Regine's biggest 'fantasy'

At the launch of her newest album under Universal Records titled "Fantasy," Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez was asked on the biggest fantasy of hers that has finally come true. Well, aside from playing the role of Darna, Regine said that she would want to portray a mermaid.

"But I guess the biggest fantasy of a girl is to get married. And I am about to fulfill that fantasy in a few days," said Regine at the launch of her brand-new album which also features the Ogie Alcasid composition titled "You Don't Know." It's a romantic ballad with a music video directed by Nani Naguit and is currently enjoying massive airplay on the country's top music charts.

In her album's liner notes, Regine wrote, "This album is very special to me because this is my last one as a single woman (Thank God!) and so thank you so much for your continued support. It's been a great ride so far."

"Fantasy" is a special collector's box-set that contains two discs featuring Regine at her very best as she belts out 12 original ballads in disc one while she revives a collection of homegrown favorites in the second.

The album also has two sets of packaging that every collector should have - one colored and one in black and white featuring the Songbird in rare and never-before-seen photos as taken by the lens of top photographer Mark Nicdao. Each box contains 10 sets of postcards.

Regine would not want to reveal anymore the details about their wedding since she felt they have revealed enough about it. Besides, her sister Cacai is the one taking care of the nitty-gritty as Regine doesn't want to be much involved in the preparations. Who would want to be depressed thinking about the many problems that might crop up between now and the actual date of their wedding which is on December 22?

Did she ever think she would wait this long for her wedding to take place? "No naman. Hindi naman ako nag-wait but it was more of a personal choice because I wanted to do many things. I wanted to travel so kumakanta ako. I was given the chance to do things myself, to do films, to be a host although I am not a very good host. I wanted to do other things besides singing, "

"Even if I didn't become successful right away, at least I I tried. But most of my dreams were granted. When I decided that I wanted to have a lovelife, I prayed and talked about it."

True enough, it came just when she needed it. But although her romance with Ogie started on a rather difficult situation and was rather tumultuous, after all that she went through, the wedding would be worth it. Or better yet, worth the wait!

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The Cinemalaya Foundation has announced the finalists for the New Breed Full Length Feature Category and Directors Showcase for its Cinemalaya 2011 Competition.

The 10 finalists in the New Breed Full Length Feature Category are: "Amok" by Lawrence Fajardo; "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank" by Chris Martinez; "Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa" by Alemberg Ang and Alvin Yapan; "Baby Factory" by Edwardo W. Roy, Jr. and Jerome Zamora; "Cuchera" by Joseph Israel M. Laban and Janice O'Hara; "E-libings: Your Loss, Our Luck" by Rommel Andreo Sales; "Ligo na U, Lapit Na Me" by Noel Ferrer, Jerry Gracio and Erick Salud; "Niño" by Loy Arcenas; "Teoriya" by Alistaire Christian E. Chan; and "The Dog Show" by Ralston G. Jover.

The five finalists in the Directors Showcase are: "Bisperas (Eve)" by Jeffrey Jeturian; "Busong (Fate)" by Auraeus Solito; "Henerala" by Mario O'Hara; "Isda (Fable of the Fish)" by Adolfo Alix Jr. and "Patikul" by Joel C. Lamangan.

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition seeks to discover, encourage, and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. The works are narrative features that articulate Filipino identity and culture in digital format. The competition is held in three categories, the New Breed Full Length Feature, Short Feature and the Directors Showcase.

Cinemalaya 2011 is now accepting entries for the Short Feature Category.