Regine conquers New York and New Jersey

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid meets with the members of Filipino American Press Club of New York at Promdi Restaurant, in Queens, New York. CAROL TANJUTCO

NEW YORK CITY – As one of Asia’s top songbirds Regine Velasquez-Alcasid concluded her “Timeless” concert at Bergen Performing Arts Center on May 14, a thunderous applause erupted from the audience of Filipinos and non-Filipinos from New York and New Jersey.

The USA concert tour that started in Chicago continued in California, at San Diego’s Town and Country Resort on May 21 and at The Pasadena Auditorium on May 22.

Regine’s legions of followers brought pictures and CDs for her to sign. She is the primetime diva of the popular teleserye “Poor Senorita,” airing internationally on GMA Pinoy TV. The Kapuso star is also hosting her own lifestyle show “Sarap Diva” on GMA Life TV. An ethnically mixed audience was treated to an evening of romance and laughter.

The repertoire of OPM love songs sent the audience back to familiar old tunes, with Regine belting out heartwarming ballads. It included one sung by her “ex-boyfriend,” but not without a sudden outburst of “Tse!” from her in the middle of the song, breaking the sentimental mood and eliciting roaring laughter across the theatre. The diva kept going with more tender music.

Readily embraced by Filipino Americans, Regine was instantly comfortable in her skin as soon as she arrived on stage, albeit tired and jet-lagged. Hilarious stunts were unexpected, she proved to be a total entertainer, a comedian who won the hearts of the masses even as she made fun of herself. American fan Thomas Nohs was smitten by Regine’s rendition of Butchiki by Yoyoy Villame and, although he did not understand a word in Filipino, he swore, “I can sing that!”

A press conference was held the following Sunday at Promdi Restaurant in Queens, organized by Star Media Entertainment, GMA local promoter Grace Labaguis and hosted by writer Elton Lugay.

Regine recalled, “I was six years old when I realized I love the sound of applause.” She joined a local singing contest “Bagong Kampeon.” Thirty years later, she is still in show business. She attributes her acting break to Victor Rosario way back when she was a teenager.

This writer asked her what she would advise young, aspiring Filipino singers; she recommended, “Follow your dreams wherever life finds you.” She related how hard work can make the best of every opportunity available whether in the Philippines or abroad. Asked if she would consider a Broadway stint, she humbly replied, “I am not comfortable with musicals, kasi English!”

The powerhouse diva of the Philippines has a new role—motherhood, but aside from her outstanding vocal rendition of Filipino classics for which she became preeminent, she continuously reinvents herself as a spontaneous, funny actress. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is truly timeless.