album, but she was vindicated when the album did so well (it's nearing the triple platinum mark) and when Viva decided to produce a concert inspired by it. "It was my first time to produce, I was so tensed!" laughs Regine. "I lost a lot of weight dahil sa tensyon - daig pa ang Bangkok pills! I became more critical because it was my album and I wanted it to be perfect. It was my baby. Kaya pinagisipan ko talaga bawat kanta. I had to explain to the arrangers exactly how I wanted each song to be done."
Regine says she wasn't out to prove anything by trying to produce her own album. "It was just an artistic thing. I also wanted to fulfill a dram and it's what I wanted to do. I'm very happy at the way the album turned out."She feels a great deal of satisfaction over how her 14 years in the business have turned out. Through her career she has been able to provide for her family. "I think it's my biggest reward," says Regine. "More than all the awards, what makes me happy is seeing the fruits of my labor and being able to see my family na comfortable ang life and with no worries."
Regine herself doesn't have much to worry about these days. Her place in the industry is secure. She counted right up there with Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jaya, Lani Misalucha, Vernie Varga, Sharon Cuneta and all the other divas. Nearly every album she has recorded has turned gold platinum. Her Asian albums, "Listen W/o Prejudice, My Love Emotion, and Retro" were international hits, which led to her being dubbed "Asia's Songbird." She is the only Filipina singer to have dueted with Hong Kong pop superstar Jackie Cheung, and American superstars Paul Anka and David Hasselhoff of Baywatch fame.
The latest feather on Regine's cap was when she was chosen to perform composer Danny Tan's historic millennium song last December 31 on the rooftop of the Peninsula Manila Hotel, with her seven-minute performance broadcast to the entire world. She is multi-awarded, and has played to SRO audiences in the Philippines and abroad.
When she looks back to where it all started, Regine can't help but be nostalgic. "I have fond memories of those times. For instance, I remember joining the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong way back in 1989. That was my first international contest, and my first contest in a long time," recalls Regine. "It was also my first time out of the Philippines. That contest was five years after I won Bagong Kampeon, and I was already starting to make a name for myself, that why I was so pressured. Napapansin na ako. So sabi ko, "What if I lose?" Nakakahiya! But the thrill of representing my country was enough to make me want to go and try, bahala na if I win or not."
Regine sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "And I am telling You." The contest was so nerve-wrecking that when her name was finally called as the winner, she couldn't believe it. It was a "Miriam Quiambao" moment for her, so one that she'll never forget. Dalawang kanta lang yon, pero ibinigay ko lahat, so at the end of it, felt like a two hour concert...I'll never forget that tired feeling in my life," says Regine. "After my song, I was so drained and so tired that my father practically had to carry me offstage. You should have seen me - halos gumagapang na ako. But when I won, ang sarap ng feeling. Parang nanalo ka ng Ms. Universe!"
What made the victory doubly sweet was that the contest was held in December. By the time Regine and her entourage got home, it was Christmas Eve. "It was such a nice Christmas present for me and my family," says Regine. "Ang saya-saya ng Noche Buena namin." Another "memorable moment" from her 14 years in the business is when she recorded her Asian albums, "Listen Without Prejudice" and "Reason Enough". Both hit the top of the Asian charts ang gave Regine gold and platinum awards. "It was nice, because I never thought that other people to me was amazing."
There have been, and will be more moments to remember for Regine. It has been a good 14 years, and she's looking forward to more. That's why this concert at the Araneta Coliseum - her biggest - ever is a milestone for her. I'm very much overwhelmed by everything's that's happened to me in 14 years," says Regine. "I'm very lucky and very blessed. Not everyone has been given the chance I've had. There's a lot of pressure now, and people will be expecting a lot, but there's a good side and a bad side to that. I'm just going to try my best.
Regine doesn't believe that the all-out support being given to her means she is being treated any more special by Viva that the other divas it has on its roster, namely Kuh, Jaya, Sharon, Zsa Zsa, Pops and Lani. "At first ganon ang reaction ko, but then I realized that we're all being treated the same. In a way, ako rin ang humingi ng tulong from Viva to produce this kasi ang hirap mag-concert ngayon because of the economic crisis. And Boss Vic has been saying na the next time I have a concerts, sa kanya ko na daw ibigay. Matagal na kasi siyang hindi nagpo-produce ng concert. All out talaga sila." she says.
And why not, as she is one singer who definitely deserves it. For 14 years, she has brought her audience untold joy through her music, and this will be an occasion to celebrate that joy.
Vanity Magazine
April 5, 2000
After 14 years in the business, Regine Velasquez has built up plenty of beautiful memories. But she says that the best is yet to come.
"I have a lot to look forward to, and that's definitely a good thing," says the lovely singer who, incidentally, is turning 30 this year. And one of the things she has to look forward to is her biggest production ever-her first concert at the Araneta Coliseum on April 7 & 8, billed "R2K, The Concert."
It's her biggest show ever. For the Rajo Laurel costumes alone, Viva Concerts, which is producing it, spent between P250,000-300,000. For the huge billboard along EDSA near Guadalupe, they had to shell out half a million pesos. And dig her guests -a handful of stars led by her sister Cacai Velasquez, Gabby Eigenmann, DC Montero and the Hotlegs, will be there too. Viva is obviously sparing no expense to make this a special concert.
Finally, it is her biggest production in terms of venue. But would you believe that Regine, who has conquered every stage from New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall to the venerable CCP, was afraid of doing a concert at the Araneta because she was afrad she couldn't fill it? "I usually do a concert at venues like Folk Arts, at laging okay ang turn-out," says Regine. "I've been avoiding Araneta for the longest time because I always thought it was too big. Imagine 17,000 seats o fill per night - I didn't know if I could do it."
Well as they say, there's no turning back. With barely days to go before the concert. Regine - who conceptualized and is directing herself in this show - is going crazy trying to assure herself that everything will be okay. She's breaking out into rashes from the nervousness she feels.
"How am I feeling?" she asks. "It's everything combined basically. I'm nervous worrying if everything is gonna be okay at kung mapupuno ko ang Araneta. I've never thought I could do one night at Araneta. Imagine, now I'm doing two nights! I'm very excited especially since it's going to be a celebration of my 14th year and my 30th birthday."
Regine is 14 years in the business have been very fruitful. She has many special memories of those 14 years, starting with the time she met her former manager, Ronnie Henares. Ronnie and his wife Ida were instrumental in giving her new sophisticated image. "We all know naman why Ronnie is one for the people whom I consider important to my career. He saw the potential in me. A lot of people were discouraging him from trying to manage me kasi I was thin, dark and unsophisticated. Pero ipinaglaban niya ako. Ronnie was the first person who believed in me." explains Regine.
She has cut her ties w/ Ronnie but they remain good friends. Today, in managing her own career, Regine applies many of the lessons she learned from Ronnie. They helped a lot, especially when she was producing her latest album, "R2K." It was Regine's first time to produce an album, but she was vindicated when the album did so well (it's nearing the triple platinum mark) and when Viva decided to produce a concert inspired by it. "It was my first time to produce, I was so tensed!" laughs Regine. "I lost a lot of weight dahil sa tensyon - daig pa ang Bangkok pills! I became more critical because it was my album and I wanted it to be perfect. It was my baby. Kaya pinagisipan ko talaga bawat kanta. I had to explain to the arrangers exactly how I wanted each song to be done."
Regine says she wasn't out to prove anything by trying to produce her own album. "It was just an artistic thing. I also wanted to fulfill a dram and it's what I wanted to do. I'm very happy at the way the album turned out."She feels a great deal of satisfaction over how her 14 years in the business have turned out. Through her career she has been able to provide for her family. "I think it's my biggest reward," says Regine. "More than all the awards, what makes me happy is seeing the fruits of my labor and being able to see my family na comfortable ang life and with no worries."
Regine herself doesn't have much to worry about these days. Her place in the industry is secure. She counted right up there with Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jaya, Lani Misalucha, Vernie Varga, Sharon Cuneta and all the other divas. Nearly every album she has recorded has turned gold platinum. Her Asian albums, "Listen W/o Prejudice, My Love Emotion, and Retro" were international hits, which led to her being dubbed "Asia's Songbird." She is the only Filipina singer to have dueted with Hong Kong pop superstar Jackie Cheung, and American superstars Paul Anka and David Hasselhoff of Baywatch fame.
The latest feather on Regine's cap was when she was chosen to perform composer Danny Tan's historic millennium song last December 31 on the rooftop of the Peninsula Manila Hotel, with her seven-minute performance broadcast to the entire world. She is multi-awarded, and has played to SRO audiences in the Philippines and abroad.
When she looks back to where it all started, Regine can't help but be nostalgic. "I have fond memories of those times. For instance, I remember joining the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong way back in 1989. That was my first international contest, and my first contest in a long time," recalls Regine. "It was also my first time out of the Philippines. That contest was five years after I won Bagong Kampeon, and I was already starting to make a name for myself, that why I was so pressured. Napapansin na ako. So sabi ko, "What if I lose?" Nakakahiya! But the thrill of representing my country was enough to make me want to go and try, bahala na if I win or not."
Regine sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "And I am telling You." The contest was so nerve-wrecking that when her name was finally called as the winner, she couldn't believe it. It was a "Miriam Quiambao" moment for her, so one that she'll never forget. Dalawang kanta lang yon, pero ibinigay ko lahat, so at the end of it, felt like a two hour concert...I'll never forget that tired feeling in my life," says Regine. "After my song, I was so drained and so tired that my father practically had to carry me offstage. You should have seen me - halos gumagapang na ako. But when I won, ang sarap ng feeling. Parang nanalo ka ng Ms. Universe!"
What made the victory doubly sweet was that the contest was held in December. By the time Regine and her entourage got home, it was Christmas Eve. "It was such a nice Christmas present for me and my family," says Regine. "Ang saya-saya ng Noche Buena namin." Another "memorable moment" from her 14 years in the business is when she recorded her Asian albums, "Listen Without Prejudice" and "Reason Enough". Both hit the top of the Asian charts ang gave Regine gold and platinum awards. "It was nice, because I never thought that other people to me was amazing."
There have been, and will be more moments to remember for Regine. It has been a good 14 years, and she's looking forward to more. That's why this concert at the Araneta Coliseum - her biggest - ever is a milestone for her. I'm very much overwhelmed by everything's that's happened to me in 14 years," says Regine. "I'm very lucky and very blessed. Not everyone has been given the chance I've had. There's a lot of pressure now, and people will be expecting a lot, but there's a good side and a bad side to that. I'm just going to try my best.
Regine doesn't believe that the all-out support being given to her means she is being treated any more special by Viva that the other divas it has on its roster, namely Kuh, Jaya, Sharon, Zsa Zsa, Pops and Lani. "At first ganon ang reaction ko, but then I realized that we're all being treated the same. In a way, ako rin ang humingi ng tulong from Viva to produce this kasi ang hirap mag-concert ngayon because of the economic crisis. And Boss Vic has been saying na the next time I have a concerts, sa kanya ko na daw ibigay. Matagal na kasi siyang hindi nagpo-produce ng concert. All out talaga sila." she says.
And why not, as she is one singer who definitely deserves it. For 14 years, she has brought her audience untold joy through her music, and this will be an occasion to celebrate that joy.
Monday, April 03, 2000
Regine Velasquez: Celebrates 15 showbiz years
By Ruby V. Asoy
Mirror Weekly
April 3, 2000
This year is a momentous year for singer Regine. As she turns 30 this month, she is likewise celebrating her 15th year in show business.
She's making those events with a concert dubbed "R2K The Concert" which will be held at the Araneta Colisuem on April 7 & 8. The concert is also a celebration of the success of her album R2K, her 10th and the first she produced, which has turned platinum.
Regine herself will direct this concert (which she also conceptualized), in cooperation with musical director Mark Lopez and stage designer Jo Tecson. Directing and conceptualizing shows are not new to Regine. She has also directed her previous concerts "Drawn" and "Retro" and other events, like "Isang Pasasalamat." But "R2K The Concert" makes her jittery because for the first time she's holding it in a venue w/ a capacity of 17,000.
In this concert, she'll be supported by sister Cacai, the SOP co-stars Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, along w/ hunky rap artists KC Montero and Gabby Eigenmann, plus, the Hotlegs dancer.
Regine relates that the concert is not only a feast for music lovers but fashion aficionados as well. Noted fashion designer Rajo Laurel has done a marvelous set of post-modern outfits for her for the concert. Spectators are expected to see Regine metamorphose from a sexy seductress in black leather cat suit to a hip and cool trendsetter in a psychedelic miniskirt over a netted blouse. She will also wear sophisticated gowns that exemplify both elegant and high style. The concert will veritably appear like a fashion show for Asia's undisputed songbird.
A gigantic billboard featuring a sexy and sassy and hip Regine (the very first of its kind) which now stands along Guadalupe corner EDSA in Makati, serves as one of the concerts promotional strategies. The billboard affirms that she's the premiere trendsetter in the entertainment industry.
Regine has learned to show off some skin in her manner of dressing partly on the advice of designer Louie Mamengo, who taught her to be more fashionable. "With my age I should be over my pa-sweet and pa-cute image." she says.
Regine appears amenable to receiving and advice or two regarding clothes but as far as makeup is concerned she does it all by herself. She does her own makeup and maintains a traditional ritual in keeping her skin smooth and flawless. She applies Lana (an oil extract from a young coconut) during weekends. And if you think she frequents the salon to maintain her look, you're in for a surprise, because she does all her beauty regimen at home. "I prefer doing it at home so I can feel comfortable and not to be obligated to dress up. Another reason is that I don't want to hear any chismis." This way, she says she is free from the prying eyes of other people.
Longtime Dream
Becoming an international star has remained her longtime dream. Slowly, she's working on that. If it will push through that would be heaven, but if not, she has still a career here to keep busy with.
"It's really hard to make it there. A face and talent could not guarantee you can make a foothold in that market," she says. "As it is, it's not easy to make it here also. I'm hoping that at least, I could record even one international album and I would be happy if it happens.
Having established a name for herself, Regine has decided to manage herself. She used to be managed by Ronnie Henares, whom she conceives as his second father up to this day. "As far as decision making, I know I can already handle it. But I also hired people to work for me on a per project basis. What they do is that they talk to producers and other concerned individuals," she tells.
In a way, managing her own career has worked for her advantage. It makes her knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the business.
"I consider it as part of my growing up process. Eventually, I hope to master the ropes of the trade. The past two years hat I tried it on my own I have been learning a lot," she explains.
Temporarily, Regine has put her movie career on hold. Her first priority has been her singing career. The last movie she did was opposite Aga Mulach (Dahil May Isang Ikaw) under Viva Films. She relates that the original plan was for her to do two movies a year. But with her busy singing commitments, she couldn't finishes two pictures a year. "But that's good enough for me so I won't be over exposed," she says.
Hopeless romantic
As far as love life is concerned, Regine doesn't want to be pressured just because she will be turning 30. "There's no rush really," she says. "I don't know, but guys are sort of intimidated by me. But if I want to do it my way, I want my relationship to start in friendship."
She admits she's not really missing out on anything. What more can she asks for if she's living a fulfilled life?
"My career is doing good. I have a very loving and supportive family. I have friends...But real friends? I can count them in my hands. Real friendship needs proper nurturing, like taking time and effort be with one another."
Regine has been living in a condominium unit in Quezon City for two years now with her younger sister, who she has hired as production assistant. She used to live in her hometown in Bulacan with her family.
She has lost her privacy she says, because of her job. "But you know, I've sacrificed little compared to what success has given to me," she intimates. "Because of my career, I've helped my family and we are now living a comfortable life. I was able to travel for free. I don't have any complains at all.
"What I have become has surpassed even my expectations. I've never expected that I would last this long, that I would continue singing up to this day. I've no regrets at all. My career has been running smoothly. And if I decide to retire, my songs will always be there - my legacy to my fans and supporters. But I'm not ready to slow down. Not yet. I'll continue to test the waters," she concludes.
Mirror Weekly
April 3, 2000
This year is a momentous year for singer Regine. As she turns 30 this month, she is likewise celebrating her 15th year in show business.
She's making those events with a concert dubbed "R2K The Concert" which will be held at the Araneta Colisuem on April 7 & 8. The concert is also a celebration of the success of her album R2K, her 10th and the first she produced, which has turned platinum.
Regine herself will direct this concert (which she also conceptualized), in cooperation with musical director Mark Lopez and stage designer Jo Tecson. Directing and conceptualizing shows are not new to Regine. She has also directed her previous concerts "Drawn" and "Retro" and other events, like "Isang Pasasalamat." But "R2K The Concert" makes her jittery because for the first time she's holding it in a venue w/ a capacity of 17,000.
In this concert, she'll be supported by sister Cacai, the SOP co-stars Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, along w/ hunky rap artists KC Montero and Gabby Eigenmann, plus, the Hotlegs dancer.
Regine relates that the concert is not only a feast for music lovers but fashion aficionados as well. Noted fashion designer Rajo Laurel has done a marvelous set of post-modern outfits for her for the concert. Spectators are expected to see Regine metamorphose from a sexy seductress in black leather cat suit to a hip and cool trendsetter in a psychedelic miniskirt over a netted blouse. She will also wear sophisticated gowns that exemplify both elegant and high style. The concert will veritably appear like a fashion show for Asia's undisputed songbird.
A gigantic billboard featuring a sexy and sassy and hip Regine (the very first of its kind) which now stands along Guadalupe corner EDSA in Makati, serves as one of the concerts promotional strategies. The billboard affirms that she's the premiere trendsetter in the entertainment industry.
Regine has learned to show off some skin in her manner of dressing partly on the advice of designer Louie Mamengo, who taught her to be more fashionable. "With my age I should be over my pa-sweet and pa-cute image." she says.
Regine appears amenable to receiving and advice or two regarding clothes but as far as makeup is concerned she does it all by herself. She does her own makeup and maintains a traditional ritual in keeping her skin smooth and flawless. She applies Lana (an oil extract from a young coconut) during weekends. And if you think she frequents the salon to maintain her look, you're in for a surprise, because she does all her beauty regimen at home. "I prefer doing it at home so I can feel comfortable and not to be obligated to dress up. Another reason is that I don't want to hear any chismis." This way, she says she is free from the prying eyes of other people.
Longtime Dream
Becoming an international star has remained her longtime dream. Slowly, she's working on that. If it will push through that would be heaven, but if not, she has still a career here to keep busy with.
"It's really hard to make it there. A face and talent could not guarantee you can make a foothold in that market," she says. "As it is, it's not easy to make it here also. I'm hoping that at least, I could record even one international album and I would be happy if it happens.
Having established a name for herself, Regine has decided to manage herself. She used to be managed by Ronnie Henares, whom she conceives as his second father up to this day. "As far as decision making, I know I can already handle it. But I also hired people to work for me on a per project basis. What they do is that they talk to producers and other concerned individuals," she tells.
In a way, managing her own career has worked for her advantage. It makes her knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the business.
"I consider it as part of my growing up process. Eventually, I hope to master the ropes of the trade. The past two years hat I tried it on my own I have been learning a lot," she explains.
Temporarily, Regine has put her movie career on hold. Her first priority has been her singing career. The last movie she did was opposite Aga Mulach (Dahil May Isang Ikaw) under Viva Films. She relates that the original plan was for her to do two movies a year. But with her busy singing commitments, she couldn't finishes two pictures a year. "But that's good enough for me so I won't be over exposed," she says.
Hopeless romantic
As far as love life is concerned, Regine doesn't want to be pressured just because she will be turning 30. "There's no rush really," she says. "I don't know, but guys are sort of intimidated by me. But if I want to do it my way, I want my relationship to start in friendship."
She admits she's not really missing out on anything. What more can she asks for if she's living a fulfilled life?
"My career is doing good. I have a very loving and supportive family. I have friends...But real friends? I can count them in my hands. Real friendship needs proper nurturing, like taking time and effort be with one another."
Regine has been living in a condominium unit in Quezon City for two years now with her younger sister, who she has hired as production assistant. She used to live in her hometown in Bulacan with her family.
She has lost her privacy she says, because of her job. "But you know, I've sacrificed little compared to what success has given to me," she intimates. "Because of my career, I've helped my family and we are now living a comfortable life. I was able to travel for free. I don't have any complains at all.
"What I have become has surpassed even my expectations. I've never expected that I would last this long, that I would continue singing up to this day. I've no regrets at all. My career has been running smoothly. And if I decide to retire, my songs will always be there - my legacy to my fans and supporters. But I'm not ready to slow down. Not yet. I'll continue to test the waters," she concludes.
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