Regine always a big thrill

Believe it or not, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez still gets nervous before a major public performance, even after having conquered audiences here and abroad, throughout her stellar 17-year showbiz career.

Although she has filled up such venues as the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao and Carnegie Hall in New York City, she still feels like a fledgling newcomer each time she goes onstage. Every time is like the first time for Regine.

"It’s always exciting," says enthusiastically. "Always a thrill."

But before the pleasure comes the pain, she candidly admits.

"Once I am onstage, I am excited, but the preparation for each concert kills me," she owns up. "Like with this big show with Martin Nievera at the Araneta Coliseum, I am so tense!"

You read it right – Regine still gets butterflies in her tummy right before a concert.

"People think it’s so easy," she says. "Believe me, the preparation can be so difficult." It’s so stressful that she admits not just losing sleep, but also a few strands of her shiny tresses.

"Because of stress," she admits. "Or I get rashes all over my body. Or I don’t eat properly. Or I get mad easily. I get so harassed!"

Especially since her latest show is the summer season’s hottest ticket. The Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera 2003 World Tour goes on live at the Araneta Coliseum tonight and tomorrow night.

These pre-show jitters could only mean that the lure and frenzy of the concert stage, of singing live in front of an audience would always be an enduring passion for her.

"I guess, it’s also part of the excitement," she points out. "When the time comes that I no longer get nervous, when everything comes easy, then that would mean that I would not feel excited about my work na. I would probably stop singing na."

That would be the end of it, she confirms.

"Parang what’s the point?" Regine argues. "You don’t even want to be better than your last performance. How boring ’no?"

Seems like that will never happen in the far-off future because Regine remains just as fervent, just as passionate as that time she first wandered into the spotlight as a Bagong Kampeon winner 17 years ago.

Regine recalls that her first talent fee as a pro was a meager P300 for three sets every night, three nights a week.

"Friday, Saturday, and Sunday," she looks back. "I used to sing in restaurants like Demarco’s, B-B’s. Mga ihaw-ihaw in Baliuag and Malolos, Bulacan."

(That’s why her recent concert in Bulacan was a "nostalgic homecoming" for the Songbird.)

Whenever her kababayan in Bulacan tell her that they used to watch her shows in Demarco’s, Regine feels ecstatic.

"I’m so happy that until now they still watch me," she chimes in. "That only means that they are really following my career. That they really grew up with me."

That’s exactly why she never tires of coming up with new ideas, new concepts to keep her loyal, longtime fans riveted all these years.

"That’s why I try to be creative, in terms of my career, my look," she explains. "It’s important to keep reinventing yourself. Before it was just by accident. In the past, when I cut my hair or changed my wardrobe, people thought I was changing my image. Then, I realized that it was a good thing."

Regine expounds on the Gospel of Reinvention. She insists that reinvention goes deeper than just one’s sense of style and fashion.

"I also try to expand my repertoire," she expounds. "Or alter my sound a bit. I introduce these changes slowly. It’s not so radical that you would alienate your old followers. But it’s big enough to keep them interested, to keep them excited. In a way, it’s like they’re growing up with me. I just want to let them know what stage I am now on."

After 17 triumphant years in show business, Regine exclaims that she has learned and changed a lot, but the essential Regine has remained the same.

"As an artist, I’ve changed a lot," she relates. "I am more confident, both as a performer and as a person. I am more at ease with myself, with my own skin. I’d also like to think that I am more knowledgeable about my career, about life. My experiences have taught me a lot."

But after all has been said and done, the seasoned Songbird is still the same old Chona, the small-town lass who stunned the big city with her vocal prowess.

"When people ask me to describe my real personality, I always say the same thing," Regine remarks. "That I am plain. I am simple. At home, I wear an old duster and rubber slippers. I eat with my hands. I still like to go out with my family, with my siblings. They’re my barkada. I’m still child-like in so many ways."

Proof of this is the most important lesson she has acquired in the business of show.

"A lot of stars would probably say not to trust everybody," Regine affirms. "They’ve grown cynical already. But not me. I always say: It’s okay to trust, but just be careful."

She asserts that trust begets trust. That being good attracts goodness in return.

"With the people I work with, I make it a point to adjust," Regine concludes. "And I don’t mind. Kasi if they see that you really go the extra mile to give your best, the next time you need it, they’ll extend the favor back to you."

It’s the Golden Rule of tinseltown, says Regine. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise why she remains to be the Golden Girl (with the Golden Voice) of local showbiz. She is a pleasure to work with, in front and behind the camera.

Just ask her co-workers on the set of her new movie Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka, co-stars Christopher de Leon and Dingdong Dantes and first-time filmmaker Louie Ignacio.

They all have good and kind words to say about Regine. They all concur that she is a joy to behold–not only on the concert stage, but more importantly, offstage and off-cam.