Carmina on replacing Regine

Carmina Villaroel

She’s the Songbird; I’m just a frustrated singer,” jested Carmina Villaroel, who took over Regine Velasquez’s hosting duties in the GMA 7 talk show, “Sarap Diva”—renamed “Sarap, ’Di Ba?”—after the songstress transferred to ABS-CBN recently.

“As much as I want to sing … I can’t do it! We’re different, but I hope I can give the show’s followers the same kind of fun, joy and entertainment,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for the said weekly morning program, which started airing last Saturday.

Carmina was joined by her twins, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi. And the show, she said, will be tweaked to better suit the actress-TV host. “It’ll be more family-oriented. We will try to bridge the gap between us and today’s youth, so we could understand them better,” she said.

Asked if she’s ready for the inevitable comparisons, Carmina said: “I don’t want to stress over that. Some things end, and a new chapter begins. If it’s not me, someone else will be replacing Regine, no matter what … I’m taking this as a blessing and an opportunity.”

Carmina is also happy that Regine has been nothing but supportive of her, even promoting the show on social media. “She was happy when she found out I was going to be the new host,” she said. “She didn’t need [to endorse] the show, but she did—and that’s nice of her. I’m thankful for the support.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO