The Classics of Regine Velasquez, the Asia’s Songbird
Filipinos may have known Regine Velasquez. Those who don’t must live in caves. Dubbed Asia’s Songbird, she is the voice behind countless OPM hits making her the best-selling Filipino pop singer. She works as a recording artist, record producer, and actress.
Now, she makes her name as a television host. Rising singers in the country testified how her music has inspired them. Her contributions remain evident today. She is, indeed, one of the pillars of the Philippine music industry.
The Classics of Regine Velasquez, the Asia’s Songbird
Love Me Again
Love Me Again is Regine’s first released single under the name, Chona Velasquez. It was released by Octo Arts International in the year 1986. Though it wasn’t a commercial success, Reginians (a moniker of her fans) would agree that it opened many doors for her.
Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang, Isang Lahi
Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang was released right after Regine’s recording agreement with Mr. Vic del Rosario’s Viva Records. It served as the soundtrack for the 1989 film of the same name, starring Maricel Soriano. The same can be said about Isang Lahi, which serves as the music for the movie “Gabi na, Kumander.”
These two songs remain on the list of the most well-known Filipino songs as they can be heard in small karaoke sessions with family members as well as in amateur singing competitions during fiestas and birthday celebrations.
Narito Ako
Narito Ako was composed by Nonong Pedero and originally recorded by Maricris Bermont. Regine popularized the song after singing it in her concert with Janno Gibbs in 1987. After a year, she had her first major solo concert at the Folk Arts Theater, and it was then titled “Narito Ako.”
If you get to hear the song, you could honestly say that Regine’s vocals and way of storytelling make the most out of it. In the case of “Narito Ako,” she said that after her rendition,
No one was singing it in the ’80’s.
ABS-CBN News
Sana Maulit Muli
Regine Velasquez is always mistaken to be the original singer of Sana Maulit Muli, when it was actually Gary Valenciano’s. It became one of Gary’s biggest hits in the 1980s when her wife translated the English song into Filipino. Since Sana Maulit Muli was loved by many, it is available to listen to in two different renditions by Regine and Gary.
Araw Gabi
The national artist Ryan Cayabyab composed the wonderful love ballad Araw Gabi for his bride. He regarded this as one of his compositions, following Regine Velasquez’s performance, as a piece of art.
We recorded it and gave away 45s during our wedding. Nonoy Z originally and beautifully sang it. But you know what? In its 33 years as a song, it has never attained the popularity that it has reached now. And it is all because of you.
Ryan Cayabyab to Regine (ABS-CBN News)
There is definitely something with the songs of Regine that touches people’s hearts. Whether belting, melody, her storytelling, the voice, or everything she is. It is no longer about the Filipinos’ love for songs, but she truly is a masterpiece herself.
There are still a ton of songs I cannot seem to include. But, personally, if you were to ask me, it was not only her music that is classic – it was Regine Velasquez.
