MANILA, Philippines - Regine Velasquez got sick at a most inopportune time early this month and it broke her heart how she couldn’t give her best to her audience after undergoing arduous preparations for her silver anniversary concert.
Regine is one artist who gives her heart and soul when she performs and the dedication she gives to her audience is quite unparalleled. That’s why all eyes are on her as she mounts the repeat of her Silver concert on Jan. 5 at the SM Arena, where it all began, for free!
“I expected the audience to walk out, to boo me. I was prepared for the worst. But ironically, the complete opposite happened. They felt my pain and they sympathized with me. They were one with me. Everyone was also very emotional that night as I was. I have never felt more loved by my audience. That is the reason why I wanted to give it back to them. Hold this repeat and give them what they truly deserve,†she said.
Regine has always relied on her golden voice to achieve and maintain the life that she has dreamed for herself and her loved ones. Dubbed as the Cinderella of local music business, her rags-to-riches story has proven that one can aim for the moon and reach it with determination and perseverance, just like the way she is able to hit those impossibly high notes in her songs.
The big houses, the fancy cars, the branded clothes, shoes and bags, travels abroad and her own businesses — name it, Regine has had it for many years now.
With the country’s top diva raising her own family — Baby Nate, husband, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and his children with Michelle Van Eimeren-Morrow, Regine’s outlook has broadened to not just living it up, but, more importantly, having a quality of life in which she and those dear to her have the strongest of connections at all times.
Regine knows it starts with herself. At home, she doesn’t act like the superstar that she is but joyfully assumes the role of dutiful and loving wife and mother. She bonds with Baby Nate by playing computer and online games with him, posting pictures of themselves on Instagram which brings a smile on the tot’s face whenever she shows it to him, and they even watch videos on YouTube together. She also researches via Internet on ways to take better care of Nate whether these are tips from mothers like herself or expert advice.
“When I got pregnant with Nate, I did all my research on the Internet. I love reading about anything and everything that could make me learn about pregnancy and babies. Parang nanganak nga rin ako ng Ipad nung ipinanganak ko si Nate,†she said laughing at the metaphor.
For Ogie, the diva prepares food that he simply can’t resist. Knowing that Ogie gets to eat at the finest restaurants on regular basis, she offers him delightful and homey alternatives by discovering how to give old favorites new twists; interesting recipes that are out there in cyberspace that can be accessed with a few typewritten words and several clicks.
Regine also researches on possible vacation destinations that she knows Ogie would want to visit if and when they would have that downtime. Sometimes, Regine would purchase items that are only available online to give as surprise gifts to her hubby since they both don’t have much time to go to malls.
Regine extends her love for Ogie to his daughters Leila and Sarah in Australia by Skype-ing with the girls regularly to update them on their father’s goings-on and vice-versa. She loves corresponding with Michelle whom the former considers one of her dearest friends. At times, Ogie, Regine and Baby Nate have an animated conversation with Michelle, Leila and Sarah regardless of differing time zones. Such a happy, modern family, indeed.
But, of course, Regine’s fans remain on her list. So they feel connected with their idol at all times, Regine tweets about her activities and sentiments from time to time. To give them the best with her every performance, Regine researches for new songs to sing and new concepts for her concerts. She also answers their queries online or even just to exchange pleasantries with them and express her gratitude for their unending support and loyalty.
All these things and more, Regine couldn’t do without having the most reliable Internet connection that is PLDT myDSL. With the Internet being mostly individualistic, PLDT myDSL changed the scenery by dramatizing how better connections at home can lead to rich shared experiences that bond the family even more.
Ask Regine and she’ll tell you: A diva connected can celebrate the beautiful life.