Just like any other loyal Kapamilya star, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, who is in her almost three-year stay as a Kapamilya chooses to stand with ABS CBN, no matter what. ABS CBN accepted her with wide-open arms, and returning the gesture is an appropriate thing to do.
During the Freedom virtual conference for her February 14 concert, Regine Velasquez had an instant answer when she asked what she considered her most proud moment to be a Kapamilya, over two years since she signed up with ABS-CBN.
“That I’m still here, that despite what happened, ni hindi sumagi sa isip ko na iwan sila.
“Sa akin, tinanggap nila ako with open arms, nang lubos-lubos, tapos kung kailan nila ako kailangan, hindi ako mag-si-stay? Parang weird iyon sa akin.”
Although the Network’s nonrenewal of its franchise did scare her since her career is at stake, she is still delighted to stay.
“I was a little scared of what’s going to happen, kasi siyempre, meron kaming mga responsibilities, may anak kami. I was worried for a time.”
ABS-CBN had to shut down its television and radio operations in 2020 after the congressional panel voted to reject its application for a new broadcast franchise.
Since then, it has moved its content library to a digital platform while forging partnerships with other TV networks—Zoe Broadcasting Network and the recent one with TV5—to bring its programs to a traditional platforms.
Just a few days before the media conference, ASAP Natin ‘To, which Velasquez headlines alongside fellow music veterans, made TV history as it aired for the first time on TV5, joining ABS-digital CBN’s and cable platforms, as well as A2Z.
“I’m happy to be here, despite what’s going on, despite the franchise not being granted,”
Velasquez, a music icon with a career spanning 35 years, was welcomed by ABS-CBN when she officially signed with the Network in October 2018.
Despite the change of Network, the singer’s career has never died down but rather flourished.
Many Filipinos even think that Regine Velasquez is to is considered the Queen of OPM.
For her fans, Velasquez’s title is indisputable, but for her–it’s not the case.
Recently, Velasquez welcomes the idea of being ‘queen’ of Filipino music at a virtual conference for her upcoming digital concert, Freedom.
“I don’t know how it is to be a queen. Although my name means ‘queen,’ I am definitely not a queen. I’m very flattered and grateful for the title that I’m given, but as I said, I am not at all a queen.
“I am far away from being a queen, but I do work hard. I am very, very passionate.”
What matters to the singer is to inspire new stories from her own story as a music veteran. She believes that legacy would far outweigh being given a title or maintaining one’s popularity.
“Right now, hindi na nag-ma-matter sa akin ‘yung, ‘Sikat ka pa ba?’ Ang mas importante sa akin ‘yung nakaka inspire ka ng mga baguhang singers.”
