Regine Velasquez - The Diva, The Icon, The Asia's Songbird (part2)

Eto na ang pangalawang parte ng aking blog tungkol kay Regine Velasquez. Sa unang parte ng blog ko ay ipinakita ko kung paano pinuri at hinangaan ng mga sikat at tanyag na international composers at stars ang talento ni Regine sa pag-awit. Sa pangalawang parte ng blog ko ay ipapakita ko naman ang mga opinyon at saloobin ng mga iba't-ibang entities mula sa mundo ng politika, fashion, at marami pang iba.

Una sa listahan ngayon ay ang isa sa pinakamakapangyarihang tao sa Inglatera. Ano naman kaya ang masasabi niya sa nagiisang Sonbird ng Asya?

                                                          photo by: princeharry.co.uk

1. Prince Charles. Prince of Wales
                                          

(During his visit to Malacanang) Regine was the only one who sang for the prince on the invitation of former First Lady Ming Ramos. Regine sang "On a Clear Day," "You'll Never Know," "Sana Maulit Muli" and a Barbra Streisand medley.

The prince talked to her after singing and he said, "You did very well."




Ano naman ang mga nasabi ng mga CREDIBLE at nirerespetong mga pahayagan sa Asya at sa Pilipinas tungkol kay Regine?

                                                                        photo by: bosesthevoice.wordpress.com

1. Asian Journal 




                                                          
"A rare breed of singer with strong lungs & well trained breathing...a certain kind of vocal resonance and proficiency...

                                                        photo by: icgmd.info


2. Philippine Daily Inquirer
                                        
“This gifted songbird has proven time and again that she is a versatile performer and interpreter of songs in diverse styles from the kundiman inspired to love songs, she has shown depth and has displayed her powerful range. Regine is undoubtedly a great chanteuse who has deepened her vocal interpretations with the RIGHT EMOTIONS.”

                                                    photo by: decal-orations.com

3. Manila Bulletin                                           



"Most of our top selling new female singers are still and mere parrots of her in terms of vocal acrobatics and predilection to show off her high range."

                                                 photo by: tsikot.com

4. The Philippine Star                                     




"Regine has always turned out mesmerizing , jaw dropping performances here and abroad"

                                                                      photo: wowbatangas.com

5. Gov. Vilma Santos, Politician

She was interviewed and was asked who her favorite singer is, she only answered one... Regine Velasquez

                                                         photo: pep.com

6.  Cong. Lucy Torres Gomez  and Richard Gomez, Politician/Actor
                                                              

The never missed a regine concert.

                                      photo by: pinoyhalo.com and govph.org

7. Teodoro "Teddyman" Benigno, Award Winning Journalist  and Sen. Joker Arroyo

"The singing at the ULTRA was great, the cast of singers wonderful, but mine eyes largely lighted on Regine Velasquez, Verni Varga and Rico J. Puno. At one time, when Regine was on in a slinky, figure-hugging, bare-shouldered black dress, Miriam Defensor Santiago winked at Joker (Arroyo) and myself and said: "I bet both of you have lascivious thoughts." No, I have absolutely no lascivious thoughts watching Regine Velasquez perform. Hearing her is hearing an extraordinary virtuoso belt out a song.The melody comes out like a flight of eagles when it does not stay in the air like mists around a mountain.

What also makes Regine stand out is a pristine youth and a pristine innocence even as she performs like an old-time pro.  But what vocal power this girl has! She holds a high note like Samson holding the pillars of a trembling building. You wonder where the powers come from for Regine is spare, with no heaving bosom like Mae West had heaving bosom.

                                                              photo: albellpresents.com
8. Al Bell, Bellmark Records

Is she real? I mean, is Regine 'the person' real? Because looking at her photographs and listening to her voice I (get the feeling) she is."

                                                           photo: femalenetwork.com


9 .Rajo Laurel, Premiere Fashion Designer

" She is the one person that the term 'down to earth' was made for. Regine is a Phenomenon in terms of talent, yet she is real. Even if she has reached the apex of what a performer dreams to achieve in our entertainment industry, she has kept her feet on the ground."

10. Isah Red, Journalist/Editor of the entertainment section of Manila Standard Today

"Everybody calls her a song-bird. But I call her 'the' singer."

              photo: starsinamillion-photos.blogspot.com

11. Bernardo Bernardo, Actor-Director

"Tremendous talent! As a performer, she still the sweet and unassuming lady I met in 1985, the 'munting dalagita na Balagtas, Bulacan."

                                                          photo: chokingonmyadobo.blogspot.com


12. Jose Javier Reyes, Award Winning Film Director/Script Writer

"The truth is that I'm a fan of Regine..."

                                                                           photo: spot.ph



13.  Audie Gemora, Stage Actor/Director

"Regine is... just a wonderful performer. She's so sweet, unselfish, she's so... OK, what's the opposite of unselfish? She's a generous performer. I directed her recently at Ryan's 'Retrospective' and walang ka-star-star 'yang batang 'yan. She's absolutely giving and of course, the voice is a miracle." Nonon Padilla (stage director; he directed "Noli Me Tangere" where Regine played Maria Clara): "She's great, her voice is just wonderful. She has the voice for the theater - which is unusual because now the talents that you get have tiny voices, they don't have voices that project well onstage. (In) this musical, it's not so difficult because we use mics, but with (Regine) even without mics, she can be heard (in the whole theater)."


14. Richard Roxas, Columnist

She's clearly the Diva for the New Millennium! Forget the overstated 'Song Goddess of Asia' tag. Diva of the New Millennium is it!"


15. Leah Gatdula, Music Journalist/ABS-CBN PR Team
"Her vocal power remains unmatched by any local performer or even another Asian artist. I saw Coco Lee perform live in Hong Kong for the launch of her debut album but Regine is a far better performer than the Chinese-American singer. When Regine sings she does not only entertain, she captivates and enthralls the audience and leaves them in awe."


16. Shirley Pizarro, Journalist


"Regine is a local talent with a world-class caliber. Given the right break, she could easily give other female international musical artists a run for their money because she definitely sings better than most of them."


17. Star Studio

"Regine has learned to control her powerful voice to be able to interpret songs that require sensitivity and vocal artistry."



Oh diba? Ibang klase talaga ang hatak ni Regine Velasquez! Hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang lahat... Abangan ang pangatlong blog ko tungkol dito... Ano naman kaya ang tingin ng mga kapwa OPM artists?! ABANGAN!

Valentine Story #2

This second short story I made depicts a dilemma in which everyone can relate to. Which do you love most? Career or yourself? What to choose? My inspiration for this story is from my all time favorite novel, "Eleven Minutes" by Paulo Coelho... Hope you guys enjoy it!

                                                        photo from: emesekoller.wordpress.com

A young woman grew up in an environment wherein his father, brothers and uncles molests and rapes her as if she was a sex toy. Everyday, for several years... She was helpless, she felt disgusted, she hated herself for doing nothing... for keeping it a secret.... for being quiet... for allowing it to happen...

As a result of this, she initially became a prostitute, this was her source of income.

She had one client that despite her past and present life, accepted and loved her for what she really is. Her dilemma, will she stop being a prostitute and change for the better or will she stay and continue a life she is used to?

If you're in the same situation... what will you choose?

Valentine Story #1

I made a short love story for Valentines Day. My inspiration for the said story is from my favorite TV Series, Queer As Folks (US). The Love of two different people with different paradigms and perspectives in life. What makes them the same? They are both gay, Justin and Brian. The Most Romantic Love Story to hit the new Millenium.

There were two lovers who was suppose to get married today but while they were standing in front of the altar,  they decided not to push through with it because they believe that their love is not bound of any titles.

Both immediately told the crowd that "we don't need vows and rings to know that we love each other".
In the end, they stayed as friends because it is the safest way for them to keep each other
and it reminds them of the reasons why they fell in love in the first place... -end-

Untold Celebrity Stories #7

Pure Innuendoes

They were the best of friends. They were always seen together around the
University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman: one was undoubtedly
a very good-looking guy and the other was unquestionably a plain-looking
guy. Opposites really attract. Hey, but they're both brilliant students.
Well, birds of the same feather also flock together. Indeed, they were
very close to each other. Unusually close.

They were the perfect tandem. Like suman and ripe mango. Or nuts and
bolts. Peg and a hole.

They were both prot�g�es of then UP Student Council chairman Chito Gascon.
Soon, the good-looking guy took the helm as UP Student Council chairman.
But the best friends seem to follow each other's path. The plain-looking
guy also ran for the same position with the all-out support of his
good-looking friend. He won, of course.

The good-looking guy was the crush ng bayan of the iskolars ng bayan.

During lunchtime, students of all persuasions flocked to the College of
Arts and Sciences (CAS) cafeteria to catch a glimpse of the good- looking
guy. Even singer-actress Regine Velasquez later admitted on national
television that she had a big crush on the good-looking guy.

But loveless Regine's daring admission did not earn her even just a movie
date invitation from the good-looking guy; instead, the good- looking guy
merely flashed a demure smile in response to desperate Regine's
thinly-veiled date invitation.

But after finishing college, the best friends went their separate
ways. (Or so it seemed). The plain-looking guy pursued his law
studies and later taught law courses. The good-looking guy delivered the
evening news on TV, hosted a TV quiz show and wrote analytical articles on
pop culture. His good looks, intelligence and impeccable manner endeared
him to televiewers.

Despite their divergent career choices, the good-looking guy and the
plain-looking guy really seemed to follow each other's path. But this
time, their path led to a nice little apartment near the Ateneo de Manila
campus. And they shared that nice little apartment. Just the two of them.

Yes, the plain-looking guy and the good-looking guy lived together.

Those gifted with wild imagination got titillated at the mere thought of
these two young men sharing a lovely apartment. The moralists out there
shook their heads at the mere thought of the goings-on beyond that
innocent-looking apartment door amid rows of middle-class houses in Loyola
Heights in Quezon City.

But the pair would not budge from their nest. Nor would they yield to any
pressure. Not even from the plain-looking guy's bible-reading siblings who
berated him for living with another guy. The plain- looking guy's own
family started to cast doubt about his masculinity.

All telltale signs which have accumulated all those years could no
longer be ignored. People started talking openly about the two guys.

Speculations about the true nature of the pair's friendship became a daily
fodder for gossip mongers. The academic freedom which alma mater UP's
oblation symbolizes seemed to have gone beyond the duo's lust for
knowledge.

In order to prove to his family that he was not what they thought he was,
the plain-looking guy suddenly announced that he was getting married. His
family jumped with joy.

But the plain-looking guy's marriage did not dispel wild speculations
about his sexuality; instead, it only succeeded in erasing any remaining
doubt about his alleged agenda of using his wife to finally succeed in his
failed initial crack at pursuing his lifelong dream.

And it was well worth his efforts. Because this former loser's
desperate act finally triumphed. Thanks to his wife.

However, the plain-looking guy's deep friendship with his good-
looking friend took a backseat as a result of the former's new civil
status. The plain-looking guy did not want to hurt his new wife's
flourishing career nor spoil his newfound success. That's why he
played his role as a good family man to the hilt. However, he had not
forgotten his good-looking best friend at all. As a token of their undying
friendship, the good-looking guy stood as one of the godfathers of the
plain-looking guy's first baby, together with Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano,
Cherie Gil, Ciara Sotto, Angeli Valenciano, Fanny Serrano and a host of
other household names. Of course, the plain-looking guy's wife was
clueless about her husband's past.

But the plain-looking guy's wife had her share of dark past. She is a
single mother who parted ways with her good-looking "first husband" after
she discovered that her good-looking "first husband" was already married
to another woman when she hastily married him after she got pregnant at a
young age. This meant that her marriage to her good-looking "first
husband" was not legally binding after all. Now, the plain-looking guy was
her knight-in-shining-armor who rescued her from the stigma of being an
unmarried mother.

Ironically, while her non-binding marriage with her good-
looking "first husband" was solemnized by several high-ranking
priests at the cavernous Manila Cathedral amid countless clicking
cameras and thousands of shrieking admirers several years ago, her
supposedly legitimate marriage with the plain-looking guy was
officiated not by a Catholic priest but by a pastor in a cramped
living room, with only few relatives and friends as witnesses.

Later, the good-looking guy reportedly got married also without
fanfare. They said that his bride was a creative consultant for ABS- CBN
Interactive. However, some women still believe and hope that he is still
unmarried to this day.

The good-looking guy soon rose to become ABS-CBN News Channel's (ANC)
Director for Current Affairs. He has been circling the globe as host of
ANC's weekly travel show, Executive Class.

Yes, the good-looking guy is David Celdran.

And the plain-looking guy is megastar Sharon Cuneta's husband,
Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan.

Untold Celebrity Stories #6

The Story of the Muslim Princess Suppose that there was a Muslim princess from the flood capital of the Philippines, Malabon, who has just finished her degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines with Latin honors (cum laude). Suppose that she decided to work for Discorama. Remember the Saturday afternoon show on GMA Channel 7 with former Senator Tito Sotto, his brother Vic Sotto and comedian Joey de Leon as hosts? The Muslim princess was assigned to host the Tough Hits segment of the show. As Tough Hits girl, she did the weekly countdown of popular songs with bastardized lyrics to elicit cheap laughs. Her mother, who was an executive at the Philippine National Bank in Escolta, just shrugged her shoulders whenever her colleagues would ask about her favorite daughter's TV show. Soon, a female newscaster of a major TV network introduced the Muslim princess to her brother, a flight steward. After a whirlwind courtship, the Muslim princess married the flight steward who used to be a child actor whose only claim to fame was playing the role of a toddler Bongbong Marcos in a Marcos bio-flick. After a couple of months, the Muslim princess and the flight steward quietly separated. But career-wise, lady luck smiled at the Muslim princess when she was given a big break by the major TV network. She bagged the plum assignment of delivering the evening news while at the same time hosting a successful TV magazine program which was pitted against a similar program in a rival TV network hosted by her former UP professor. However, the Muslim princess was such a perfectionist that it was reportedly not uncommon to see objects flying whenever she was unsatisfied with her TV staff's work. Later, the Muslim princess got married again, this time to a well- known local politician from a province south of Manila. The namesake of her father, her politician husband had grown-up children close to the Muslim princess' age and it was being talked about that his first wife lived in the same condominium building where the Muslim princess and her new husband occupied the penthouse. The Muslim princess' husband also reportedly decided to become a Muslim so that he could have more than one wife. They were blessed with two sons. The Muslim princess' husband soon retired from politics and became contented with being a magician and a human toothpaste applier for his Muslim princess' toothbrush. (Incidentally, the Muslim princess once appeared in a Close-Up Toothpaste TV commercial.) Now, the Muslim princess and her magician husband (He could make a big Coke bottle disappear before your eyes.) are happily separated. Later, the Muslim princess' husband was accused of being responsible for the disappearance of his close friend. The Story of the Black Nazarene Devotee Suppose that there was a Black Nazarene devotee from the tamaraw capital of the Philippines who claimed to have graduated with a business degree from the University of the East despite his critics' contention that he just bought his college diploma from the sidewalk of C. M. Recto Avenue. He worked as a radio reporter for a major radio and TV network. With perseverance, he was given a Sunday morning radio show. Later, he would occasionally pinch-hit for announcers whenever they would not show up for their radio program. He also hosted a daily radio serialization of movies for a program dubbed as Sineradyo. His biggest TV break came when a TV network hired him for a top- rated showbiz-oriented TV show called See-Tru. The show was hosted by gossip queen, Lourdes Jimenez-Carvajal who was more popularly known as Inday Badiday or Ate Luds to her legions of fans. The Black Nazarene devotee's appearance was only through voice-over (and he was never really seen by the TV audience) and it was always preceded by his usual line: "Ate Luds, may phone-in question po tayo rito galing kay...". Yes, his job involved reading TV audience's phone-in questions to Inday Badiday's movie star guests. However, despite the TV show's enormous popularity, it was immediately cancelled after one of the show's female guests hurled an ashtray at another female guest. Later, the Black Nazarene devotee married a lady executive of the radio and TV network where he had moved up to become the host of its early morning radio show. They adopted a girl and had a younger son later. Never The Twain Shall Meet Suppose that the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee met in the same office where they both work. Suppose also that the Black Nazarene devotee personally chose the Muslim princess as one of the principal sponsors for his adopted daughter's wedding to one of the members of the staff of his widely popular TV program. Suppose further that both the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee became elected government officials and they both decided to run for the same government office on the same year. They both run for say, the presidency of the Philippines. No, that's being too ambitious. Okay, suppose that they both run for the position of Vice President under opposing political parties. Who would you vote for? The Muslim princess or the Black Nazarene devotee? If you would vote for the Muslim princess, you just wasted your vote. If you would vote for the Black Nazarene devotee, you are good at spotting a winner (but it does not mean that you did not also waste your vote). Because the honorary Muslim princess is former Senator Loren Legarda who lost her bid for the Vice Presidency of the Philippines in the2002 national elections. And yes, the Black Nazarene devotee who helps carry the replica of the Black Nazarene image barefoot and wearing only a white undershirt (sans bullet-proof vest) during the annual Quiapo procession as part of his religious devotion (yes, he still does it up to this day) is Noli de Castro, current Vice President of the Philippines.

Untold Celebrity Story #5

She was born on the day of hearts, February 14. But her parents did not
name her Valentina. Not even Venus or Aphrodite. They opted for the
holy-sounding Kristina Bernadette. But she did not turn out to be a saint.


Being the youngest, Kristina Bernadette captured the heart of her father.
Father and daughter were inseparable. Until tragedy struck.

Kristina Bernadette's father was sent to prison. His heart ailment
grew worse there.

On February 14, 1974, Valentine's Day, Kristina Bernadette celebrated her
third birthday with her father in prison. On the same day, a man was
exchanging hearts with a southern belle in nearby San Juan church.

Nine years later, on August 21, the man who got married in San Juan church
was celebrating his birthday with his basketball buddies. On the same day,
Kristina Bernadette's father was killed.

Kristina Bernadette and the married man never knew each other. They lived
very different lives. But in 1994, Kristina Bernadette and the married man
met at work. Their first meeting blossomed into deep friendship. Some said
that she longed for a father figure. But the friendship blossomed into
romance which went beyond control. Kristina Bernadette used her heart, not
her head. She decided to live with the married man.

Kristina Bernadette's mother was furious at the relationship. How
could Kristina Bernadette's mother like a man who celebrates his
birthday every year on the death anniversary of her murdered husband? But
more than this was the fact that the man's heart already belonged to
someone else. In fact, he has a grown-up daughter in New York who was
nearly Kristina Bernadette's age. Despite her religious mother's efforts
to put an end to Kristina Bernadette's adulterous affair with the man,
Kristina Bernadette had her way. It didn't matter to Kristina Bernadette
that her decision prevented her from receiving church communion because
she was openly living in sin.

It did not take long before Kristina Bernadette gave birth to her
love child who was the spitting image of her live-in partner. But
Kristina Bernadette's son was born with Attention Deficit Hyper-
Activity Disorder. Her son's birth softened the heart of Kristina
Bernadette's mother who announced that Kristina Bernadette's son was her
favorite grandson. When Kristina Bernadette first planned to have a
liposuction, her mother tried to stop her, warning Kristina Bernadette
that she (the mother) was too old to take care of Kristina Bernadette's
son if something happened to her during her surgery. But as in the past,
Kristina Bernadette had her way. She went on with her liposuction.

But Kristina Bernadette's relationship with her live-in partner was
not meant to last. In her Ateneo accent, Kristina Bernadette would always
correct her live-in partner's grammatical lapses. Her live-in partner also
got annoyed whenever Kristina Bernadette would hand him a stick of
Milagrosa candle every time he used the bathroom.

According to Kristina Bernadette, the candle helped drive away the
stinking smell of her live-in partner's crap. Kristina Bernadette
confessed that she learned this trick from her mother. And when
Kristina Bernadette's live-in partner stopped pursuing his petition
for the annulment of his first marriage in San Juan church, Kristina
Bernadette began to express doubt about her live-in partner's
sincerity in marrying her. Kristina Bernadette's heart was hurt.

Their relationship turned for the worse.

Kristina Bernadette finally realized that her live-in partner could
never be her savior. She decided to leave the father of her son and her
live-in partner for many years: Philip Salvador.

Yes, Kristina Bernadette is the youngest daughter of President
Corazon (means heart in Spanish) Aquino and the late Senator Benigno
Aquino, Jr.

And yes, Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is the full name of
Kris Aquino.

And everyone knows the heart of her story.

Untold Celebrity Story #4

At a tender age of 17, Marcial was a war correspondent for The Manila Times. Marcial's war experience provided him with a treasure chest of stories which inspired him to write a movie screenplay. His screenplay was made into a movie, starring Jaime de la Rosa and a 16- year old actress named Dorothy. Helmed by renowned director Lamberto Avellana, the movie was a huge success. During the first FAMAS award ceremony in 1952, Dorothy received the first FAMAS trophy for best supporting actress for her role in the movie.

The only child of a US soldier and a Filipina, Dorothy was also a
semi-finalist in the 1952 Miss Philippines beauty contest. It was
therefore not surprising that Marcial got so enamored with Dorothy that he did everything to court her. Marcial even carried Dorothy's make-up kit during movie shootings. Marcial became Dorothy's dakilang alalay.

Dorothy studied pre-Law at the University of Santo Tomas but her booming movie career made it impossible for her to continue.

Likewise, Marcial took up Law at the University of the Philippines
but the lure of journalism ended his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Marcial became known for his gift of gab and political skill. This
led to his victory as a town mayor at a young age of 22. Meanwhile,
Dorothy became popular for her acting prowess and dancing skill. This led
to her victory in several acting derbies. Marcial's younger sister was the
director of the movie which won for Dorothy her last FAMAS best supporting
actress award.

But while Philippine politics and show business naturally intertwine,
political kingpin Marcial and movie queen Dorothy were not destined to be
together.

Dorothy married a man named Victorino who fathered her only daughter.

But their union did not last. After a series of unsuccessful
relationships, Dorothy finally tied the knot again with an American
B-movie actor-singer. In contrast, Marcial remained faithfully married all
his life to an American-educated woman who bore his only son and four
daughters.

But while Marcial survived the Korean War which he covered, he did not
survive the war on the home front. Likewise, Dorothy did not survive her
own war at home.

Both Marcial and Dorothy suffered violent deaths. Marcial was shot.

Dorothy was stabbed several times.

Committed 18 years apart, the separate murders of Marcial and Dorothy made
headlines several years ago. However, both murders remained unsolved to
this day. Some say that identifying their killers is not the issue because
everyone, except the authorities, seems to know the identity of their
respective killers. Rumors even abound that the masterminds in the murders
of Marcial and Dorothy were related to them by affinity. But the real
mystery lies in the fact that the perpetrators of these high-profile
crimes remain scot-free to this day, despite the enormous clout which the
victims' respective family wields.

Some say that Marcial's death was a result of his being branded a
communist by the government. This is ironic because the screenplay which
Marcial wrote and which won for Dorothy her first FAMAS trophy was the
second in a trilogy of anti-communist movies which were produced by LVN
Pictures in support of the government's efforts to fight communism.

Dorothy's shocking death led to embarrassing revelations about her painful
personal battle. Marcial's equally shocking death led to well-deserved
recognition of his heroic political battle.

Dorothy was killed amid rows of cars in the covered and dark parking lot
of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board(MTRCB)
building. Despite his escorts, Marcial was killed amid rows of airplanes
in a wide open space in broad daylight while descending down the tarmac of
what was then known as the Manila International Airport (MIA).

Of course, we all know Dorothy as Dolphy's TV wife, Marsha.

And we all know Marcial as Cory's real-life husband, Ninoy.

Yes, Dorothy Jones was the real name of Nida Blanca.

And yes, Marcial Bonifacio was the fictitious name on the passport of
Benigno Aquino, Jr. on the day that he was murdered.

And you know the rest of their stories.

Untold Celebrity Story #3

Her Mother's Joy

Her mother has always been proud of her. Mighty proud. And rightly so.

In the spring of 1991, Julia Roberts graced the cover of People
Magazine's special issue featuring its annual list of The 50 Most
Beautiful People in the World. Together with Julia Roberts in this
ultimate list of the most beautiful people were Brad Pitt, Tom
Cruise, Madonna, Mel Gibson, Whitney Houston, Michelle Pfeiffer,
Isabella Rossellini, supermodels Claudia Schiffer & Naomi Campbell
and oops, a Filipina?

Yes, People Magazine's 1991 list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the
World included a true-blooded Filipina who was born, raised and educated
in the Philippines.

Unlike most beautiful Filipinas who were the products of mixed
marriages and who have therefore acquired foreign physical features, this
Filipina was born to a Filipina mother and a Filipino father. It is no
wonder that she does not typify a beautiful woman by any standard: She is
short, standing only 5'2". She has a huge and deep acne scar on her
forehead. She has that distinct Asian nose (read: flat). She uses only
Avon cosmetics (gasp!) and applies makeup by herself. During her pre-Inno
Sotto days, her clothes were not made by known couturiers: They were
lovingly
sewn at home by her mother who is a dressmaker. She does not even have the
right genes to inherit beauty from: Her mother was plain, even
stern-looking. Her father was a dark-skinned guy with the tough facial
features of a hardened military man.

Although both the first names of her mother and father means happy in two
different languages, their union was not as joyous. Her mother and father
were never married, making her and her only brother illegitimate children.


In the mistress hierarchy, her mother was not even her father's
second woman. Her father had a first mistress who ranked above her mother.


She and her brother only belong to their father's third family. And yes,
the gay club performer who once appeared on national television was indeed
her half-brother. She couldn't therefore be faulted for not talking about
her father. In contrast, too much has been known about her mother. Her
mother was always visible, too visible for comfort.

Her mother gave her the name Carmen and raised her in a province north of
Manila. However, when it was time for her to go to school, her
overprotective mother brought her and her brother to Manila to give them
the best education. Carmen studied in Preciosa Soliven's Operation
Brotherhood Montessori in Greenhills where she emerged as the school's
valedictorian. However, Carmen's academic rival protested the school's
decision to award Carmen the school's highest honors, claiming that she
had better grades than Carmen. Carmen's rival even revealed that the
school's owner, Mrs. Soliven, was only fond of Carmen because she always
performed in school programs which gave Carmen an edge in extra-curricular
activities. But academically, Carmen reportedly did not really rise above
her rival.

Lured into show business, Carmen became part of German Moreno's inane
daily afternoon TV show, That's Entertainment, where she got paired with
comedian and now Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista. (Some
say that Vice Mayor Bautista was so enamored with Carmen that he later
refused to marry his partner despite their having a child.) As one of the
countless stars of Kuya Germ's That's Entertainment, Carmen's talent was
overshadowed by the ridiculous mass appeal of the triumvirate of Sheryl
Cruz, Manilyn Reynes and Tina Paner.

Later, Carmen made a couple of forgettable films which were big flops.
Unsuccessful in local show business, Carmen enrolled as a BS Biology
student in Ateneo de Manila, hoping to become a doctor. However, the lure
of fame and fortune shattered her medical ambition. She followed her other
dream and landed in a |Dreamland! Yes, instead of comforting innocent and
fresh-smelling babies in a hospital, she ended up entertaining horny,
sweaty and foul-smelling drunken men in seedy bars.

When Carmen was a little girl, a local manghuhula predicted that she would
be crowned Miss Universe. Her mother, legally known as Miss Imutan, was
ecstatic upon hearing this. Sadly, the prophecy did not come true.

However, when Carmen was 18 years old, she bagged a beauty title. But it
was farfetched from a Miss Universe crown. Carmen became Miss Saigon.

Yes, the only true-blooded Filipina who was included in People
Magazine's The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1991 is
Feliciano Salonga and Ligaya "Joy" Imutan's only daughter: Carmen Lea
Imutan Salonga.

Most of us know her simply as Lea Salonga.

Untold Celebrity Stories #2

 

It Could Happen Only in the Movies

These two women move in different circles but they seem to lead
parallel lives.

Barbara C. Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of national hero, Dr. Jose
Rizal. Her great-grandmother is Dr. Jose Rizal's elder sister, Maria, a
liberated woman who was separated from her husband Daniel. Barbara is more
popularly known by her nickname, Tweetums. She once appeared in a Del
Monte tomato sauce TV commercial featuring three generations of women in
the kitchen. Yes, that was Tweetums with her daughter, Panjee, and
Tweetum's mother whom they fondly called Mamu. Tweetums
was married to Ramon Tapales, a successful businessman.
Their daughter, Panjee Tapales ( a.k.a. singer Panjee Gonzales), was
co-host of ABS-CBN's daily morning show, Alas Singko Y Media (now
Magandang Umaga Pilipinas) and its defunct Sunday morning game show with
Roderick Paulate and Eric Quizon. Panjee soon became the second wife of
ABS-CBN chairman, Gabby Lopez. (But that's another story.) Tweetums writes
about art and culture in her column for the Philippine Star.

She has published a couple of books consisting of collections of her
essays from her newspaper column. She remains a highly-respected media
personality, being the president of a major advertising company.

Socorro Alicia R. Quirino is the granddaughter of former president
Elpidio Quirino. More popularly known by her nickname, Cory, she
hosts a lifestyle show on TV. Her kidnapping ordeal a few years ago was
made into a movie entitled, The Cory Quirino Kidnap, which was directed by
massacre king Carlo J. Caparas. Cory was married to Roman Cruz, Jr. who
was the president of Philippine Airlines and head of Government Service
Insurance System (GSIS). Cory writes a regular column on fitness and
health for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She also published a series of
health, beauty and inspirational books. She remains a highly visible media
personality with her radio and TV programs.

While Tweetums and Cory were both successful in their respective careers,
their personal lives were not as rosy. Tweetums Gonzales and her husband,
Ramon Tapales, eventually decided to lead separate lives. Likewise, Cory
Quirino and her husband, Roman Cruz, Jr., soon parted ways.

Indeed, Tweetums and Cory seem to lead parallel lives.

Then, in a strange twist of fate, the unthinkable happened. . While
geometry teaches us that parallel lines can never intersect, the parallel
lives of Tweetums and Cory did intersect.

Tweetums Gonzales got married to Cory's former husband, Roman Cruz, Jr.
Meanwhile, Cory Quirino got married to Tweetum's former husband, Ramon
Tapales.

Just like in the movies.

And you know the rest of their story.

Celebrity Untold Stories # 1

I was browsing the internet, bored doing nothing... I came pass this website showing untold philippine celebrity stories... As I was reading the excerpts of that website, I came to think and wonder If these stories are true or not.... You be the judge.

                                                                

Beyond Sibling Rivalry If your siblings are married to huge celebrities and you've just lost your chance of marrying one, would you still strive to surpass their feat? But how could you beat being married to an award-winning actress whose mother is a beautiful actress and whose father is the original Agent X-44 of Philipine movies? Or being the wife of Mr. Pure Energy? Or being Mr. Megastar? Now, aren't you glad that you're not among the Pangilinan siblings? Former Penthouse Live co-host and newspaper columnist Anthony Pangilinan married Maricel Laxa, an excellent actress who is the lovechild of circa 60s actress Imelda Ilanan and action star Tony Ferrer. She is also the half-sister of 1990 Miss Asia runner-up Mutya Crisostomo Laxa. Anthony's brother, Senator Francis Pangilinan, was a campus figure in UP Diliman. He was the chairman of the UP Student Council in 1986. He married no less than the megastar, Sharon Cuneta. Their sister, Angeli Pangilinan, was a campus beauty and brain while she was a student at the UP School of Economics in Diliman. Angeli married Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano. REWIND: In the early 80s, teenager Edgardo Jose Maria Santiago Valenciano or Gary V. to most of us, fell deeply in love with a teenage girl who eventually became his girlfriend. Gary's true love, they said. And they really looked perfect together. Their friends said that they were truly meant for each other. They were the picture of pure bliss. But not for long. Few weeks before Gary's first major concert in 1984, a female singer became pregnant. And Gary was the alleged father. Gary did not deny it. At 19, Gary joined the growing list of unwed teenage fathers. Gary's former girlfriend was shocked upon hearing about Gary's indiscretion. She felt betrayed by Gary and the female singer. Gary's former girlfriend was devastated. The pregnant singer who bore Gary's child was a former Camay girl who joined the ultra exclusive league of several generations of Camay beauties from the first Camay girl Paquita Roces to her two daughters, Maritess Revilla (Ang lahat ay napapalingon, at muling napapalingon) and Rosie Revilla to actress Rosa Rosal's daughter Toni Rose Gayda (Kutis porcelana) to concert pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria's daughter Crispy Santamaria to a few others. The female singer indeed looked devastatingly beautiful in her memorable Camay TV commercial. But there was a teeny weeny objection among his friends: She was too old for the teenage and vibrant Gary whose popularity was just beginning to zoom up. Everybody knows that the female singer who became pregnant with Gary's child was Maria Anna Elizabeth Nepomuceno Pangilinan. In 1985, Gary exchanged vows with the female singer who is more popularly known by her nickname: Angeli. Angeli retired from her singing group, Music and Magic. Angeli sacrificed her flourishing singing career and left behind her fellow Music and Magic members led by jeepney driver's daughter-turned-nurse- turned-singer Kuh Ledesma, tenor singer-turned-Music and Magic co-founder-turned-musical director Jet Montelibano and singer-turned-comedian-turned TNT-turned- bogus political asylum seeker-turned-Michael Garfinkel endorser Fe de los Reyes. Angeli decided to become a full-time wife to Gary, baby Paolo's Mom and Gary's talent manager. Meanwhile, the pain of losing Gary has left Gary's former girlfriend in deep shock. Gary and his new bride tried to comfort her but Gary's former girlfriend was inconsolable. PLAY: Gary Valenciano's most inspired and most popular composition was first heard as the theme song of a Vilma Santos movie before it became the title of an Aga Muhlach-Lea Salonga flick and later, the title of a Kim Chiu-Gerald Anderson TV soap opera. The haunting melody and melancholy lyrics of this beautiful song make one wonder where Gary drew the passion and longing for lost love which every line of this song clearly evokes. Listen: Sana maulit muli Ang mga oras nating nakaraan Bakit nagkaganito Naglaho na ba ang pag-ibig mo? Sana'y maulit muli Sana bigyan pansin ang himig ko Kahapon, bukas, ngayon Tanging wala ng ibang mahal Kung kaya kong iwanan ka 'Di na sana aasa pa Kung kaya kong umiwas na 'Di na sana lalapit pa Kung kaya ko sana Ibalik ang kahapon Sandaling 'di mapapantayan Huwag sana nating itapon Pagmamahal na tapat Kung ako'y nagkamali minsan 'Di na ba mapagbibigyan O giliw, dinggin mo ang nais ko, oooh... Kung kaya kong iwanan ka 'Di na sana aasa pa Kung kaya kong umiwas na 'Di na sana lalapit pa Kung kaya ko sana Ito ang tanging nais ko Ang ating kahapon sana maulit muli Kung kaya kong iwanan ka 'Di na sana aasa pa Mahal pa rin kita O giliw, o giliw ko, oooh... This song was originally written by Gary in English. Ironically, the one who translated it to Tagalog was Gary's wife, Angeli. FAST FORWARD: Now, Gary has three grown-up children with Angeli. On the other hand, Gary's former girlfriend is now known as Mrs. Buizon. She occasionally hosts a show on TV. The pain has eased. Somehow. Even if the former lovers get to see each other regularly. They meet at her Mom's house during important occasions: Christmas. New Year. Birthday of Mrs. Buizon's mother. Mrs. Buizon's birthday. Gary's birthday. Holidays. Easter Sunday. Every Sunday, in fact Gary's equally famous in-laws were witnesses to the former lovers' meetings. But they do not mind at all. Gary's wife, Angeli, does not make a fuss over it. Even the family matriarch, retired public school teacher Mommy Emma, is not bothered by it. But the truth is, they could not prevent the former lovers from seeing each other. Because Gary's former girlfriend has to join her mother, siblings and in-laws during important family occasions. And because Gary's former girlfriend was Felichi Buizon. And because before she got married, Gary's former girlfriend was known as Felichi Pangilinan. And yes, because Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon is the younger sister of Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano. And none of us would probably ever know the rest of this intriguing triangle's story.

Regine Velasquez - The Diva, The Icon, The Asia's Songbird

Hindi ko maitatanggi ang malaking paghanga ko sa pinakamagaling na mangaawit na nabuhay sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, si Regine Velasquez. Siya din ay tinuturing kong isa sa pinakamagaling, pinakasikat at higit sa lahat pinakahinahangaan sa Asya at sa buong Mundo. Ang taglay niyang galing sa pagawit ay maikokompera sa mga pinagmamalaking mangaawit ng iba't ibang bansa at rehiyon sa mundo. Tulad ni Mariah Carey na tinaguriang "one of the world's best selling music artist" , si Celine Dion at ang legendary Whitney Houston. Marahil maraming hindi sasangayon sa mga sinabi at sinambit ko tungkol kay Regine Velasquez... Marahil maraming magsasabi kung sino ba naman ako para ilahad na si Regine ang pinakamagaling, na siya ang pinakasikat at pinakahinahangaan. Marami sa inyo ang magsasabi na dahil ako ay di hamak na isang tagahanga lamang kaya nasasabi ko ang mga ito. Maaring tama kayo, ngunit maaring tama din ako. Kung ito'y pagdedebatihan ay marahil inabot pa tayo ng isang linggo't mahigit.

Kaya para sa ikakatahimik ng lahat ng nagbabasa at taga-subaybay ng aking blog. Labis na mas maganda siguro kung mismong galing sa mga eksperto sa sining at musika ang paglalahad kung ano ba ang tingin nila sa talento ni Regine Velasquez.

                                                                  (photo from: titikpilipino.com)

1. Maestro Michel Legrand

Una sa listahan ay si Maestro Michel Legrand (sino daw?). Marami sa inyo ang hindi nakakakilala kay Maestro Legrand, siya ay mat 13 Oscar nominations - tatlo dito ay napanalo niya, may 5 Grammy award at nominado din sa Emmy's. Mga kilalalang komposisyon niya ay ang Papa Don't Preach, Windmills of Your Mind, Yentl, at marami pa. So, ano naman ang opinyon niya ukol sa talento ni Regine?

“Its tough to sing a song after Barbra Streisand, I will tell you…But to sing with Regine is, I'm in heaven..She sings so well…she has such an extraordinary technical voice…and sensitive voice and talented expression.”

"The first time I heard her sing, I said to myself, 'what the hell? I owe it to the rest of the world to introduce this voice to them'. She is the voice with both the range and the heart - which is like none I've ever heard of in my entire career."

"I am very privileged to have performed with this very talented lady here. And each time Regine sings my songs, I couldnt help but say she sings the best versions. I just never heard my songs sound so well."

2. Bryan McKnight

Sino ba naman ang di makakakilala sa kanya? Mga nagpasikat ng kantang Back at One, One Last Cry, Love is, Love of my Life, 6 8 12, My kind of girl at marami pang iba. Siya ay may 16 Grammy Nominations at MTV awardee din.

 “I have to tell you..I have worked with a lot of people, and you’re.. I have to put you right up the top of the list of the most talented people I have worked with...”

"I feel like the luckiest man in the planet to be able to sing with such an incredible talent. "

When asked who his favorite Filipino artist is, McKnight answers without skipping a beat. "My favorite's Regine. Regine must be one of the greatest singers that I've heard anywhere. She can hold her own next to anyone. I doubt that anybody would want to come behind her after she sings." (AsianJournal)

3. Peabo Bryson

Isang Grammy award winner na nakatambalan ni Celine Dion sa kanta niyang "Beauty and the Beast". Pinasikat din niya ang awiting If Ever You're in My Arms Again, A Whole New World, Tonight I Celebrate My Love, Without You. 

“And I must say that this maybe the only female vocalist in the world who can rival Celine Dion.”

4. Jeffery Osbourne

Isang Amerikanong R&B singer at kompositor na nagpasikat ng mga awiting On the Wings of Love, I Really Dont Need No Light, Stay With Me Tonight. Siya ang sumulat ng awiting All at Once na inawit ni Whitney Houston noon.

"SHE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE, MAN-A BEAUTIFUL VOICE.."

5. David Kozzz

Isang Jazz artist na nagpasikat ng awiting CARELESS WHISPER.

 “How about this round of applause for this incredible voice! I never heard that song sounding great. Thank you so much!”

6. Mandy Moore

Kailangan ko pa ba ipakilala si Mandy Moore? Mangaawit na nagpasikat ng Cry, Crush, In my Pocket, Only Hope, Can we still be friends, Have a Little Faith in me, I Wanna Be with you. Siya din ay lumabas sa mga pelikulang Walk to Remember, Chasing Liberty, Saved, American Dreamz, The Princess Diaries at marami pang iba.

Regine sang "Cry" with Mandy at the MTV Asia Awards. Mandy wrote on her official website "Along with hosting the whole MTV Awards show with Ronan Keating in Asia, I  performed "Cry." It was so great because I thought it would really surprise  people when the biggest pop star in Asia, Regine Velasquez, joined me to sing the song as well. The crowd went crazy and she and I really got along. She was so sweet and had learned the whole song by the time we arrived in Singapore. She has an amazing voice and actually won the award for Favorite Female.

7. Jacky Cheung

Marahil marami din sa inyo ang di nakakakilala kay Jacky Cheung. Siya ang pinakatanyag at kilalang singer sa buong Asya. Maraming nakamit na awards sa Asya pati nadin sa Amerika at Europe. Mahigit kumulang 60 million records sold ang albums niya making him the highest record selling Asian Artist.

"She was eating (pizza), something which I never did when I try to record a song. That was very amazing to me. That was the first time I ever did a duet with any artist. She has a very talented mind and gifted voice."

(Clarence Hui interviewed Jackie from the March 2002 #37 issue of Cashflow Magazine... )

You have worked with many female singers now including Priscilla (Chan), Shirley (Kwan) - Let's face it, almost every Polygram artist at that time. Sandy (Lam) and Kit (Chan), in your musical, Snow, Wolf, Lake. If you had to choose, who would you say was the most memorable?

  "I would have to say Regine (Velasquez). Her singing is totally awesome. But it isn't just her technique. Yes, she has an excellent range, etc, but it wasn't until I was actually in the studio to hear her record the song that I realized just how good she is. The way she used her voice, and how she rendered every note and phrase left me speechless. I just stood there wondering, "How am I going to match this, or compliment it to do it justice?" It was that serious, but also that wonderful."

8.  Coco Lee

Nagiisang Asian Singer na may tatlong number 1 singles sa MTV Asia. Tinaguriang isa sa 50 Most Powerful People in Asia sabi ng Asia Weekly. Naging singing voice ni Mulan sa Mandarin version ng nasabing pelikula. Nagpasikat ng awiting Do You Want my Love at Before I Fall in Love hanggo sa pelikulang Runaway Bride.

                                                             Photo: songbirdsource.blogspot.com

9. David Archuleta

American Idol Season 7 First Runner Up. Nagpasikat ng mga awiting Crush, A Little Too Not Over You, Somebody Out There, Angels, Elevator, My Kind of Perfect at marami pa...

“I’ve heard that there are a lot of amazing singers from the Philippines.” “My favorite is Regine Velasquez. She was actually the one who got me to be an even bigger fan of Mariah Carey because she was singing all those Mariah Carey songs that I’ve never heard before. ‘Wow.’ I said, ‘Regine is so good; she’s amazing’.’”

Hmm.. She isn’t like my idol or anything haha, but I do really like her voice! She’s an amazing singer.” WALLACE Huo: he said that he likes regine's songs on SOP he even kissed her on her face.

10. Wallace Huo

Siya ay isang Taiwanese Singer at Actor. Kilala siya sa Sound of Colors na pinalabas sa Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, USA, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and Japan.

 He said that he likes regine's songs on SOP he even kissed her on her face.

11.  Nathaniel Flatt (V Factory)

Siya ay miyembro ng sikat ng pop and r&b band na V Factory. Kung saan nominado ang grupo nila bilang favorite band/group sa StarShine Music Awards. 

He shared that he once danced at a show for Regine Velasquez in LA, and is in awe of the Filipina diva’s singing voice. (http://manilaconcertscene.blogspot.c...ival-hits.html/)

                                                      photo from: summerr-in-the-shower.blogspot.com

12. Duane Russell Ho

Siya ay kabilang sa Top Ten ng Singapore Idol na humahanga ng malaki kay Regine. Sa kanyang blog ay matatagpuan ang katanungang ito:

Who is your favourite Asian person? Regine Velasquez (omg she is so pretty!)

13. Lea Salonga

Kilala sa pagganap bilang Kim sa award winning play na Miss Saigon. Siya din ang gumanap na Cinderella sa Asian tour ng nasabing palabas. Lumabas din sa Les Miserables at marami pang broadway shows. Si Lea ang naging singing voice ni Princess Jasmine sa Aladdin at Mulan sa Mulan I and Mulan II. Isa siyang Tony and Olivier Awardee.

“Local singers known for performing in this (belting) style are regine velasquez…although I have to give her props for exploring the quieter, more soothing aspects of her range.” “Truth be told, I sometimes envy the biriters PIPES OF STEEL; The heights that their voices can reach and the physical stamina that their efforts require

"I love her voice.. it's very clean, very soothing, but at the same time very powerful. And that (vocal) range, what a magnificent range! So amazing."

                                              photo from: http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1809

14. Charice 

Youtube sensation turned International Sensation kung saan lumabas sa maraming shows sa US tulad ng Ellen De Generes, Oprah, Good Morning America, at iba pa. Nakihalubilo din sa maraming sikat na international singers tulad nila Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Usher at iba pa. Lumalabas siya sa hit tv series na Glee.

When asked about, How does she feel about performing with Asia's Songbird?

"Nagkaron po siya ng concert sa Long Beach [California]. Talagang hindi po ako nanonood ng concert pero kapag big fan po talaga ako ng isang artist, pumupunta po ako.

" She's already a legend and everybody idolizes her including my mother Raquel "Kaye" Relucio Pempengco. My mommy has bought almost all of Ate Regine's CDs and tapes and watched her videos. She's a sweet person. Not many people know that she's actually a shy person. Her voice is so powerful - sweet but powerful. Before our trip to Los Angeles last February, Ate Regine invited me to dinner at her home and cooked carbonara for us. She's an amazingly good cook, too!'

"Ah, well, you see, I always say to those who ask: it is only Ms Regine whom I had not sang a duet with of all my favorite singers…"

Hindi lang din sila ang mga international star na nakatrabaho ni Regine sa kanyang career, marami pa. Ilan pa dito ay sina:

15. 98 Degrees

Regine sang their song "Hardest Thing" with the group on SOP when they were at the Philippines. The band was amazed @ Regine's vocal dynamics. They told her that they had one of her albums.

16. Ronan Keating

Ronan stopped by the Philippines for the promo tour of his new album on 2001 and did a duet with Regine with his song "When You Say Nothing At All". Another memorable performance.

                                                             photo: http://www.reginemultimedia.com

17. David Hasselhoff (Baywatch, America's Got Talent, Click)

They Recorded a song together entitled, "More Than Words Can Say". Shot in Malibu.

                                                           photo: http://www.reginemultimedia.com

18. Fernando Carillo ( Fernando Jose sa Rosalinda) 

Regine and Fernando re-recorded Regine's revival hit "IKAW" and performed it live on his major concert in the Philippines as well. He also said in a youtube video clip that his favorite is Regine. 

19. Paul Anka 

Nagpasikat ng mga awiting Diana, Lonely Boy, You are my Destiny at Put Your Head on My Shoulder.

Recorded a song with Regine, "It's Hard To Say Goodbye". Regine's original
duet with Paul Anka "It's hard to say goodbye" was re-recorded by none other than CELINE DION. 

20.  Remus Choy (Grasshopper)

Collaborated with Regine on her RETRO album on the song "I Can't Help It"

21. Norman Brown

Sang "The Closer I Get To You" with Regine.

 

22. Jim Brickman

Jim Brickman became an instant fan with Regine's rendition of his compositions Your Love, By Heart, and My Valentine. in their concert with Ariel Rivera and The Company and promised to write a song for her. 

23. Stephen Bishop

Sang "Separate Lives" with Regine in SOP.

Ilan lang sila sa mga humahanga sa kagalingan ng nagiisang Asia's Songbird na si Regine Velasquez. Abangan ang part two ng blog ko tungkol dito! Salamat! =)