REGINE Velasquez
AMID the recent spate of calls for a more reasonable work schedule of people working in the local entertainment industry, singer-actress Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is hopeful that artists and production staff alike could meet halfway with networks and film outfits in cultivating an environment beneficial to everyone.
“We’re not voicing this out for the sake of making demands or making things hard. We’re simply after our health and quality of life,” pointed out Regine, who’s starting to get back to the grind of TV work through her coming comedy series on GMA 7, “Poor Señorita” (weekdays, starting March 28).
The 45-year-old Kapuso star surmised that a 14- to 15-hour workday would be optimal in show biz, where talents toil for an entire day, or at times, even two days straight.
“I think 12 hours is out of the question… Shortening the schedule means bigger production costs—and we’re fully aware of that,” she told reporters in a pocket interview.
Regine, who always makes it a point to impose a cut-off time whenever she accepts acting projects, added that having healthier working hours also allows artists to consistently deliver.
“Of course, we always want to perform to the very best of our abilities. Lack of sleep could lead to health troubles; it takes a toll on our bodies,” related the music artist dubbed Asia’s Songbird, who jokingly admitted to being “useless” past
12 a.m.
“That’s my usual limit. Beyond that, I get bouts of migraine or feel faint,” she said. “This isn’t for money or more relaxation time. We don’t want to end up working just to pay for medical bills.”
But in speaking out on the issue, Regine stressed that it’s also important to not offend the networks that provide them work. “The last thing we want is to appear ungrateful,” she said.
According to GMA 7 senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable, the network is open to dialogue with artists and is always seeking for ways to improve the working system.
“It’s always good to study how we can make things better—and we’re already doing that,” she told the Inquirer, adding that taping for “Poor” rarely lasts until the wee hours.”
“But it would also take a lot of discipline on everyone’s part,” the station executive added, “As the production tries to improve its system, the artists should also make sure that they’re disciplined and punctual; that they will come on set prepared and have already studied their script.”
In “Poor,” a comedy series directed by Dominic Zapata, Regine plays Rita, the rich owner of the country’s biggest perfume company.
“I’m happy that my comeback project is something light, because I’ve always been comfortable in this genre,” Regine said. “I’m not afraid to look or act silly. It comes naturally to me.”
“Poor Señorita” likewise features Mikael Daez, Sheena Halili, Snooky Serna, Kevin Santos, Jaya, Valeen Montenegro, Jillian Ward, Caprice Cayetano, Miggs Cuaderno and Zymic Jaranilla.
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph