THIS bird has flown the coop.
Talking about Regine Velasquez-Alcasid of course, known to most fans as Asia’s Songbird.
After much speculation, the singer-actress made formal her return to ABS-CBN on Wednesday, signing a two-year contract reportedly worth millions.
Regine wouldn’t confirm nor deny this however, humbly maintaining she could only be thankful ABS-CBN still took her in given the botched transfer some years back.
She said at the press conference, “Alam kong sunog na sunog na sila sa akin (laughs).”
In any case, ABS-CBN made her feel quite important indeed, allowing her grandiose welcome replete with red carpet reception.
“To be honest, I’m overwhelmed. Hindi ko ito in-expect, at all. Hindi ako ilusyonada. Alam ko naman ang lugar ko sa industriya at sa tingin ko hindi naman ako gaano ka-importante o ano pa man pero ‘yung bigyan ka nang ganitong atensyon parang, it’s just so overwhelming,” the 48-year-old said. “So thank you, ABS-CBN. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Regine admitted leaving GMA-7 after 20 long years was a bittersweet moment for her.
“I have nothing bad to say against GMA,” she said. “I could only be thankful. Marami akong natutunan at nagawa doon. They allowed me longevity.
“Pero alam mo ‘yung you want to do more? Yes, at my age, feeling ko, it’s no time for me to experiment na, or to take risks. Natakot ako and I played it safe for the longest time. But then I realized, paano kung hindi na ako makakanta bukas?
“Ngayon, nandito ako because alam ko I still have something to give. But at the same time, I don’t how much longer I will be able to sing.
“I just want to do more, I want to work with very talented singers, and that before I end my career I can say that I worked with the number one station.”
She denied malicious talks pointing to husband, Ogie Alcasid, orchestrating the whole thing.
“It was my decision. ‘Yung asawa ko tinulungan lang ako in arranging ‘yung meeting with the bosses here pero beyond that, it was all me,” she explained.
The deal is done and Regine could only look forward to the long line of assignments the network prepared for her.
There’s already a sitcom and a reality show for starters.
“Marami pa, marami silang sinabi sa akin and I’m just so happy and excited to do them all,” Regine shared.
TRIVIA: Regine started her television career in the 80s on ABS-CBN musical shows “Teen Pan Alley” and “Triple Treat,” and starred in a “MMK” episode in 2002, for which she won the Best Actress trophy at the PMPC Star Awards for TV. (Neil Ramos)
