REGINE Velasquez
My gay son, IC Mendoza, and I immensely enjoyed doing “behind-the-scenes” coverage of PLDT Home’s “The Regine Series.” Thanks a million to über-cool Gary Dujali and Aleli Bustamante for inviting us.
The free shows of Regine Velasquez in Metro Manila malls last year were a rousing success that they are set for repeats this year. But this time around, it will be a nationwide tour.
The “Songbird’s” concert series kicked off last Sunday at SM Bacoor. It coincided with the launch of the new PLDT Telset, Chic.
Reg wowed the jam-packed crowd with her flawless rendition of some of her signature songs, pop hits and OPM classics. She sang her heart out as if she was at the Big Dome. Performance level to the max!
Her guests, “Eat Bulaga’s” That’s My Bae heartthrobs and “The Voice” sensation, Daryl Ong, entertained the audience, as well.
IC and I got to bond with the Songbird backstage. Let me share with you some of Regine’s thoughts:
“I have separation anxiety from my baby, Nate, every time I have to leave for work. But I make sure I explain to him why I have to leave him with his dad (Ogie Alcasid). I’m glad I was a full-time mom during his first four years.”
Exercise
“I’m grateful for this chance to perform in a concert series in malls, so my fans can watch me for free. Plus, I get to exercise my vocal chords. My voice gets rusty when I don’t get to sing often.
“People think that there’s no song that I am not capable of singing. On the contrary, there are a lot of songs I am afraid to sing.
“My song for myself these days is a worship song, ‘Oceans.’ It’s my thank-you song to God for blessing me with the gift of music. From nothing, I became something because of my God-given talent.”
The highlight of the show was Regine’s number with the winner and other contestants of the “Regine Sing-Alike” contest, who are all her diehard fans.
It was so touching to see them tearing up onstage beside their idol. Other than Regine’s awesome numbers, what made the event unforgettable was the way she inspired her fans to keep singing, because it would take them where they want to go.
Bravo, Reg! Keep soaring, Songbird!
‘Bright Ideas’
RJ Ledesma, who gained popularity as the teen Joey in a TVC series in the 1980s, joins Bloomberg TV Philippines as host of “Bright Ideas,” a talk show promoting innovative start-up businesses in the country. It airs every Thursday at 9 p.m.
JANINE Gutierrez
Enchanting Janine
Janine Gutierrez could pass for the Filipino version of Anne Hathaway. The child-woman is out to enchant us anew in GMA 7’s coming soap, “Once Again,” where she is paired with Aljur Abrenica. Janine comes from show biz royalty, but she is well on her way to creating her own kingdom.
Here’s my tête-à-tête with Janine:
What do you hate about love?
What I hate about love is also what I love about it … it’s all-consuming.
What’s the best advice that your Lola Guy (Nora Aunor) and Lola Pilita (Corrales) gave you about love?
They don’t give me love advice!
Tell us about your new teleserye.
“Once Again” is a love story about Edgar and Reign. They are kept apart because of their families not wanting them to be together, but since their love is so strong, they find each other in another life.
On behalf of the youth, what unsolicited advice would you want to give our future President?
To not forget his/her goals and dreams for the country when he or she was young … not become cynical … and always remember that it’s about uplifting the country and each other.
In what ways are you alike and different from your mom, Lotlot de Leon?
My mom is much stronger! She loves unconditionally, and she’s headstrong. I’m more dependent and indecisive, and she’s a better actress.
If you could be invisible for a day, whom would you want to stalk?
Dingdong Dantes! To see his cute baby.
Personal
Muchisimas gracias to JR Francisco and JM Ouano of my new fave refuge, One Tagaytay Place, for such a blissful stay.