Farewell to Regine Velasquez’s ‘leader of the band’

He was credited for training his daughter, making her vocalize waist-deep in the ocean, to strengthen those powerful pipes. He was the mentor who shepherded his protégée to victory in a slew of amateur singing contests.

In show biz, he was known simply as Mang Gerry, father of Regine Velasquez, “Asia’s Songbird” (a title media gave her after she won the Grand Prize in the 1989 Asia-Pacific Song Festival).

When Gerry Velasquez passed away Monday afternoon at age 76, Regine paid him the ultimate tribute, saying in a statement, “The leader of the band has joined his creator.”

The wake is at Manila Memorial Park in Plaridel, Bulacan. Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, Regine’s husband, told the

Inquirer that the funeral is tomorrow.

Music colleagues share their memories of Mang Gerry:

SHARON CUNETA

Over the years, I got to spend a few minutes with Mang Gerry each time Regine and I found ourselves in the same shows. He was quiet but always smiling, always very kind to me. I felt his love and support for Regine. I pray for strength for her and Ogie and their whole family at this difficult time. My love goes out to them.

LEA SALONGA

I remember Mang Gerry as a permanent fixture at Regine’s side at every gig. If you saw Regine, you knew that Mang Gerry was also around, her source of quiet strength and unwavering support. I don’t ever recall a full conversation with him, but I always respected him. Regine is who she is, due in no small part to his guidance and training. When I think of Regine, I think of Mang Gerry. The scene won’t be the same without him.

KUH LEDESMA

It is never easy to lose a parent. Regine was very close to her dad. But God, in his goodness, prepared her. She is spiritually stronger now; I know that

she and her family will find comfort in our heavenly father.

DULCE

Mang Gerry once told me, “Mas magaling sa ’yo ang anak ko”—to which I humbly concede. You could see how devoted he was to his daughter and we know that it all paid off. When Regine was just starting, he would stay where I was and not where Regine was, as if to enclose me inside a hedge… but I came to love Mang Gerry the way he was. Condolences to Regine and Ogie’s family. Mang Gerry is now walking on streets of gold, enjoying the light of a million mornings.

RACHELLE ANN GO

I used to see him on the set of “Search for a Star” (which was hosted by Regine and where I won the grand prize). He was a good man, waiting patiently, guarding Ms Reg. He was generous with compliments. I was only a newcomer but, after each performance, he would always assure me that I did well.

GARY VALENCIANO

I used to love hanging around outside concert venues to take a breather from the fuss and frenzy inside. Mang Gerry was one person I always saw also hanging around outside. He always asked how I was doing and gave tips and ideas for a show. I regret that I’ve never done a back-to-back concert with Regine for him to watch—it was one thing he used to hint at every time. Hay, Mang Gerry… we will miss you po.

MARTIN NIEVERA

My fondest memory of Mang Gerry would be the times we spent discussing vocal training and technique. He was very much a coach and mentor when it came to proper singing and song selection, but he was more like a father figure to me. He always shared words of support, advice and constructive criticism. On my first world tour with Regine over a decade ago, Mang Gerry and I always ended up together chatting, laughing, talking shop. I will miss him dearly. Regine was just telling me how excited Mang Gerry was about our coming Valentine concert (“Voices of Love”) and that he had chosen where he would sit. Now he’s in the best seat in the house.