Regine Velasquez. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Regine Velasquez put the spotlight on her son Nate, whom she referred to as her “legacy,” while saying she made peace with the many changes in the music industry throughout her 37-year career.
Velasquez was given the Powerhouse Award at the Billboard Philippines Women in Music ceremony on March 22, where she underscored Nate as her “legacy” as an artist in her acceptance speech. She noted that her past work may soon be forgotten, but her son wouldn’t forget her.
“Para po sa akin, ang akin pong legacy ay ang aking anak (For me, my legacy is my son) because people will forget about me, will forget about my voice, and what I’ve done in the industry, but my son will always remember me. So my son is my legacy,” she said as her voice nearly broke.
The singer also admitted that she’s unsure of what legacy she brought to the industry, as she pointed out that she accepted the fact that people will forget her someday. At one point, her words led the audience to shout “nos” while she firmly said she’s “fine” with it.
“Parati, kapag may nagtatanong sa akin kung ano ‘yung iiwan kong legacy sa industriyang ito, parang feeling ko wala,” she said as loud nos were heard at the Samsung Hall. “Sa akin po kasi, hindi masyadong importante kung meron man akong maiwan o wala. I know na makakalimutan ako kasi ganun ‘yun. And it’s fine.”
(Whenever someone asks what legacy I will leave behind in this industry, I feel I don’t have any. For me, it’s not that important whether I leave something or not. I know I will be forgotten someday because that’s how it is. And it’s fine.)
WATCH: Regine Velasquez delivered a breathtaking rendition of Paramore’s “The Only Exception” before accepting her Powerhouse Award at the Billboard PH Women in Music ceremony on March 22. | @HMallorcaINQ
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Despite this, Velasquez said it’s normal for changes to happen in the industry as “it’s just what it is” and it’s time to give attention to the next generation of artists.
“It’s fine with me because ganun po talaga ang panahon, ganun po talaga ang industriya and it’s not your fault, it’s just what it is. Siyempre, binibigay natin ang entablado sa mga sumusunod na henerasyon ng mga singers at songwriters,” she said.
Getting older
The “Dadadalhin” hitmaker admitted that “getting older” is a challenge for female artists in her acceptance speech, as she recalled that she used to be the youngest singer when she was starting.
“Bilang isang artista na medyo lumang tao na, nagsimula ako na pinakabata at ako ngayon ang pinakamatanda. Ang saya. I have to say na being in this industry, getting older is a challenge, especially for women,” she said.
“First of all, mahirap sa aming mga kababaihan kasi mayroon kaming mga hormones. We have to deal with those things, it changes our voices and it changes our appearance. You know, ang dami-dami namin kailangan harapin,” continued Velasquez.
(As an artist who’s old school, I started as the youngest and now, I’m the oldest. It makes me happy. I have to say being in this industry, getting older is a challenge, especially for women. First of all, women have to deal with the struggle of our hormones. We have to deal with those things, it changes our voices and it changes our appearance. We face a lot of things.)
Regine Velasquez. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Velasquez nonetheless said she’s fine with the changes that artists go through in their careers as they get older.
“Pero sa industriyang ito, mahirap kapag tumatanda ka na sa industry. Nakikita mo na nagbabago na ang lahat, ‘yung dating ikaw ‘yung sinisigawan, ikaw ‘yung nagkakaroon ng hits, then nararamdaman mong unti-unti na hindi na ikaw. But for me, it’s fine,” she said.
(In this industry, it’s hard when you’re getting older. Everything is changing. Before, you will be the one whom people will scream over. You get the hits, and then you eventually feel that it’s not your time. But for me, it’s fine.)
The singer also expressed her gratitude to her husband Ogie Alcasid, her father Gerry, and the people behind the scenes who contributed to the growth of her career through the years.
Aside from Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, BINI, Morissette Amon, Belle Mariano, Moira Dela Torre, Pilita Corrales, and Ena Mori were recognized for their achievements in music at the star-studded event.