From Sun.Star Cebu The Songbird as Mother and Wife CEBU CITY—After a series of recent road shows in the Visayas and Mindanao, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid arrived in Cebu city last Friday for the GMA Kapuso Fans Day in SM City Cebu. During the show, she staged some of her greatest hits that made a mark in the mainstream music scene. At a press conference earlier that day, select media members got the chance to chitchat with the diva on her career, family life and contentment. Here’s an excerpt. Sun.Star Cebu (SSC): Cebu counts as your eighth road show stop after Bohol, Batangas, Davao, Dagupan, Vigan, Boracay and Iloilo. You’ve been around in the industry this long. What thrill do you still get from your regional following? Also, what repertoire have you prepared for Cebuanos? Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (RVA): It’s always exciting to perform for your supporters. I’ve been singing new songs in the previous provincial events but we still get requests for old songs, which is amazing. It’s still an old-new mix for Cebu. SSC: Let’s talk about family. Nate (Nathaniel James) is running three this November. How’s it been with your first-born? RVA: I just don’t want to miss out on my son’s toddler years. Nate is in his second week of school. He’s adjusting, contrary to his first week when he was very excited. But no worries for us because he also attends Sunday school at church. Sort of a practice. He now reads—elevator messages even. Weird kid. We planned not to send him off to school yet but since he’s been “reading” already, [we thought we] might as well get him proper reading comprehension. Nate loves to sing. He picks up easily. Maybe because his parents are also humming all the time in the house. He talks in Tagalog and English but more of Tagalog. I think the way he talks is mine while his charming, friendly aura are Ogie’s. I remember Nate’s first walk. I was darting the phone camera at him, shouting happily (laughs). I don’t remember his first word, though. Maybe “mom.” SSC: Are you a big-time spoiler? RVA: All parents have the tendency. It’s a privilege. But Ogie and I are trying to hold back a little bit. Nate is so “blessed” but we’re hoping he doesn’t grow up a brat. As much as I can, just as how my parents raised me, I want to encourage Nate to be confident but keep his feet on the ground. SSC: What would you want Nate to become? RVA: No expectations for my baby. I don’t want to put pressure on him, not even force him to follow our path. The fact that his parents are musicians is already a pressure, I should say. Nate can become whatever he wants to be, or even more. I pray though that he develops a relationship with God and take it from there. SSC: It’s been almost four years since you and Ogie got hitched. How’s the ride? RVA: It’s wonderful to be married, provided you’re married to the “right” one. I’m lucky that I am. The “click” between the two of you is really important. You know, since we got married, we never had a big fight. I laugh every day. Ogie wakes up and cracks me up—I laugh so hard. Sometimes, he comes up to me and announces, “I got a dance for you.” Then he transforms into a “display” of choreography (laughs). When I’m idle, I pack his things for work. Ogie loves to eat out but when we’re (he’s) home, I prepare his meal. I still wait for him at night, too. If I’m off from work, I’m a typical mommy and wife. We still go out on dates, watch movie, take Nate to Toys R Us, attend Bible study groups once a week. We also talk about our jobs especially now he’s in another channel. It’s the little things, really. SSC: How does Asia’s Songbird take care of her voice all this time? RVA: It’s harder when you’re older. Just keep using it, though. My voice range is still the same but I have this (throat) condition to deal with. Most singers out there probably have it. I actually inquired about it but when it comes back, it comes back. Medication and proper diet help a lot. SSC: Do you still get nervous prior every performance? RVA: I think it’s normal for every performer especially when executing new songs. I’m used to it. I have to; fight it back if I don’t want my notes to fall all over the place. SSC: Do you still speak Bisaya? RVA: Gamay (laughs). During the recent show in Bohol, I sang a favorite: Usahay. Perhaps squeezing in Bisaya songs in the next album is a good idea. I’m still promoting my latest outing though—the one that was recorded for a year after (I gave) birth. SSC: Does Regine still have anything left to prove? RVA: I don’t really care (laughs). SSC: The new GMA reality talent search “Bet ng Bayan” is sort of a hosting comeback for you. Tell us more about it. Are you that hyped up with the project? RVA: It’s actually new to me since it would be my first time to host not just a singing contest. It’s pretty exciting! Maybe it’s time to look for another superstars, not just singing icons.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 01:58:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015