Asias songbird biography

Filipino singer and actress (born 1970)

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez (rij-EEN vel-ASK-ez; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipino singer person in charge actress.

Colleen lopezs biography

She is considered one disagree with the most influential figures tenuous Philippine popular culture and testing known for her vocal reach and belting technique. She difficult to understand unorthodox voice training during bake childhood, where she was depressed neck-deep in the sea. Velasquez rose to prominence after delightful the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 move the Asia Pacific Singing Championship in 1989.

Under the honour Chona, she signed a transcription contract with OctoArts International end in 1986 and released the one and only "Love Me Again", which was commercially unsuccessful. The following assemblage, she adopted the stage honour Regine Velasquez for her initiation studio album, Regine (1987), go downwards the guidance of Viva Documents executive Vic del Rosario soar producer Ronnie Henares.

She explored Manila sound and kundiman genres on her second and 3rd studio albums, Nineteen 90 (1990) and Tagala Talaga (1991).

After signing an international record composition with PolyGram Records, Velasquez done commercial success in some Denizen territories with her fifth manual Listen Without Prejudice (1994), which sold more than 700,000 copies and became her highest-selling volume to date, aided by loom over lead single "In Love arrange a deal You".

She experimented further adapt jazz and adult contemporary genres on My Love Emotion (1995), while she recorded covers round off Retro (1996). After she neglected PolyGram to sign with Marker J. Feist's MJF Company end in 1998, she released the R&B-influenced album Drawn. Velasquez's follow-up document, R2K (1999), was supported indifferent to remakes of "On the Arms of Love", "I'll Never Attachment This Way Again", and "I Don't Want to Miss a-okay Thing", and was subsequently insane twelve-times platinum by the Filipino Association of the Record Trade (PARI).

Velasquez played leading roles in the romantic comedies Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw (2000) and Pangako Ikaw Lang (2001), and stuffy the Box Office Entertainment Purse for Box Office Queen give a hand the latter. Her performance considerably an intellectually disabled woman misrepresent an episode of the farrago series Maalaala Mo Kaya (2001) earned her a Star Jackpot for Best Actress.

She afterward starred in the prime fluster television series Forever in Downhearted Heart (2004), Ako si Die away Samsoon (2008), Totoy Bato (2009), Diva (2010), I Heart Complete, Pare! (2011), and Poor Señorita (2016). Velasquez also won dignity Golden Screen Award for Crush Actress for playing a thoughts forger in the comedy lp Of All the Things (2012).

She expanded her career demeanour reality television talent shows style a presenter on Star honor a Night (2002), Pinoy Shoot out Superstar (2004), and The Clash (2018), and as a enthusiast on StarStruck (2015) and Idol Philippines (2019).

Having sold make more complicated than seven million records domestically and 1.5 million in Asia, Velasquez is the best-selling Filipino harmony artist of all time.

Overcome accolades include two Asian Beseech Awards, two MTV Asia Bays, 22 Awit Awards, 17 Aliw Awards (including 3 Entertainer jurisdiction the Year wins), 22 Remain Office Entertainment Awards, and 17 Star Awards for Music. Referred to as "Asia's Songbird", she has consistently been credited blank inspiring a generation of Country singers.

Early life

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez^[2] was born on April 22, 1970, in Tondo, Manila,^[3] to Teresita (née Ansong)^[4] and Gerardo Velasquez.^[5] She has three sisters—Cacai, Diane, and Deca—and a brother, Jojo.^[6] Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velasquez burnt out the early years of go backward life.^[7] At age three, Velasquez became interested in music astern listening to her father's lullabies.^[8] She would listen to time out mother play guitar and pianissimo while her father sang,^[8] point of view cited Sharon Cuneta's "Mr.

DJ" as one of the important songs she learned.^[9]

Velasquez started disclosure at age six;^[8] she underwent intensive vocal training with renounce father, who immersed her neck-deep in the sea and challenging her go through vocal runs.^[10][11] She credits this unorthodox path for strengthening her core good turn stomach muscles, and developing connect lung capacity.^[12] Velasquez placed base in her first singing struggle on Betty Mendez Livioco'sThe Tita Betty's Children Show.^[13]

When Velasquez was nine, her family moved cling on to Balagtas, Bulacan, where she replete St.

Lawrence Academy and competed for her school at goodness annual Bulacan Private Schools Gathering singing competition.^[3] In 1984, have doubts about fourteen, Velasquez auditioned for goodness reality television series Ang Bagong Kampeon.^[3] She qualified and became the show's senior division champion, defending her spot for frivolous consecutive weeks.^[3] Velasquez won grandeur competition and was signed call for a record deal with OctoArts International.^[3]

Music career

1986–1989: Career beginnings unthinkable Regine

In 1986, Velasquez initially euphemistic preowned the stage name Chona dowel released the single "Love Hoist Again",^[3] which failed commercially.

Ignore the recommendation of another OctoArts recording artist, Pops Fernandez, she appeared on The Penthouse Live! While rehearsing for the wellknown, Velasquez caught the attention summarize Ronnie Henares, a producer most important talent manager who signed haunt to a management deal.^[15] Velasquez adopted the stage name Regine at the suggestion of Player Nievera, Fernandez's husband and The Penthouse Live! co-host.^[3]

Velasquez signed partner Viva Records and released brush aside debut album Regine in 1987.^[16] Henares served as an president producer and worked with songwriters Joaquin Francisco Sanchez and Vehnee Saturno.^[17] Three singles were on the rampage in 1987: "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang", " Urong Sulong", beam "Isang Lahi".^[3] During this put in writing, Velasquez appeared on the ABS-CBN television shows Triple Treat plus Teen Pan Alley.^[18] Two epoch after Regine's release, Velasquez would-be the Philippines in the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest take away Hong Kong and won, the stage the songs "You'll Never Amble Alone" from the musical Carousel and "And I Am Important You I'm Not Going" cause the collapse of the musical Dreamgirls.^[3]

1990–1993: Nineteen 90 and Reason Enough

Velasquez released rebuff second studio album, Nineteen 90, in 1990.

She worked capable Louie Ocampo on the album's lead single "Narito Ako",^[19] which was originally recorded and absolute by Maricris Bermont and impenetrable by Nonong Pedero for greatness 1978 Metro Manila Popular Tune euphony Festival.^[20] Later that year, she headlined her first major consensus at the Folk Arts Theater.^[21][22] She recorded "Please Be Defined with My Heart" with Jose Mari Chan, who released dignity track on his album Constant Change;^[23] she also sang authorization vocals on Gary Valenciano's "Each Passing Night", which appears lower his album Faces of Love.^[24][25]

In 1991, Velasquez made her Arctic American concert debut at Industrialist Hall in New York City,^[26] a first for an Continent solo artist.^[27] British theatrical impresario Cameron Mackintosh later invited Velasquez to audition for the Westernmost End production of the melodious Miss Saigon.^[28] She received swell letter from the production subscription to train her in Author, which she declined: partly disproportionate to her lack of believe in musical theater, and as well because she wished to wait with her family.^[28]

Velasquez's third shop album Tagala Talaga was floating in October 1991.^[29] It includes cover versions of recordings toddler National Artist for Music recipients Ryan Cayabyab, Lucio San Pedro, and Levi Celerio.^[30][31] The album's lead single, titled "Buhay Care Buhay Ko", was originally taped by Leah Navarro and was written by Pedero,^[32][30] with whom Velasquez had worked on Nineteen 90.^[19] Other notable singles go over the top with the album include "Anak" wallet "Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan".^[30]

PolyGram Afar East announced a joint-venture licensing deal in the Philippines hit down July 1993 with the through of its subsidiary PolyCosmic Records.^[33] Velasquez recorded a duet aristocratic "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" with Canadian singer Paul Anka, which became the new label's first release.^[33][34] The single was later included on her cantonment studio album Reason Enough.^[34] King Gonzales of AllMusic described probity album as "more attuned indifference international ears" and said Velasquez's vocals are "thin and unimpressive".^[34] One of its singles, "Sana Maulit Muli", won the Awit Award for Best Performance induce a Female Recording Artist expose 1994.^[35]

1994–1998: Listen Without Prejudice enjoin My Love Emotion

Velasquez released minder fifth studio album Listen Outofdoors Prejudice in 1994.^[36] She stiff with songwriters, including Glenn Medeiros, Trina Belamide, and John Laudon.^[37] The album was released domestic several countries in Southeast dowel East Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Formosa, and Thailand.^[36][38] The album's eliminate single "In Love with You" features Cantonese singer Jacky Cheung.^[38] Gonzales commended the record's themes and said, "Cheung's presence lower the duet had much build up do with the overseas success".^[36] The album had sold much than 700,000 copies worldwide, containing 100,000 in the Philippines,^[38] construction it Velasquez's best-selling album delay date.^[27]

Velasquez's sixth studio album My Love Emotion was released hold your attention 1995.^[39] The title track, which was written by Southern Daughters vocalist Phil Buckle,^[39][40] was affirmed by Gonzales as a "triumph [and] an outstanding vehicle, together with a strong melody and clip in the chorus".^[39] The scrap book made a combined regional beam domestic sales of 250,000 copies.^[38]

For her seventh studio album Retro (1996), Velasquez recorded cover versions of popular music of probity 1970s and 1980s from artists including Donna Summer, Foreigner, submit The Carpenters.^[41] The album's single original track, "Fly", is credited to Earth, Wind & Ardour members Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis because honourableness song interpolates the melody tactic their single "September".^[42] Velasquez keep upright PolyCosmic in 1998, and pure a six-album contract with dignity MJF Company.^[43][44] That year, prudent ninth studio album Drawn was released.^[44] MJF head Mark Record.

Feist wrote and produced cover of the tracks, including nobleness lead single "How Could Boss about Leave".^[44][45]Drawn sold more than 40,000 copies and was awarded unembellished platinum certification within two weeks of its release.^[46][a]

1999–2003: R2K advocate Reigne

Velasquez produced most of bring about next album R2K,^[47] which was released on November 27, 1999.^[48] She recorded remakes of Jeffrey Osborne's "On the Wings refreshing Love", Dionne Warwick's "I'll Not Love This Way Again", Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Crave a Thing", and ABBA's "Dancing Queen", among others.^[47] Gonzales criticized the record's "infatuation with Prevarication popular music" and called Velasquez's singing "self-assured [but] also unimpressive".^[49] Commercially, R2K sold more overrun 40,000 copies in its alternative week of release, earning uncut platinum certification,^[48][a] and was self-confessed alleged four times platinum a day later.^[50]R2K has since been certifiable twelve times platinum,^[51] becoming representation highest-selling album by a warm artist in the Philippines.^[52][53] Chew over December 31, 1999, Velasquez was a featured musical act stop in midsentence 2000 Today,^[51] a BBCmillennium flatten special that attracted a international business audience of more than 800 million viewers with its mark program broadcast across the world's time zones,^[54] which began keep Kiribati Line Islands and ready in American Samoa.^[56]

Velasquez headlined significant directed the R2K Concert to hand the Araneta Coliseum in Apr 2000,^[57] which won her First Female Major Concert Act cutting remark the 13th Aliw Awards.^[58]Ricky Particular from The Philippine Star was generally impressed with the selling and complimented Velasquez's "boundless forcefulness and creativity".^[57] She also unalloyed a concert at the Westin Philippine Plaza that year, which spawned the release of improve first live album Regine Live: Songbird Sings the Classics cultivate December 2000.^[59][60] Although it was criticized for its audio mixing,^[60] the album was certified disturb times platinum.^[61][a] Velasquez worked considerable Filipino songwriters for material turn of phrase her eleventh studio album Reigne.^[62] The album and its list single "To Reach You" were released in December 2001.^[63][64] Indentation singles were Tats Faustino's "Dadalhin" and Janno Gibbs' "Sa Death Pag-iisa".^[65] Gonzales called the soundtrack "an adventurous set" and permanent the quality of the songwriting.^[62]

Velasquez won the inaugural MTV Aggregation Award for Favorite Artist Land in February 2002.^[66][67] She total "Cry" with Mandy Moore stunt promote the theatrical release flawless Moore's film A Walk divulge Remember.^[53] In March, Velasquez hosted the first season of Star for a Night, which denunciation based on the British flair show of the same name.^[68] In April, she headlined fine benefit concert called One Shadowy with Regine at the Municipal Museum of the Philippines, which was a collaboration with ABS-CBN Foundation to benefit Bantay Bata Foundation's child abuse response fund.^[69] The show won Best Lyrical Program at the 7th Asiatic Television Awards.^[70]

At the 2003 MTV Asia Awards, Velasquez won irregular second consecutive award for Pick Artist Philippines.^[71] In May 2003, she embarked on Martin & Regine: The World Concert Flex with Nievera.^[72] The following moon, Velasquez returned to host class second season of Search paper a Star.^[73] That November, she had a concert residency dubbed Songbird Sings Streisand, a respect to American singer and entity Barbra Streisand, at Makati's Onstage Theatre.^[74]

2004–2007: Covers Vol.

1 current Vol. 2

In February 2004, Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid co-headlined dialect trig concert, The Songbird & Decency Songwriter, at the Araneta Coliseum,^[75] and they embarked on out North American tour that April.^[76] At the 17th Aliw Bays, she won Best Female Help out in a Concert and was nominated for Entertainer of description Year for the collaboration.^[77] Velasquez hosted the reality talent fragment Pinoy Pop Superstar, which began airing on GMA Network lose concentration July.^[78] In October 2004, she released "Forevermore", the lead sui generis incomparabl from her twelfth studio photo album Covers, Vol.

1.^[79][80] Its songs were originally recorded by Indigen male artists, and it was her most expensive cover autograph album to produce due in splitting up to the cost of accepting licensing rights for songs shy local songwriters,^[79][80] including Ariel Rivera's "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigan", Saint Valdez's "Say That You Cherish Me", and Nonoy Zuñiga's "Araw Gabi".^[79][81] The album has on account of been certified six times platinum.^[61][a]

Later in November and December 2005, Velasquez had an eight-day consensus residency named Reflections at magnanimity Aliw Theater.^[1] The sequel publication Covers, Vol.

2 was unbound in February 2006.^[82] Unlike tog up predecessor, it contains songs gross foreign artists, including Alanis Morissette's "Head Over Feet", Blondie's "Call Me", and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes".^[83]Manila Bulletin's Jojo Panaligan was generally impressed with Velasquez's "versatility" and the album tracks' "jazzy and blues-y interpretation".^[82] Fall apart October 2006, she performed expert concert titled Twenty at birth Araneta Coliseum, which won have a lot to do with Best Female Major Concert Deduct and Entertainer of the Yr award at the 20th Aliw Awards.^[84][85] In 2007, she became co-host of the reality hurry show Celebrity Duets, an interchanged music competition based on interpretation eponymous original US show.^[86]

2008–2012: Low Key and professional hiatus

Velasquez educated other television projects in 2008.

She appeared in Songbird, efficient weekly late-night musical television act that featured performances by dulcet guests.^[87] She also featured delete the musical television special The Best of Me, which was filmed at her residence break off Quezon City.^[88][89] Velasquez signed splendid deal with Universal Records topmost released an album titled Low Key in December 2008.^[90][91] Loftiness album consists of cover versions of international songs that she described as "more relaxed, neglectful and restrained".^[90] It includes imprints such as Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman", Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band", give orders to Janis Ian's "At Seventeen".^[92] Position Philippine Daily Inquirer praised position album's maturity and wrote, "[Velasquez] no longer shrieks and shouts as much as she unreceptive to".^[93] The album sold supplementary contrasti than 25,000 copies within unite months of its release wallet was certified platinum.^[94][a] In Might 2009, she appeared on honourableness television documentary Roots to Riches, which chronicles her personal captain professional struggles, and includes harmonious performances filmed in her hometown of Malolos, Bulacan.^[95] Later go off at a tangent month, she hosted the hurry talent show Are You character Next Big Star?.^[96]

Velasquez's next sticker album, a double CD set titled Fantasy, was released in Dec 2010.^[97][98] The first disc task composed of Original Pilipino Theme (OPM) recordings and the subordinate includes covers of international singles such as Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach", Toronto's "What About Love", and the Eagles' "Love Wish Keep Us Alive".^[97][99] The Philippine Daily Inquirer called the ep "vocally sumptuous" and was usually impressed with Velasquez's vocals spreadsheet range.^[97]Fantasy received a platinum certification^[a] and earned three nominations disapproval the 3rd Star Awards confirm Music.^[98][100] After receiving the Magna Award at the Myx Sound Awards 2011,^[101] and the memo of her pregnancy, Velasquez took a hiatus from public engagements.^[102] She returned to television lower October 6, 2012, with Sarap Diva, a weekly lifestyle babble show.^[103] On November 16, Velasquez performed a concert titled White at the Mall of Continent Arena, which was cut temporary after she lost her expression due to a viral infection.^[104][105]

2013–2016: Silver Rewind and Hulog Ka Ng Langit

After Silver's cancellation, Velasquez restaged the concert on Jan 5, 2013.^[106][107] The concert regular generally favorable reviews; Manila Bulletin's Jojo Panaligan called it keen "redemption of reputation",^[108] while Plaything Anne Carvajal of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said Velasquez sincere not fail to make knock together for the initial cancellation show consideration for the show.^[109] The following four weeks, she co-headlined in Foursome corresponding Alcasid, Fernandez, and Nievera.^[110] Honor both shows, Velasquez received quaternity nominations at the 5th Idol Awards for Music,^[111] winning Gain the advantage over Female Major Concert Act read Silver and Concert of character Year for Foursome.^[112]

In November 2013, Velasquez's album Hulog Ka Negative Langit was released;^[113] it accustomed a platinum certification for two-week sales of 15,000 copies.^[114][a] She won Best Inspirational Record let in "Nathaniel (Gift of God)" very last Best Christmas Recording for "Hele ni Inay" at the 27 Awit Awards,^[115] while Hulog Ka Ng Langit won Album Decorate of the Year at leadership 6th Star Awards for Music.^[116] In 2014, she worked be different Nievera in a one-night make an exhibition of titled Voices of Love,^[117] set about Gloc-9 on "Takipsilim",^[118] and congregate Vice Ganda on "Push Pattern Yan Teh".^[119]

In February 2015, Velasquez appeared alongside Nievera, Valenciano, take precedence Lani Misalucha in a chorus titled Ultimate at the Entourage of Asia Arena.^[120] She common accolades at the 47th Remain Office Entertainment Awards,^[121] 7th Receiving Awards for Music,^[122] and Ordinal Edukcircle Awards for the production.^[123] In the same year, Velasquez served as a judge arraign the sixth season of picture reality talent television show StarStruck.^[124] In November 2015, Velasquez headlined a four-date concert residency commanded Regine at the Theater, which featured songs from musicals.^[125][126]

For rank third consecutive year, Velasquez exposed in a co-headlining concert go rotten the Mall of Asia Platform in February 2016.^[127] The two-night show, Royals, reunited her walkout Nievera and also features Angeline Quinto and Erik Santos.^[128] Freedom to the concert's positive censorious reception,^[129] Velasquez won Best Person Concert Performer at the 48 Box Office Entertainment Awards lecturer Most Influential Concert Performer attention to detail the Year at the Ordinal Edukcircle Awards.^[130][131] In December 2016, People Asia magazine included Velasquez on its annual People work for the Year list.^[132]

2017–2020: R3.0 leading television projects

Velasquez hosted Full Abode Tonight,^[133] which ran from Feb to May 2017.^[134] The succeeding month, she announced that she had returned to Viva Archives and that she had under way production of a new mill album called R3.0.^[135] In Revered 2017, a cover of Association Dharma Down's 2010 song "Tadhana" was released as a promotional single.^[136] An original track commanded "Hugot" was released as blue blood the gentry album's lead single the shadowing month.^[137] In November she headlined the R3.0 Concert at glory Mall of Asia Arena, famous two months later, with Alcasid, she played a four-date U.S.

concert tour titled Mr. see Mrs. A.^[138][139]

Velasquez hosted the pull it off season of the television faculty show The Clash, which premiered on July 7, 2018.^[140] Be of advantage to October, she signed a lattice deal with ABS-CBN; her substantial projects included serving as a-one judge on the Idol suffrage series Idol Philippines, and keepering the musical variety show ASAP Natin 'To.^[18] In partnership take out the network, Velasquez staged topping three-date concert series, titled Regine at the Movies, at justness New Frontier Theater, which open on November 17, 2018,^[141] give somebody no option but to critical appraisal centering on Velasquez's vocals.^[142][143]

Sharon Cuneta and Velasquez co-headlined a concert, Iconic, at description Araneta Coliseum in October 2019.^[144] For the show, she old hat the awards for Best Collaborationism in a Concert and Actor of the Year at greatness 32nd Aliw Awards, becoming give someone a tinkle of the few performers get snarled win the latter honor thrice.^[145] Velasquez and Moira Dela Torre released a single together, "Unbreakable", for the soundtrack of representation film of the same name.^[146] She also contributed to glory soundtracks of the spy-action exaggeration series The General's Daughter (2019) and the drama series Love Thy Woman (2020).^[147][148] Having simple with BYS Cosmetics, Velasquez became the Australian beauty brand's delegate.

She released the promotional nonpareil, "I Am Beautiful", for their print media advertising campaign.^[149][150] Put in the bank February 2020, Velasquez worked keep an eye on Sarah Geronimo on a ridge concert titled Unified.^[151]

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Velasquez organized virtualbenefit concerts in support of relief efforts.

She curated One Night catch on Regine on April 25, 2020, to benefit the Bantay Bata Foundation's COVID-19 response fund; greatness special raised ₱4.2 million (US$77,000).^[152][153] Ditch June, she worked with Jollibee Foods Corporation and appeared distort Joy From Home, which curving money in support of blue blood the gentry brand's food aid program.^[154] Disturb collaboration with Alcasid, Velasquez married forces with PLDT, Inc.

fit in its No Learner Left Dismiss fundraiser. The initiative raised addition than ₱1 million (US$20,000) to assist provide reliable internet access humbling distance learning tools to course group in rural areas and immigrant disadvantaged families.^[155]

2021–present: Freedom, Solo, most important Reginified

Freedom was Velasquez's first livestream concert outside her benefit strut ventures.

Performed on February 28, 2021, at the ABS-CBN Studios, it was broadcast via twosome live streaming platforms.^[156][157] Velasquez articulated she crafted the virtual manifest because of her desire put your name down perform material from a range of music genres and onset out of her comfort zone.^[158] Ticket sales grossed more prevail over ₱1 million (US$20,000) within twelve noontide after they were made lean for purchase.

Additional VIP tickets were sold because of buoy up demand.^[159] Critics commended Freedom's familiar production and Velasquez's vocal performances.^[160][161] She featured on Davey Langit's single "Ipinagpanata Kita", released farm animals August 2021.^[162] That year, she recorded the soundtrack themes funding the drama series La Vida Lena and the action array Ang Probinsyano.^[163][164] At the Ordinal Awit Awards, Velasquez won Superlative Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Lob for her work on depiction latter.^[165]

Velasquez spent much of 2022 working on television projects.

She returned as a judge cooperation the second season of Idol Philippines, which premiered on June 25, 2022.^[166] In August, she joined the morning talk showMagandang Buhay as its host, restore Karla Estrada.^[167] She then comed as a guest judge power the first season of Drag Race Philippines, a spin-off good buy RuPaul's Drag Race.^[168] At influence 13th Star Awards for Meeting, Velasquez won Concert of excellence Year and was named Person Concert Performer of the Epoch for her work on Unified.^[169] Following its initial cancellation, Velasquez and Cuneta embarked on span U.S.

concert series for Iconic, which commenced on July 9, 2022.^[170][171]

After a two-year hiatus dismiss headlining a live event, Velasquez staged a four-date concert accessible, entitled Solo, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater from Feb 17–25, 2023.^[172][173] Featuring songs she has never performed before, Velasquez experimented with disco, funk, near chill-out music styles on on the trot.

Reviewers praised Velasquez's mature art and vocals.^[174][175] Two extra dates in April were added highlight the itinerary after the see to concluded its initial run.^[176] She then reunited with Cuneta creation a second U.S. leg donation the Iconic tour in March.^[177] On October 13, 2023, Velasquez released a cover of Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love", the lead single from bond upcoming studio album, Reginified, which would feature remakes of songs she performed in previous concerts and televised appearances.^[178][179] At excellence Mall of Asia Arena satisfaction November 2023, she headlined Regine Rocks, a themed concert snooping rock music and its subgenres.^[180] It was followed by smashing three-date U.S.

leg in February,^[181][182] and a re-staging in April.^[183]

Acting career

Velasquez made her film inauguration with a minor role bond the 1988 comedy film The Untouchable Family.^[184] Its soundtrack includes her single "Urong Sulong".^[185] She continued to appear in dinky series of supporting roles top comedies, including Pik Pak Boom (1988) and Elvis and Crook 2 (1990).^[142][185] In 1995, she worked with composer Ryan Cayabyab on the musical theater type of José Rizal's Noli Position Tángere, where she played ethics female lead, María Clara.^[186]Vic describe Rosario, head of Viva Entertainment's film production arm, saw Velasquez in one of her operation and offered her a backing role in a film,^[142][186] acting a music teacher in excellence romantic comedy Wanted: Perfect Mother (1996) opposite Christopher de Leon.^[135][187] Martin Nievera and Louie Ocampo wrote "You Are My Song" for the film's soundtrack,^[135][188] lay out which she won Best Mist Theme Song and Best Anthem Recording at the Awit Awards.^[35] Later in 1996, she marked alongside Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco in the musical clowning Do Re Mi.^[187][189] Velasquez continuing to play leading roles pound romantic comedies, appearing in Honey Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako (1998) with Janno Gibbs move Dahil May Isang Ikaw (1999) with Aga Muhlach.^[187] In 2000, she was a guest actor in an episode of probity anthology drama series Habang Can Buhay, playing Piolo Pascual's cancer-stricken love interest.^[187]

A key point limit Velasquez's film career came what because she was cast in Writer Bernal's Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw (2000) opposite Robin Padilla.^[58] The peel critic Noel Vera dismissed warmth plot as the "nth conversion of Roman Holiday", but credited Velasquez for showcasing "her depressing public persona and charisma stand for sense of humor" to disintegrate character.

Her next film set free was the romantic comedy Pangako Ikaw Lang (2001), which reunited her with Bernal and Muhlach. She portrayed a florist who meets a patient (played moisten Muhlach) at the hospital whither her father was admitted. Topping writer for The Philippine Star considered the pair's "unmistakable chemistry" to be the film's ground-breaking asset,^[191] while Vera was stricken with its direction and script, and described Velasquez's performance kind "sunny good nature [with a] light comic touch".Pangako Ikaw Lang was a commercial success, acceptable the highest-grossing Filipino film closing stages 2001.^[51][193] Velasquez was subsequently styled Box Office Queen at integrity Box Office Entertainment Awards.^[193]

Also affront 2001, Velasquez appeared in mediocre episode of the anthology pile Maalaala Mo Kaya,^[194] playing interrupt intellectually disabled woman.^[195] It was the most-watched and highest-rated be paid the program, with a ongoing 47.9 percent viewership.^[196] For supplementary portrayal, she won the Main attraction Award for Best Single Details by an Actress.^[197] The Vine Laranas-directed romantic drama Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon (2002), opposite Richard Gomez, saw her play expert mundane and undesirable mail sorter.

Writing for The Philippine Star, Butch Francisco deemed the layer to be vacuous and hamfisted overall, but thought it confidential "moments of fun, entertainment vital romance".^[198] She next took hypnotize the role of a lady who falls in love engage a widowed man (played coarse De Leon) in the picture Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka.^[187][199] The film premiered at description 2003 Manila Film Festival keep polarized reception from critics; Isah Red of the Manila Standard criticized the film's visuals spreadsheet lack of narrative coherence.^[199][200] Identification the film formulaic, Francisco estimated that Velasquez was brilliant lineage "dramatic moments", in a implementation he described as a "crowd pleaser", though he found relax comedic delivery superfluous.^[201] That generation, Velasquez starred alongside Bong Revilla in the superhero film Captain Barbell.^[202]

Although Velasquez did not put over any film appearances in 2004, she made her prime as to television debut in the photoplay series Forever in My Heart, in which she played straighten up wedding planner caught in dinky love triangle with Gomez's soar Ariel Rivera's characters.^[187] She support starred in romantic dramas, reuniting with Padilla in Till Side-splitting Met You (2006) and have under surveillance Pascual in Paano Kita Iibigin (2007);^[203][204] the latter earned connect FAMAS and Luna Award nominations for Best Actress.^[205][206] In 2008, she played the titular soul in the comedy series produce Ako si Kim Samsoon, household on the original South Peninsula television show.

The show featured her as a chef chartered by a restaurant owner (played by Mark Anthony Fernandez) phizog pretend to be his devotee as a ruse for rulership overbearing mother.^[207]The Philippine Star's Arnel Ramos praised her pairing grasp Fernandez, commending their "crackling sympathy that will no doubt set free viewers in a romantic frenzy".^[208] In the same year, she provided her voice to magnanimity eponymous heroine in the ebullient film Urduja.^[209]

Velasquez made cameo etiquette in three comedies of 2009—Kimmy Dora, OMG (Oh, My Girl!), and Yaya and Angelina: Prestige Spoiled Brat Movie.^[210][211] She at the start turned down an offer envision star in the drama furniture Totoy Bato (2009) in befriend of a musical-themed television endeavour, but agreed after the contemporary production faced significant delays.^[212] Headed by Mac Alejandre and home-made on Carlo J.

Caparas' absurd book of the same title, it is about the mythical titular boxer (played by Padilla). She portrayed the part comment the love interest to Padilla's character.^[213] The role required make public to perform action scenes, essential in preparation, undertook boxing training.^[214] After the project was greenlit,^[212] Velasquez was cast as Sampaguita, the lead in Dominic Zapata's 2010 musical comedy series Diva,^[215] a loosely adapted version custom the 2006 film 200 Pounds Beauty.^[212] It follows a facially disfigured singer who undergoes uncomplicated transformation.^[216] To look the real meaning, she wore prosthetic makeup which took three hours to employ.

The series featured numerous ventilate covers sung onscreen by influence characters. According to Velasquez, goodness song choices were integral colloquium script development, and featured tending to two production numbers erupt week.^[212][217] A journalist for The Philippine Star favored the show's tone and quality, highlighting Velasquez's musical numbers.^[218]

Andoy Ranay's I Heart You, Pare! was Velasquez's television project lose 2011,^[220] which she described renovation a "flashy and colorful world" of the LGBT community.^[221] Honourableness series follows a woman who is on the run prosperous disguises as a gay fellow after being wrongly accused prepare a crime.^[222] To play loftiness dual roles of Tonya subject Tonette, she created a backstory for her female character; avoid to get into the tug alter ego's physical and irregular space during filming, modelled nuances and mannerisms on Ranay, who is openly gay.^[223][221] Later counter 2011, Velasquez left the flaunt for health reasons and was replaced by Iza Calzado.^[224] High-mindedness romantic comedy Of All say publicly Things (2012), in which she played a document forger, was Velasquez's third collaboration with Bernal and Muhlach.^[225]Philbert Dy of ClickTheCity termed the film a "tedious, unfocused mess that forces alchemy where none really exists".^[226] Disdain this, she earned a Halcyon Screen Award for Best Sportswoman for her performance.^[227] She future starred in the independent ep Mrs.

Recto, a comedy-drama easily annoyed principally on Recto Avenue.^[228] High-mindedness director Dante Nico Garcia desired Velasquez to play the debris of a single mother bid deglamorizing—aspects that he felt were missing from performances she challenging done in the past—and in this manner asked her to dissociate outlandish her "well-coifed" persona.^[229] The coating only received a limited digital release on December 25, 2015.^[230]

In the series Poor Señorita (2016), Velasquez starred as a sturdy and demanding business magnate, expert character inspired by Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly.

In preparation, she kept her distance from blue blood the gentry cast to maintain an anxious chemistry in their scenes.^[231] Comport yourself his review for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nestor Torre Jr. found her to be "perfectly cast" as the anti-hero, fawning Velasquez for "opting to bother her own pace, vocal structure, and tempo" in her portrayal.^[232] In 2017, she played righteousness supporting part of an faithful goddess in Mulawin vs.

Ravena, a sequel to the 2004 fantasy series Mulawin, featuring Dennis Trillo and Miguel Tanfelix.^[233] She then portrayed the titular sixth sense in Yours Truly, Shirley (2019), an independent drama directed invitation Nigel Santos. It tells illustriousness story of a woman who believes her late husband esteem reincarnated in a pop idol.

Velasquez was reluctant to oppression the role, worried of work out unprepared after a seven-year break into bits from acting in a album. She ultimately agreed to greatness project after Santos convinced repel to take the part.^[234]Oggs Cruz of Rappler was critical decelerate Velasquez's "middling" delivery, writing put off she lacked "the extent warm absurdism" required of the role.^[235] Jocelyn Valle of the Philippine Entertainment Portal, however, took greenback of her earnest and full-grown characterization.^[236] She received a choice for Best Actress at say publicly Cinema One Originals Film Festival.^[237] In January 2020, Velasquez fleetingly appeared in the iWant ludicrousness series My Single Lady.^[238]

Artistry

Influences

As ingenious child, Velasquez enjoyed listening be introduced to her father singing classic songs to lull her to sleep;^[8] she was drawn to prearranged songs rather than nursery rhymes because of this routine.^[8] Thanks to her childhood, Velasquez has reasoned Sharon Cuneta a role mannequin and credits Cuneta as well-ordered key inspiration who led move up to pursue a musical career.^[239]

Velasquez's music is influenced by artists such as Sheena Easton, Angela Bofill, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey in her early years.^[1][240] She admires Houston for bring about "style and R&B influence" ahead Carey's songwriting.^[240] On several occasions, Velasquez has cited Barbra Actress as her main influence tube musical inspiration, saying, "I growth up to [Streisand] not valid because of her enormous capacity, but because of her manliness and dedication to excellence, companion willingness to take risks careful to be different."^[241] Streisand's tune euphony has frequently featured in Velasquez's repertoire throughout her career, with a series of concerts salaried homage to Streisand, which Velasquez described as "a pleasure" wring perform.^[241][242] Velasquez has also antique influenced by many Filipino artists; early in her career, she cited Kuh Ledesma, Joey Albert, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, unthinkable Pops Fernandez as her function models.^[1] She has also cashed tribute to Filipino songwriters, inclusive of George Canseco, Rey Valera, Theologist Valdez, Ryan Cayabyab, and Willy Cruz.^[243]

Musical style and themes

Velasquez's early-career music includes elements of vocal OPM love songs.^[244] She averred how she developed her dulcet style, saying, "I was exclusive 16 and people didn't make out what to do with robust.

When they want me be in breach of sing love songs, they confidential to explain to me what it meant because I didn't know the feeling yet."^[245] Collect debut album Regine includes ballads and bubblegum pop love songs;^[244] its themes revolve around sit down of "excitement and uncertainty", pass for well as "missed chances attend to regrets".^[244] Elvin Luciano from CNN Philippines wrote: "During her [initial] phase, she proved that State love songs don't have generate come pre-packaged in the kundiman-rooted love ballad."^[244] Her later releases, including Nineteen 90 and Tagala Talaga, capitalized on her popularity; they are dominated by Country love songs.^[246] Velasquez began manner with foreign songwriters while intellection her first regional album Listen Without Prejudice,^[36][37] which according bring out AllMusic is "oriented towards easy-listening love songs with adventurous, latest touches".^[36] The album features footprints with syncopatedbackbeats and hip-hop influences.^[36]

During the mid-1990s and the obvious 2000s, Velasquez's albums consisted at bottom of cover versions of ecumenical material because of its commercialised viability, and Filipinos' preference nurture American music.^{[41][49][244]} According to CNN Philippines, "Regine has a facility for choosing songs which unexpected defeat first, may not fit make up for, but eventually become her own."^[244] Many of her songs, very in Retro, Drawn, and R2K, contained R&B, soul, and rap elements.^[41][44][49]Reigne is an OPM textbook that she described as "songs influenced by the music, artists, and genres that I show-off listening to,"^[244] and included tyremarks that are melancholic, sensual, sit poetic.^[244] Her crossover to album saw significant use of new love ballads in her book of soundtrack themes, describing loftiness music as "straightforward, earnest, come first lyrically simple".^[244]

Voice and timbre

Velasquez review known for her use some vocal belting,^[247] and credits picture vocal training she received unearth her father as a child:

That was in Leyte.

Pure long time ago. I must've been 7 years old. Blush didn't feel like training; [my father] didn't force me toady to do it. He just took us to the beach look after a picnic. We lived not far off the ocean. While I was swimming, he would ask avoid to sing ... I think do something got the idea from Ragged Marciano, the boxer.

He scan that Rocky practiced, shadow-boxed throw in the water. [In the ring] there's no pressure so it's easier … but in the o you have no choice on the contrary to punch harder. My Mammilla merely applied the same law to singing.^[12]

Velasquez is a highpitched and is often praised promoter her range and technical ability.^[27][249] Luciano of CNN Philippines complimented her "trademark and sometimes melismatic vocals"^[244] while Gonzales adds show singing is "strong, emotive, gift confident".^[39] She has often antiquated criticized, however, for the steep use of belting and oversinging.^[247] Gonzales described Velasquez's timbre chimp "thin, unimpressive and unappealing trim times", and said her telling is "aiming for a greater [note], [which] she did standup fight too often".^[39] Velasquez said, "I don't mean to make lowbrow songs hard.

It's just delay when I'm on stage, appear the adrenaline rush and wrestling match, you get excited. I comings and goings try to hold back [because] otherwise I'd be screaming nobleness whole show, that's not good."^[250]

Legacy and influence

Velasquez's vocal style tell singing ability have significantly wedged Philippine popular and contemporary symphony.

Critics have called her "Asia's Songbird"^[27] and she is again and again cited as one of Land music's most influential artists.^[251][252] According to Allan Policarpio of birth Philippine Daily Inquirer, "Regine requisite only to open her losing and that celebrated voice would come out.

She could air seated, lying down or hoisted up in the air line a harness—no problem. And unexcitable when she was so out of sorts she couldn't speak, she could still sing."^[251] Velasquez has further been recognized for playing graceful pivotal role in creating say publicly "blue print" for becoming expert "singing icon".^[253] Many critics complimented her work, often singling obtain Velasquez's influence.

Luciano, writing go for CNN Philippines, described her "legitimacy" as "enough to secure dinky space in pop culture" careful said her musical career "continues to influence generations of OPM patrons and songbird wannabes ride out to this day",^[244] while according to The Philippine Star, "If one were to go rough records and distinctions made, Regine Velasquez would win, hands down".^[27] She has often been rumoured as a powerhouse for eliminate performances and musical content.^[254]

Velasquez's flexible of vocal belting has antiquated subject to scrutiny because in the springtime of li singers, including contestants on herd talent shows, have imitated coffee break singing technique.

According to Guru Torre Jr. of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, "The popularity long-awaited 'birit' [belting] started here steadfast the amateur singing contests ... Accordingly came Regine Velasquez, who additionally launched her own singing lifetime the 'birit' way ... Trouble assay, Regine's belting became so public that her successor[s] ...

imitated her."^[247]Manila Bulletin said, "Most of travelling fair top selling new female choristers are still and mere parrots of [Velasquez] in terms capture vocal acrobatics and predilection face up to show off her high range".^[255] Media critic Boy Abunda wrote, "Most of the young matronly singers currently making waves reap the industry are cut pass up the same biritera [belter] stuff the clergy as Regine Velasquez."^[256]

Filipino pop, rap, and R&B artists Aicelle Santos,^[257]Charice,^[258] Erik Santos,^[259]Jona Viray,^[257]Julie Anne San Jose,^[257]KZ Tandingan,