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" Misunderstood " 
[ part of a full article ]
by Inday Badiday
Another artist who has been making the news since she entered the business
is Regine Velasquez. I first met Regine during a party I threw for my
brother when he passed the board exams in 1983. Back then, she was
known as Chona, a Bulakeña with a great voice. But greater still was her
determination to succeed. I remember her jamming with Gina Tagasa, my
niece, the soon-to-be singing sensation unaware of the hoopla that her
future status would bring her.
It would take a few years before I realized that the Regine who's been
making waves in the music industry was the Chona I met in my brother's
party. Her transformation was remarkable. Her bearing and confidence
certainly speak of the determination she kept alive in her heart, the
belief of others in her and the prayers that made her into what she is today.
And with her physical changes came the intrigues. Rumors spread that Regine
has had this and that fixed and that her beauty is a "marvel of science."
Frankly, I think what "changed'' Regine's appearance is the inner beauty
she possesses. This time it's no longer contained inside but radiates
outside as well.
Easy to Please
Despite her elegant image, however, I think Regine is still the same
Bulakeña: simple and easy to please. Many people think that she's
unapproachable and that she's allowed success to go to her head.
But I think Regine is just cautious in dealing with people because she
wants to keep her Bulakeña persona intact. And this she cannot do
if she totally her celebrity status to overwhelm her completely.
The last time Regine and I talked was during the launching of her latest
album recently at Hard Rock Café. It was a well-attended presscon
(yet another proof that Regine is genuinely well-loved by the press
and the masses). But the show started later than usual.
Since I had a radio show to attend to, I asked her publicist if I could
talk to Regine ahead of the others. Within minutes, I was whisked upstairs
and interviewed a wiser, more beautiful Regine. She refused to talk about
the embassy issue (which I understood, as it is under appeal). But I felt
that she had gained some valuable lessons from the whole experience.
Originally presented in
Phil. Daily Inquirer, Aug. 26, 2000
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