Article posted April 21, 2008
Rating:
Her friends and millions of fans have always boasted of her many achievements. And if you are Asia’s Songbird, the list of feats does tend to go on and on. As Regine Velasquez turns 38 on April 22, she candidly discusses the aspect of her life that she, herself, is truly proud of. Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Jason S. Lim.
Her powerful singing voice has taken her to heights she never even dreamed of reaching. After more than 20 years of perfecting her chosen art, she is a true diva, well deserved to be called Asia’s Songbird. But what is her real treasure? Regine says that what she values most are having real relationships with those she loves and who have helped her become who she is.
Close ties
If you press Regine on what she wants for her birthday, she can not think of anything she wants for herself. Her first thought is for her parents.
“For my parents, for them to have a longer life, lalo na ngayon medyo nalulungkot na sila pareho eh.”
Regine’s folks miss their children now that they have all moved away to live their own lives. Regine, the eldest, was the last of the siblings to leave the home nest.
“Ako 'yung pinakamatanda. Ako 'yung pinakahuling umalis ng bahay, siyempre ang attachment sa akin. Actually, nalungkot din ako when I moved out eh,” she shares with iGMA.
She refers to it as withdrawal syndrome since she is very close to her parents and siblings. It was not easy to finally grow up and move away. Despite her fame and fortune, she remains her daddy’s daughter.
She says with a smile, “pero happy naman sila ang they’re very proud of me kasi nga [I] finally have my own place. Siguro naman,‘no? Tanda ko na ‘no?”
She sheepishly admits that shortly after she moved into her new home, she would still go to her parents’ house because she misses them terribly. However, “it was eventually going to happen.” Regine notes, “iba din, to have my own life.” But growing up does not mean that their family has to grow apart.
“Every Sunday my whole family would go there and, and of course, Ogie and his family would come visit me. You know, we get together. The boys would play basketball and then us naman would you know--catch up on things, tsismisan.”
Seems like moving out only further strengthened Regine's family ties.
Part of the family
Even though Ogie is very busy with his many shows, he makes sure he sets aside Sunday for family. “Ganyan ang pag-ibig, you have to make time. It’s family bonding.” He said when asked about these Sunday family dinners.
And when asked what he has planned for Regine’s birthday, Ogie was elusive. Regine reveals, “Tinatanong ko isya, ayaw niyang sabihin sa akin!”
For sure though they will do what, according to him, is already a tradition for Regine and her family. “The morning of her birthday, we go around and she gives rice to many people. Regine and her family have been doing that for so many years now,” he adds.
On a final note, it was reported that Ogie gave the Songbird a very special, very expensive luxury bag as a gift, is this true?
“Kasi nga nagbagong buhay na ako eh, hindi na ako bumibili ng bag so sobrang happy ako na binilhan niya ako,” Regine notes.
This weekend you can watch Regine as she sings a song with her parents for the first time ever! Watch it on April 27, Sunday after Ful Haus.
You can post your greetings for Regine at the iGMA Forum!
