Regine Velasquez shows how to be a real pro

REGINE Velasquez with Baby Nate. Girlie Rodis

Regine Velasquez lived up to every entertainer’s mantra, “The show must go on!”

At her “Silver” anniversary concert last Friday, she tried her darn best to put up a good performance even if she was not feeling well. Her spirit was willing but her voice was weak.

That’s not to say that she didn’t wow us at all that night. In fact, she endeared herself more with her candor and humor.

“I prepared so hard for tonight because I want to be perfect for you guys,” Regine said while crying. “For six months, I tried to lose weight. I hardly had time for my family.”

She went on: “Of all nights, now pa ako nagka-virus. Pero kakanta pa rin ako kahit dumugo ang lalamunan ko (I’ll still sing even if my throat bleeds).”

She even managed to crack jokes, in between her sobs: “Babawi na lang ako sa haba ng slit ko (I’ll make it up with the length of my [gown’s] slit).”

Regine announced that she will stage another concert, for free, when she’s fully recovered. “Ibebenta ko kay Kris Aquino itong hikaw ko para may pang-produce ako (I’ll sell my earrings to Kris Aquino so I can produce that concert), she said in jest.

It was a heartwarming mix of laughter and tears as the capacity crowd cheered Regine on.

Birit or no birit, we cannot love Regine any less. Her show was a celebration of her long, hard journey from being a struggling probinsiyana singer to Asia’s Songbird.

Andi’s ‘permanent’ guy

Mark Gil is behind his daughter Andi Eigenmann every “heartache” of the way.

“When I saw her crying in a TV interview about her split-up with Jake Ejercito, I told her to come to me,” Mark says. “Andi and I have our own relationship. I don’t want to deal with Jaclyn Jose anymore out of respect for my new family.”

He adds: “I will always be Andi’s dad.  She has the full support of her paternal family.”

Mark says the Eigenmanns, who he describes as “a tight bunch,” get together every Sunday.

“Even if Andi is on her own, she can run to me anytime,” he says.

Boyfriends come and go, but Mark will always be the “permanent” guy to watch over Andi.

Yummy Yam 

YAM CONCEPCION

Make way for the new “Sex Goddess of Show biz,” Yam Concepcion. She will be launched in the steamy, erotic adult drama, “Rigodon” (Viva and Reality Films). The movie, which opens Wednesday, is directed by Erik Matti.

“I want to be known as someone who takes off my clothes but can act,” Yam says.

She appeared completely naked on the cover of a men’s magazine. It was one of the mag’s biggest sellers ever.

Yam also hosts “Pantaxa,” a sexy reality show on Viva Channel. With her in “Rigodon” are John James Uy and Max Eigenmann. Yummy Yam is out to satisfy men’s cravings

Negrense-style fun

I had a good time partying with Bacolod’s pride, Joel Torre, at Aruba Metrowalk. Since I’m an Ilongga at heart, I enjoyed speaking in Ilonggo with Joel all night.

He told me that he’s excited about the release of one of his classic films, “Oro, Plata, Mata,” on HD format.

Joel is one serious actor but he sure knows how to have fun, Negrense-style. Damo gid na salamat, Migo. Ka sadya naton!

PERSONAL: Domo arigato to Uniqlo at SM North Edsa, The Block, Ana Manansala, Bern Keyser, Joey Sarmiento and the cool COO Katsumi Kubota for such a great time at the media launch. Nikki Gil, Faith Cuneta and Chito Miranda were spotted shopping for “dressed to chill” outfits.