REGINE VELASQUEZ

'Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez' (born April 22, 1970), nicknamed 'Asia's Songbird', is a Filipino singer, actress, and TV host.
Velasquez's belting voice is noted for its vocal range, power, and technical ability. She received critical acclaim and commercial success for her singing and acting endeavors. Following her success in the Asia Pacific Song Festival, a series of records released in the region consolidated her position as one of Asia's top-selling performers, yielding several multi-platinum certifications. Initially marketed as a pop music singer, she later distanced herself from the genre, developing a more sultry and sophisticated image.
Velasquez was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series.^[1] Her album ''Listen Without Prejudice'' achieved platinum certification in seven countries. In 2000, she performed the country's millennial theme, ^[2], televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila.
Her single, "In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, topped Channel V ^[3] and MTV's Asian charts and was a number one hit all over Asia. ^[4] She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, and Michel Legrand.
She embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in ''Maalaala Mo Kaya''. As of 2007, Velasquez is in the forefront of Filipino popular culture. She is a concert director, record producer, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Velasquez helped form IndiMusic, a record company partnered with the late Bella Tan's Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions.

Contents

Biography

1970–1986: Early life and discovery

1986–1987: Early commercial success

1988–1991: International exposure

1993–1998: Asian stardom

2000–2005: Regine reigns

2006–present: Twenty years and still going strong

Fashionista

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Artistry

Musical themes and style

Voice

Acting career

Movies

Theatre

Television

Discography

Awards and Recognition

References

External links

Biography

1970–1986: Early life and discovery

Velasquez was the first child of Teresita and Gerardo Velasquez, born in Tondo, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velasquez studied at the Hinundayan Central School^[5].
Music figured largely in her early development; her father sang the children Sinatra lullabies and her mother accompanied family singalongs on her guitar. Her father trained her voice by having her sing while submerged neck-deep in the ocean; her mother taught her how to move on stage and interpret songs. Before she could read, her father taught her song lyrics. At six, Velasquez participated in a nationally-televised amateur singing competition, The Tita Betty's Children's Show. Her piece, "''Buhat Nang Kita'y Makilala''" ("Since I Met You"), won third place and "youngest contender." Velasquez joined more singing competitions in small towns around the country. By nine, Velasquez and her family had moved to Balagtas, Bulacan, where she studied at Balagtas Central School. She later studied at St. Lawrence Academy (now College of St. Lawrence), the institution to which she attributes her good English diction. She placed second at the Miss St. Lawrence Academy pageant. She won Vocal Solo and Vocal Duet for her school at the annual BULPRISA (Bulacan Private School Association) competition. Her parents saved money on competitions by designing and sewing her gowns using materials at hand and fabric from old gowns. Velasquez won the top prize in 67 of approximately 200 competitions ^[6]
At fourteen, Velasquez entered the senior division of ''Ang Bagong Kampeon'', a nationally-televised singing competition, hosted by Bert "Tawa" Marcelo and Asia's "Queen of Songs", Pilita Corrales. Her father suggested that she audition with "''Saan Ako Nagkamali''" ("Where Did I Go Wrong"). She won for eight straight weeks and became the first grand champion of the show. The show's musical director, Dominic Salustiano, suggested her winning piece, George Benson's "In Your Eyes." She won a contract with Octoarts, recording the single "Love Me Again" as "Chona Velasquez," her nickname. She then joined the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), an organization of Filipino singers, performing in music lounges all over Metro Manila. Members of OPM helped her out by giving her industry advice and by lending their gowns for her performances. ^[5]

1986–1987: Early commercial success

Pops Fernandez, another artist signed by Octoarts, hosted the variety show ''Penthouse Live!'' with her then-husband Martin Nievera. She invited Velasquez to appear on the February 16, 1986, show. Ronnie Henares, the show's producer, offered to manage her career and she accepted. Nievera suggested that she drop ''Chona'' and use ''Regine'' as her screen name. That year, her father resigned from his job as a construction estimator to fully attend to his daughter's career.
Viva Records signed Velasquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album. The album contained the hits "''Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang''," "''Isang Lahi''," and "''Urong Sulong''."
Her first regularly televised performances were musical variety shows with ensemble casts, such as ABS-CBN's ''Triple Treat'' and the Sunday variety show ''Teen Pan Alley''. Velasquez and ''Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical ''Kenkoy at Rosing'', recording the hit cover song "''Magkasuyo Buong Gabi''," and performing duets in concert.

1988–1991: International exposure

Velasquez won the grand championship of the ''Asia-Pacific Singing Contest'', an international competition held in Hong Kong, with "You'll Never Walk Alone" from ''Carousel'' and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from ''Dreamgirls''. Her win garnered her celebrity status throughout Asia; from then on, she was hailed as ''Asia's Songbird''.

In 1989, Velasquez recorded two duets that boosted her career. One of the veteran singer-composers in the Philippines, Jose Mari Chan, hand picked Velasquez to be his duet partner for his album entitled ''Constant Change''. The song "Please Be Careful with My Heart" became one of the most requested songs that time. The album went on to become the Philippine's biggest selling record of all time and was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA which is equivalent to ten platinum awards. Another hit-maker, Gary Valenciano, who is one of the country's biggest singer-compers, penned the song 'Each Passing Night' for his album 'Faces of Love'. The song required a female singer with a soulful voice to sing the bridge and when he heard Velasquez, he asked her to sing that part ^[8].
Velasquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included her Tagalog hit single "''Narito Ako''" ("Here I Am"), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye," and her pop hit "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, ''Narito Ako'', was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as guest. The concert was so well received that Velasquez was given six standing ovations by the audience.
Regine's debut United States solo concert, ''Narito Ako sa New York'' (Here I Am in New York), was held at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall on October 11, 1991, part of one hundred events of its centennial celebration. Velasquez is the first Filipino to stage a solo concert there. (The first Filipino group act to perform is the Apo Hiking Society)^[9]
While in New York, Velasquez auditioned for the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. She was allegedly offered the role of 'Kim' but declined, citing inadequate experience.^[10] Furthermore, she did not want to follow the internationally-acclaimed performance of Lea Salonga as the original Kim in the West End and Broadway productions.
The album ''Tagala Talaga'' ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady") comprised her renditions of classic Filipino compositions by Nonong Pedero, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, Louie Ocampo, Freddie Aguilar, and National Artists for Music Awardees Ryan Cayabyab, Lucio D. San Pedro, and Levi Celerio.

1993–1998: Asian stardom

Her fourth record, ''Reason Enough'', was released in 1993 and achieve platinum album status; it featured "''Sana Maulit Muli''," "''Babalikang Muli''," and her duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away." It also included a duet with Paul Anka, "It's Hard to Say Goodbye," a cover of a 1986 single.
PolyGram Records released Velasquez's first pan-Asian studio album, ''Listen Without Prejudice'' in 1994. The album featured "In Love with You" with Jacky Cheung, "Follow the Sun," "What Kind of Fool Am I?," and "Reason Enough." It sold over 300,000 units throughout East Asia. Two further best-selling albums were released in the region: ''My Love Emotion'', featuring the cult favorite "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. The album outsold her preceding album two to one. Her next album, ''Retro'', contained covers of hits from the 1970s, and an acoustic version of "Dance With Me," a duet with her mother, Teresita Velasquez.
Velasquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of Jose Rizal's ''Noli Me Tangere'' at the CCP in 1995. She essayed the tragic role of Maria Clara opposite Audie Gemora's Crisostomo Ibarra, directed by Nonon Padilla. Vic Del Rosario of Viva saw her performance and offered her the lead in ''Wanted: Perfect Mother'', a movie adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comic book series, loosely based on ''The Sound of Music''. Martin Nievera wrote the theme song, "You Are My Song," one of Velasquez's rare original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De Leon. She starred in more movies with Viva, and later signed an exclusive contract with Viva Films and Viva Records.
In 1996, she staged ''Isang Pasasalamat'', her free tenth anniversary concert at the UP Sunken Garden. Janno Gibbs, Bernardo Bernardo, The Tux, Nanette Inventor, Ivy Violan, and Martin Nievera were among her special guests. In the same year, Velasquez recorded a Christmas album, ''Love Was Born on Christmas Day'', her final album under Polycosmic Records. She also ended her contract with Primeline, Inc., opting to manage her own career. Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B and hip hop-oriented album ''Drawn'', produced by Mark Feist, and featuring a self-portrait on the cover. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "I'll Never Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" demonstrated her vocal power, technique, and versatility. The Filipino track "''Ikaw''" ("You"), was the theme song of her movie with Aga Muhlach. Destiny's Child later covered "Emotions" in 2001 under Mark Feist. In this period, Velasquez moved from her demure image to a more sexy appearance.

2000–2005: Regine reigns

Velasquez sang the Philippine Millennium anthem "Written In The Sand" atop the Manila Peninsula hotel, an event broadcasted live around the world. She released an album entitled ''R2K'' ("Regine 2000"), containing "revival cuts" (covers) of international artists and becoming sixfold platinum. She launched the R2K Concert series, filling the Araneta Coliseum for two days.

Two years later, she released an all-original album titled ''Reigne'', a play of letters from her name and an allusion to her status in the Philippine music industry. The album included songs like "To Reach You," "''Dadalhin''," and "''Sa Aking Pag-iisa''" which even had a remix version.
She continued to juggle her singing, film, television, and advertising careers. In 2002, she received ''Best Actress'' for in Star Awards for Television ^[11] in her dramatic role of a retarded woman seeking acceptance and love. She staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, ''One Night with Regine'', set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the ''2003 Asian Television Awards''. That same year, her MTV Asia special entitled ''Speak Your Mind'' was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agendum on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.^[12]
She also hosted the amateur singing contest Star For A Night which aimed to discover new talents. It launched the careers of Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista among others. The weekly show was aired on IBC-13 and was a co-production with Viva. The show also included Mau Marcelo who later on won the Philippine Idol.
Velasquez became the first and second recipient of the MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) in 2002 and 2003. During the 2002 award ceremony held in Singapore, she sang "Cry" in a duet with Mandy Moore, one of the hosts.
In 2003, the ''Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez World Concert Tour'' was launched. The first quarter of 2004 saw Regine and singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid in a concert entitled ''The Songbird and the Songwriter''.
In the same year, Velasquez released ''Covers'', comprising cover songs including Original Pilipino Music ("OPM") classics of male singers like Basil Valdez, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Side A, True Faith, and Ariel Rivera. The album was a commercial success, attaining platinum status five days after its release date.. She transferred her amateur singing contest to GMA-7 and changed the name to Search For A Star. The show launched the career of Rachelle Ann Go.

Velasquez starred in GMA's telenovela ''Forever In My Heart'' opposite Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and former flame Ariel Rivera. She produced, directed, and staged a set of concert performances entitled ''Reigning Still'' in December 2004. Despite a series of typhoons, the show sold well. It catered more to popular tastes than her late 1990s work, hearkening back to her pop roots.
In 2005, Velasquez and singer Pops Fernandez performed a concert, ''Queens On Fire'', later taking it on an eight-city U.S. tour.
Velasquez held the ''Reflections'' Concert series at Aliw Theatre late that year. The stage was decorated with mannequins wearing her gowns from the past decade which were later auctioned for the benefit of GMA's Kapuso Foundation. The concert featured the prodigies "Wyeth Gifted Kids" (saxophonist Jacob Sarreal, violinists Joseph Valdes and Paulina, and classical cellist Pocholo Gutierrez). The concert featured songs by her favorite singers or the foreign female singers who have influenced her career. The concert consisted of numerous medleys of hits by Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and others.
She recorded the theme song "''Di Na Nag-iisa''" for the ''Darna'' TV series, based on the ''Darna'' comic book character created by Mars Ravelo, and its characteristic yell. The theme song was composed by South Border's Jay Durias and the song was nominated for an Aliw Award for Best song made for Television. The song was also used in the movie 'Til I Met You' and is included in the original sound track.
Ogie Alcasid (June 25, 2007) made clear that he would not allow his girlfriend Regine Velasquez give up her career for him. Regine stated in press conference for Ogie's US tour with comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas that she would willingly give up her career for him. Ogie said if there was anyone who will make a sacrifice, it was him. Let it be remembered that L'affaire Ogie-Regine was make OK with Michelle Van Eimeren, wife of Ogie. "Regine's 'my only one, the last in my life", Ogie affirmed before the press. He said Regine even had become closer to Michelle and their children. "Wow. It was very, very exciting. Siyempre yung mga anak ko parang kalaro nila si Regine. Si Regine at si Michelle, magkaibigan na sila. Ako ngayon ang lagot. But everyone is happy. Wala nang problema." Ogie debunked gossips that he and Regine would make a sidetrip to Las Vegas to get married. Meanwhile, upon arrival from the States, Ogie faced PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) after the taping of drama series "Magpakailanman" at Timog Ave, Quezon City. Ogie said that "Kasal? Hindi, wala pa, wala pa. Matagal pa 'yong kasal,... Oo naman, she deserves to walk on the aisle and Regine deserves a grand wedding... Darating tayo riyan, siyempre dapat isa-isa muna." Ogie announced that this October, 2007 he and Regine will do a romantic-comedy for GMA films which will probably be shown early next year.[17][18][19]
Award 2003 Ogie Alcasid Sana

2006–present: Twenty years and still going strong

In 2006, she released the album ''Covers: Volume 2'', featuring covers of non-Filipino songs presented with new arrangements in various musical genres. The first single was "Hold Me In Your Arms," covering the Southern Sons song. Other covers are presented in genres and arrangements differing from the originals. Her Valentine concert at the Araneta Coliseum, ''Forever After'', co-starred Ogie Alcasid, Rico Puno, and Ai Ai Delas Alas. She and Pops Fernandez staged the North American leg of the ''Queens on Fire'' concert tour in the spring of 2006.^[13] The ''fantaconcierto'' hit ''Forever After'' tour was staged in key US cities^[14] and at the Wembley Arena in London.^[15] On August 13, 2006, the Sharon Cuneta Show devoted an episode to Velasquez's humble beginnings. Together with Cacai Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, and Raul Mitra, Velasquez launched the IndiMusic record label.
In mid-October, she released a movie co-starring Robin Padilla, ''Till I Met You'' and held ''Twenty'', a 20th-anniversary concert, at the Araneta Coliseum in mid-October 2006. Velasquez recorded "''Maghihintay Ako''," the theme song for the sci-fi telenovela Atlantika.
In January, 2007, People Asia Magazine's "People of the Year" honored her with the Exemplary Achievement Award, shared with three others.^[16]
June marked the release of her first movie with Piolo Pascual ''Paano Kita Iibigin'' grossed 12 million Philippine pesos on its opening day, May 30, 2007. The movie was a co-production between Viva Films and Star Cinema which is owned by media conglomerate ABS-CBN. It is notable that Velasquez is very loyal to rival TV network GMA but they allowed her to promote the movie and appear in various TV shows aired by the other network. The promo for the movie was rife with controversy because of Ogie Alcasid's coming clean and publicly admitting his affair with Velasquez which they have discretely been keeping for a couple of years. Alcasid is married but has been separated from his wife for 4 years. (See Ogie Alcasid section in this article for more information)
A soundtrack was released in line with the movie. It features duets and solos by the co-stars. The album was produced by Velasquez herself and was released by Star Records. The album signals Velasquez' status as a freelance singer-record producer who is no longer bound to one specific record company and gives her full artistic freedom. The theme song was penned by Ogie Alcasid.
On August, 2007, Velasquez and Alcasid started hosting 'Celebrity Duets' (Philippines) on GMA 7. The show pairs up local personalities with local professional singers.

Fashionista

Velasquez worked with Bulacan native Louie Mamengo, Rajo Laurel, and Pepsi Herrera to supply her fashions. With her sister Cacai Mitra and Sari-Sari, she released a line of clothing called ''Reigne'' in 2004.
When she started in show business, Velasquez was insecure about her beauty. She adopted a pageboy haircut out of frustration when the Jets pre-empted one of her concert dates. With this new look, Velasquez stripped away her country lass image. Velasquez does her own make-up, having learned the craft in order to make her appearance consistent from show to show. She has a tattoo of a monarch butterfly on her lower back and a rose and vines adorning her right ankle.
In 2001, Velasquez was ranked Number 4 in the 100 Sexiest Women in the Philippine edition of FHM Magazine. In 2002 she was featured on Askmen magazine as one of the "99 Most Desirable Women" ^[17] and was featured as "Woman of the Month".^[18]

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Regine Velasquez is a woman of many interests and has shown that she's more than just a singer.

★ As a director, she has directed her own concerts, music videos and TV shows.

★ As an actress, she has guested in several TV shows, starred in her own tv soap opera and was awarded a Best Actress Award in Star Awards for an episode in ABS-CBN's "Maalaala Mo Kaya". She has also been crowned "Box-Office Queen" by the Guillermo Mendoza Foundation for her top-grossing film "Pangako, Ikaw Lang".

★ She hosts her own amateur singing contest, Pinoy Pop Superstar in which she won a Star Award for Best Female Host. She is a regular host of S.O.P. Sobrang Okay Pare".

★ She is also a product endorser, for commercial food chains like KFC and Wendy's. She has also endorsed of Digitel, Selecta Ice Cream, Nestle Ice Cream, WOW Magic Sing Karaoke Microphone, Belo Medical Group, and Tissot Swiss Watches. In 2005, the Philippine Department Of Tourism and partners Smart Telecommunications, Jollibee Food Corp., Shell Philippines and Pfizer launched ''I Love the Philippines, Biyahe Na''. Velasquez has recorded promotional songs and several commercials played in the National airports and was the official endorser for the country's tourism campaign.

★ Regine Velasquez was the singing voice for the lead female character in Adarna the first Filipino full length animated movie based on Francisco Balagtas' epic novel.

★ Velasquez also lends her voice in Darna (2005 TV Series). Aside from doing the theme song "Di Na Mag-iisa" for the TV Series. Each time the character Narda yells the magic word 'Darna' to transform into a superheroine, it is Velasquez's voice that the television audience hears.

★ Velasquez is an Entrepreneur and Record Produceer. She started her own record label called ''Songbird Music'' which aim to help budding singers start their own career. Her interest in fashion has led her to creating clothing line called ''Reigne'' in which she herself draws and designs the clothes. Velasquez is the CEO of Aria Productions and is currently the CFO of IndiMusic group. Velasquez has produced songs for Gabby Eigenmann, Roselle Nava, Dennis Trillo and Sarah Geronimo.

★ Velasquez is also a sketch artist and painter. Her artwork graces the cover of her "Drawn" album. She has sported shirts and jeans that she herself designed, and also conceptualizes some of her gowns.

★ Velasquez recently published ''Reigne: The Book'', a coffee-table book comprising a five-year memento of her portraits.

★ As a social worker, Velasquez draws on her popularity to promote and support worthy causes. She has staged fundraising concerts and waives her talent fee to help organizations such as, UNICEF, Bantay Bata Foundation, Kapuso Foundation, Kythe Foundation, Bridges Foundation and ''Piso Para sa Pasig''.

★ Velasquez' rise to stardom and rags-to-riches story has been a source of inspiration for aspiring singers. Her vocally challenging songs have been a staple in amateur singing contests throughout the Philippines. Velasquez is an avid supporter of new vocal talent, guesting in concerts of new singers she supports, paying forward the support she received from other artists when she was a struggling upstart in the Philippine entertainment industry.

Artistry

Velasquez has said that from childhood she was inspired by musicians such as Barry Manilow, Carpenters, Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra Elvis Presley, Basil Valdez, Pilita Corrales, Kuh Ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, Didith Reyes, and Barbara Streisand which she pays tribute to in her album "the Songbird Sings the Classics. Her music contains strong influences of power ballad music and Broadway music. In recent years, she was able to explore different genres such as pop rock, blues, jazz, r&b/hip-hop, gospel music and dance-pop. As Velasquez began to imbue her sound with bubblegum pop, speculation arose that she was making an attempt to take advantage of the genre's
popularity, but she later mentioned in her "Reflections" Concert Series, that bubble-gum pop artists such as Spice Girls are one of her influences in music.
Velasquez's albums received criticism for being too similar in style to the work of international supersingers Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. Throughout her career, her vocal and musical style has been compared to Carey's and Dion's. Velasquez never denied that she looks up to divas the calibre of Dion and Houston as great influences in her singing style.
Velasquez's musical transition and her use of more revealing clothing and different hairstyles during the late 1990s were in part initiated to distance herself from the image that marketed by her former manager, Ronnie Henares, and also to prove her versatility as "she surprised her fans with something new", so that "they wont get bored of her image" as she has stated in her CNN interview with Lorraine Hahn.

Musical themes and style

Velasquez's output uses electronic instruments such as drum machines, keyboards, orchestra, and synthesizers. Piano and acoustic guitar accompany many of her songs.
Velasquez began commissioning cover songs early in her career and helped spearhead the trend in the Original Pilipino Music ("OPM") music genre of recording entirely new vocals and arrangement. Her first hit, "Narito Ako" was a cover ("revival").
She recorded songs by composers such as Janno Gibbs, Mark Feist, Trina Belamide, Martin Nievera, Vehnee Saturno, and Ogie Alcasid several times for her original songs such as "''Isang Lahi''", "You've Made Me Stronger", "''Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw''", "''Sa Aking Pag-iisa''," and "You Are My Song", in the OPM tradition.

Voice

Regine Velasquez is capable of sustaining high notes for a long period of time by using only her chest register. She is classified as Lyric Coloratura Soprano having a five-octave vocal range. Velasquez can crescendo and decrescendo in the sixth-octave. Until now, Regine Velasquez still reigns when it comes to belting in the Philippine Music Industry. She credits her vocal skills from her father's training technique wherein she performed vocal exercises while submerged neck-deep in the ocean to strengthen her diaphragm. This paved the way for a genre of belting for female singers in Philippine music. Her vocal style has been heard in many female singers, and has influenced the likes of Kyla, Jonalyn Viray, Sheryn Regis, Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, and Nina. Regine can run through a series of high notes at any position even while lying or sitting in bed , in lotus position, or being in a harness up in midair.

Acting career

★ Main Article: Regine Velasquez Filmography

Movies

Velasquez's singing fame help her make a successful crossover into film. In 1987, she got her first movie role as the granddaughter of a mafia clan involved in crimes in the film ''The Untouchable Family''. She soon ventured into the realm of comedy films. She was cast in the 1988 film ''Pik Pak Boom'' with contemporaries Dingdong Avanzado, Herbert Bautista and Bing Loyzayga. She then co-starred with comedians Joey de Leon and Rene Requistas in the flick ''Elvis and James'' in which she plays a nerdy music aficionado and the love interest of the two.
Her film career took a quick hiatus, but she returned to the cinema in 1996 for her very first lead role in the film ''Wanted Perfect Mother'' with actor, Christopher de Leon. She was one of three lead actresses in the musical comedy ''Do Re Mi'' (1997). She played a radio disc jockey and the mediator for her two overtly different friends. In 1998 ''Honey Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako'' was released; Regine played a ghost who died in a car accident days before her wedding day.
In 1998 Velasquez co-starred with matinee idol Aga Muhlach in the romantic film ''Dahil May Isang Ikaw''. Later, in 2000, she starred opposite Robin Padilla in ''Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw'', a film about a pop star who falls in love with one of her fans. She reunited with Aga Muhlach in 2001 for ''Pangako Ikaw Lang'' which earned Regine the prestigious ''Box-Office Queen'' award from the ''Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation''.
Velasquez acted in two more romantic films in 2002 and 2003 called ''Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon'' with award-winning actor Richard Gomez, ''Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka'' with Christopher De Leon and her first with Dingdong Dantes. In December 2003 Velasquez debuted in her first science fiction film, ''Captain Barbell'', with Ogie Alcasid and Bong Revilla.
Robin Padilla and Velasquez reunited in the movie ''Till I Met You'' in 2006 with Eddie Garcia. The movie grossed 40 Million pesos at opening, P93,112,265 overall. ''Till I Met You'' is currently the highest-grossing movie of the diva's career.
Piolo Pascual and Velasquez appear together in the film ''Paano Kita Iibigin'' after working together in the ''Ang Iibigin Ko'y Ikaw'' episode of GMA's defunct weekly drama series ''Habang May Buhay'' in 2000 and the ''Lobo'' episode of ABS-CBN's ongoing weekly drama series ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' in 2001. ''Paano Kita Iibigin'' is a romantic drama co-production of Star Cinema and Viva Films under the direction of Joyce Bernal. It was released May 30, 2007.

Theatre

Image	Title	Theatrical Date	Venue	Role
	''Kenkoy Loves Rosing''	August to September 1991	Music Museum	Rosing
	An original musical-comedy based on the well-loved Filipino comics classics created by Tony Velasquez. Janno Gibbs played the role "Kenkoy" opposite Regine Velasquez as "Rosing".
	''Noli Me Tángere''	July 14 to August 6, 1995	Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater	María Clara
	Tanghalang Filipino's presentation of the evocative musical based on the novel by Philippine National Hero, Dr. José Rizal. Set in late 18th Century Philippines, Velasquez plays the tragic heroine María Clara, the one true love of Crisóstomo Ibarra. Caught in the storm of politics, intrigue, and familial piety, the two lovers lives are swept away in a world run amok under the abusive powers of the Spanish Colonial Rule. Musical Direction by Ryan Cayabyab, and the libretto of Bienvenido Lumbera. Directed by Nonon Padilla. Others in the cast are - John Arcilla, alternating as Crisóstomo Ibarra, Gigi Posadas, alternating as María Clara, Nanette Inventor, Ony de Leon, Eugene Villaluz, Bernardo Bernardo, Noni Buencamino, Garry Lim, Pablo Molina, Irma Adlawan, Clottie Gealogo, and Rommel Singson.

Television

'Non-drama'

Image	Title	Stint	Network	Role
	''SOP (Sobrang Okey Pare)''	1997 to present	GMA Network	Main host
	A Philippine noontime musical variety show of GMA Network that airs live every Sunday at noon-2 p.m. from the Studio 3 of the GMA Network Center. It features livewire concert performances by the hottest concert artists and young stars today in the Philippine showbiz industry.
	''Pinoy Pop Superstar''	2004 to present	GMA Network	Main host
	A Philippine television show featuring a year-long talent search for the best Filipino amateur singers. It is broadcast every Saturday evening on GMA, The Kapuso Network. Grand Prize winners include Jonalyn Viray in 2005 and Gerard Santos in 2006.
	''Forever In My Heart''	2004	GMA Network	Angeline
	A Philippine television soap-opera which mixes a romantic-comedy genre and tackles a serendipity issue. A story about two fallen angels who must find their way into the mortal world in search of each other before their candles in heaven burns out.
	''Search For A Star''	2003 to 2004	GMA Network and VIVA Entertainment Group	Main host
	A Philippine television show featuring a year-long talent search for the best Filipino amateur singers. It was broadcasted every Saturday evening on GMA, The Kapuso Network. The format is loosely patterned on American Idol. The search launched the careers of new singers, notably grand prize winner Rachelle Ann Go who now top-bills several TV shows and has received platinum album awards.
	''Star For A Night''	2002 to 2003	IBC 13 and VIVA Entertainment Group	Main host
	A Philippine television show featuring a year-long talent search for the best Filipino amateur singers. It pioneered the return of a much more hyped and prestigious talent searches. It was broadcasted every Saturday evening on IBC 13, a VIVA television company. The search launched the career of new singers, notably, the grand prize winner Sarah Geronimo who now top-bills as an ABS-CBN talent, Mark Bautista (1st Runner up) who is now one of the top selling artists of Viva Records and Mau Marcelo who later on became the winner of the first season of Philippine Idol.

'Sitcoms/Dramas'

★ 1993: ''Mr Kupido'' — "Reason Enough", with Apa Ongpin and Jenine Desiderio

★ 1994 : ''Ober Da Bakod''

★ 1994: ''Spotlight'' — with Ariel Rivera

★ December 22, 1996: ''Ikaw, Ako At Ang Awit'' with Gary Valenciano

★ February 26, 1997: ''Mikee'' - "The Black Triangle", with Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco

★ May 26, 1999: ''Mikee Forever''

★ September 7, 1999: ''Kool Ka Lang''

★ July 20, 2000: ''Habang May Buhay'' — "Sa Puso Ko'y Ikaw", with Piolo Pascual

★ September 13, 2000: ''Pwedeng Pwede''

★ July 4, 2001: ''Larawan'' with Dingdong Dantes

★ August 22, 2001: ''Beh Bote Nga''

★ November 8, 2001: ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' — "Lobo", with Piolo Pascual

★ April 27, 2003: ''Huling Yakap Sa Tag-araw'' with Dingdong Dantes

★ May 2003: ''OK Fine Whatever''

★ December 2003: ''Idol Ko si Kap''

★ May 2004: ''Tanging Ina, TV Series''

Discography

★ Main Page: Regine Velasquez Discography

Awards and Recognition

★ Main Page: Regine Velasquez Awards and Recognition

References

1. Carnegie Hall centennial performance
2. "Written In the Sand"
3. Channel V
4. MTV Asia Charts
5.
Viva Films Regine Velasquez Artist Page
6. Viva Films Regine Velasquez Artist Page: Velasquez won the top prize in 67 of approximately 200 competitions she joined
7.
Viva Films Regine Velasquez Artist Page
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; General references

★ Real Entertainment Official Website

★ Regine Velasquez Awards and Recognition Article

★ Viva Records Official Webpage

★ Make A Wish Foundation Website

★ GMA Network Official Website

★ UNICEF Official website
;Footnotes
#Real Entertainment Website [11]
#Awards and Recognition page
#Viva Records Official Webpage
#Viva Records Official Webpage
#Unicef
#Showbiz Stripped: Interview with Rickey Lo
#Philippine Daily Inquirer
#Philippine Daily Inquirer
#Newsflash.org

External links

★ Regine Velasquez at the Internet Movie Database

★ Askmen - Regine Velasquez

★ Viva Records Official Site

★ Regine Velasquez Multimedia