- If you were looking for the actress and dancer, see Regine Tolentino.
Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez-Alcasid, better known as Regine Velasquez (later Regine Velasquez-Alcasid), is a Filipino singer, actress and TV host. Referred to as "Asia's Songbird", she is regarded for her vocal range, agility and use of the belting technique, and is recognized as one of the most influential entertainers in the Philippines, as well as the best-selling Filipino artist of all time.
Velasquez began her career with GMA Network as a mainstay of the Sunday noontime variety show SOP in 1998, and it was followed with Party Pilipinas and Sunday All Stars. She also hosted the reality shows Search for a Star, Pinoy Pop Superstar, Celebrity Duets, Are You the Next Big Star?, and The Clash. She also ventured into acting, having lead roles in Ako si Kim Samsoon, Diva, I Heart You, Pare! and Poor Señorita. Velasquez is also the original singer of the Kapuso Theme, which was launched following the network's rebranding as the Kapuso network in 2002.
On October 13, 2018, Velasquez announced at the end of her talk show Sarap Diva (later Sarap, 'Di Ba?) that she would leave GMA Network after 20 years, intending to transfer to ABS-CBN as a performer on ASAP alongside her husband, Ogie Alcasid.
Early life and career[]
Velasquez was born on April 22, 1970 in Tondo, Manila. She began singing during her childhood, where she underwent intensive vocal training while being immersed neck-deep in the sea. Velasquez, then Chona, won Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and signed a recording contract with OctoArts International in 1986 and released the single "Love Me Again", which was commercially unsuccessful. The following year, she adopted the stage name Regine Velasquez for her debut studio album, Regine (1987), under the guidance of Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario and producer Ronnie Henares.
Career in GMA[]
Velasquez signed with GMA in 1998 and has appeared in SOP, Party Pilipinas and Sunday All Stars, becoming a staple in Sunday noontime variety shows. She also hosted the talk show H.O.T. TV: Hindi Ordinaryong Tsismis from 2012 to 2013. During one episode, she explained why she lost her voice in the Silver concert.
As an actress, Velasquez topbilled the drama series Ako si Kim Samsoon, Diva, I Heart You, Pare! and Poor Señorita. She also played supporting roles in Totoy Bato, Darna and Mulawin vs. Ravena. Velasquez returned to hosting in 2012 with Sarap Diva (later Sarap, 'Di Ba?). She hosted the first season of The Clash in 2018.
Velasquez performed all of the four versions of the Kapuso Theme.
Departure from GMA Network[]
On October 13, 2018, at the end of the 2-part anniversary special of Sarap Diva, she announced her departure from GMA Network. She later announced her transfer to ABS-CBN, reuniting with her husband Ogie Alcasid on the ABS-CBN/Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/TV5 Sunday noontime variety show ASAP Natin 'To.
Following Velasquez-Alcasid's departure from the network, many personalities took over from her hosting duties. Carmina Villarroel-Legaspi, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi take over for the then-newly-rebranded Sarap, 'Di Ba?, while Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz began hosting The Clash since the second season in 2019.
TV shows[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | SOP | Host/Performer | |
| 2003 | Search for a Star | Host | |
| 2008 | Songbird | Host/Performer | |
| 2008 | Ako si Kim Samsoon | Kim Samsoon Buot | Main role |
| 2009 | Are You the Next Big Star? | Host | |
| 2009 | Darna | Elektra | Supporting role |
| 2010 | Diva | Sampaguita Fernandez | Main role |
| 2010 | Party Pilipinas | Host/Performer | |
| 2011 | I Heart You, Pare! | Antonia "Tonya/Tonette" Estrella | Main role |
| 2012 | H.O.T. TV | Host | |
| 2012 | Sarap Diva | Host | |
| 2013 | Sunday All Stars | Host/Performer | |
| 2014 | Bet ng Bayan | Host | |
| 2015 | StarStruck (Season 6) | Judge | |
| 2016 | Poor Señorita | Rita Villon | Main role |
| 2017 | Full House Tonight | Host/Performer | |
| 2017 | Mulawin vs. Ravena | Sandawa | Supporting role |
| 2018 | The Clash (Season 1) | Host |
References[]
- ↑ Regine Velasquez (Archived June 22, 2007)
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