Regine Velasquez. Image: screengrab from YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Regine Velasquez was officially announced as a regular host of “Magandang Buhay,” replacing actress-TV host Karla Estrada who earlier left the morning talk show.
Asia’s Songbird, who already served as the show’s guest co-host last January, was welcomed by fellow hosts Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros, as seen in an episode of the show on ABS-CBN’s YouTube channel today, Aug. 8. The trio also sang the new version of “Magandang Buhay” theme song as their opening performance.
“Actually, kinakabahan ako. Pang-ilang beses ko na rito but for some reason, since I am officially going to be part of ‘Magandang Buhay’ today, I am so nervous,” Velasquez admitted.
(Actually, I am nervous. I have been here several times already but for some reason, since I am officially going to be part of “Magandang Buhay” today, I am so nervous.)
“I am very excited but I am just a little nervous. I don’t know why pero siguro kasi kasama ‘yon na syempre kapag naging host ka (but maybe because when you become a host), there’s a certain responsibility,” she added. “But I am happy, I am very, very happy to be part finally of ‘Magandang Buhay.'”
Velasquez also addressed Estrada and thanked her for her contribution to the show and her six-year stint as one of the hosts.
“[Karla] has become part of the show, so thank you very much and happy anniversary to you also,” Velasquez told Estrada.
Velasquez temporarily left the show last June to prepare for her concert with fellow singer Sharon Cuneta. Velasquez was then replaced by another guest host, actress Judy Ann Santos, who left the show last month.
Meanwhile, Estrada recently expressed her appreciation for Magdangal and Cantiveros, as well as the ABS-CBN bosses, stating that leaving the show was a heavy decision for her to make. JB
RELATED STORIES:
‘Magandang Buhay’ teases new official co-host replacing Karla Estrada
Karla Estrada on leaving ‘Magandang Buhay’ as host: ‘Naging mabigat ang desisyon’