Regine wows Hollywood

Philippine Post Mag
February 2002

The mixed crowd was simply ecstatic. Regine Velasquez's star showed no signs of dimming as Asia's songbird proved to be still the top favorite of Filipino and non-Filipino fans when she practically turned the crowd wild with her performance at the First Annual Lunar Parade and Festival on Hollywood Boulevard last Sunday, February 17.

After an unexpected six songs, the throngs of spectators noticeably dominated by Filipino audiences, clamored for more. Regine's "free concert" was made possible by KSCI-TV 18 and the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel , whose law firm have made it a tradition to give back to the Filipino community and their "kababayans". KCSI - TV 18 will air a delayed telecast of Regine's concert, the parade and festival from 1:30 pm to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Braving the cold breeze of L.A. winter, Regine proved to be a fitting finale to the festival, attended by thousands of visitors who came from as far north as San Francisco, and as far south as San Diego. Twenty two year old Filipino-american Raymond Butiong, who drove all the way from San Diego with friend Christopher Cabuco to watch Regine, was among the throng who danced to Regine's songs. For 22 year old Christopher, the cooking galore featuring Asian dishes such as teriyaki and sushi specialties proved too enticing. "There are also foods and festivities in other affairs but this one was different as it showcased truly delectable Asian cuisine. We don't have anything like this in San Diego," Christopher noted.

Even Caucasians who attended the festival were quite impressed. "Those who didn't come missed all the food and fun," said Todd Hassell, an avid Asian fan from Van Nuys.

Michelle Gerez, a new immigrant from the Philippines, said she couldn't be more proud to see an official Asian festival in the entertainment capital of Hollywood. "It's about time we showed off the best in our cultures," she said.

Philippine Consul General Edwin Bael, said the festival organized by KSCI-TV 18, is a good vehicle to muster Asian unity. "This has proven to be a good venue for uniting Asian Americans," said Bael, who was seen strolling around the festival ground from Orange to La Brea with wife Betty.

Alfredo Palma, 23, and his friends had a good time singing along with Regine who was herself stunned to see thousands of Filipino Americans watch her perform since her successful comeback concert here and in San Francisco last September.

Earlier, thousands of spectators including throngs of Filipino fans, watched Regine as she descended down Hollywood Boulevard on a Philippine float that depicted the peculiar Filipino fiesta setting. The float was also sponsored by Attorney Michael G. Gurfinkel, the same lawyer who resolved Regine's complicated immigration case last year.

The float, as expected, was a big hit with Regine, splendid in her white terno, surrounded by young, beautiful Filipinas similarly attired in our native costumes. The very Filipino setting was supplemented by a Filipino male consort in native Barong Tagalog. The barrio setting, complete with swaying coconut trees made many Filipinos nostalgic of their native land.

Celia de Fato of the Kultura Philippine Folk Arts choreographed the Filipino dance. Although Regine was the culminating artist of the festival and the parade, other Asian talents also graced the affair; Jolin Tsai, Keiko Agena, Basco Brothers, Caroline Hsu, One Voice, Tamlyn Tomita, Asia 4, Kieu Chinh and At Last, among other artists.