REGINE SINGS HER OWN from Manila Bulletin 10/7/02

Her story is stuff that today's telenovelas are made of. Only her's
really happened. A whole generation of Pinoy music lovers has been
witness to how it all unfolded, and to this day, our fascination with
Regine Velasquez wouldn't seem to wane. True, she's led a fairytale
of a life -- a gawky teenager who joined and won every amateur
singing contest in every baranggay in Bulacan that was humanly
possible eventually emerging as Grand Champion in what was then the
most important singing contest on national television, ANG BAGONG
KAMPEON.

Clearly, it was destiny. It was destiny that in her small and frail
frame, she packed a vioce that in the 80's was just simply unheard
of. It was destiny that she was not only armed with remarkable talent
but with ambition, determination and the instinct to survive. It was
destiny that the entertainment industry was ready for someone like
Regine.

Not that it was a walk in the park. Then again, she was only 15 and a
whole new world had just opened in front of her. There was no need to
rush. There was much time to build and learn and prepare for what was
yet to come.

Flashforward. 2002. Following last year's sold-out 16-night concert
series, Regine Velasquez returns to Makati for yet another series of
shows at Onstage Greenbelt. Sixteen years later, she is the country's
premiere music diva, queen fo the pop charts, and now certified box-
office queen of movies.

This year, Regine's Onstage series aptly called "SONGBIRD SINGS"
focuses on this long but fruitful journey told through her very own
music -- the songs that she has recorded in the past and music that
has been associated with her. All given a fresh twist by Regine and
her musical director, Raul Mitra. It is a nostalgic trip that will
not only bring back memories to Regine but to those of us who lived a
good portion of our lives falling in love or wallowing in despair to
the tune of Regine's most memorable signature hits. Remember "Narito
Ako" and "What Kind Of Fool?" Songs from her long list of albums
like "Reason Enough," "Listen Without Prejudice," "My Love
Emotion," "Retro," "Drawn," "R2K" and her latest outing, "Reigne," as
well as specila recordings like "Songbird Sings The Classics" and
original soundtrack recordings for "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw,""Pangako
Ikaw Lang," "Ikaw Lamang... Hanggang Ngayon." She will be bringing
back some of the lesser known songs that have made a big impact in
her life and career, like her winning song in the Asia Pacific
Singing Contest, songs from stage musicals "Kenkoy at Rosing"
and "Noli Me Tangere," her very first recording "Love Me Again," even
her Grand Prize winning song in ANG BAGONG KAMPEON and other
surprises.

It is a must-see concert for every Regine Velasquez fan and even to
those who simply know what great music and singing is all about.
Aksed why she chose to do an "all-Regine" repertoire, the supersinger
said that now is a good time to take the stock of what she has done
in the past, so that she can move on with what the future has yet in
store for her. "It was fun doing research for this show. Many
memories came surging back." Indeed, her's is a body of work that
many artists could only aspire for. yet everyone is still on the
lookout for what she will do next -- her next movie, her next
recording, her next collaboration, her next big concert. Indeed,
her's is a career that is still cery much in progress. She
quips, "When I perform in concerts, people always ask me why I didn't
sing this song or that song... so I thought this might be a good way
to give in to their requests."

"SONGBIRD SINGS" opens at Onstage Greenbelt 1 in Makati on November 8-
9. She takes a one weekend break to give way to an important
performance for the UNICEF, Regine then resumes her series on
November 22-23, 29-30. Tickets at P600. P900 and P1200 are now
available at all Ticketworld outlets in major National Bookstore
branches (891-5610), Tower Records Makati and Alabang, Maxi-Media
office (551-8999/551-7777). A production of Maxi-Media International
and is presented to you by Samsung Digitall "Everyone's Invited." In
cooperation with Robitussin, Beam Toothpaste and Farlin Baby Care
Products. Also brought to you by Alberto Shoes, La Cremeria Ice Cream
and the Philippine Star.