a  regine V. article . .

 

More of Regine and Gerard 
Before the Year Ends (2000) 
by Shirley Matias-Pizarro
Manila Bulletin, Oct. 22, 2000

 

Looks like Regine Velasquez and Gerard Salonga both had a wonderful time 
working together when they did the highly successful "Songbird Sings the 
Classics" concert last Oct. 6 at the ballroom of Westin Philippine Plaza. 
So good that both have agreed to extend the experience involving other 
projects like concerts and an album.

Even before the concert that night at the Westin commenced, Gerard had 
already said yes to the offer of Viva Records to produce the live album of 
that show. We've been told that Viva is planning to release the "Songbird 
Sings the Classics" album in December.

So, to all those who got swept off their feet with the wonderful music of 
Regine and Gerard (and the string ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic 
Orchestra where Gerard's sweet sweet girlfriend DJ Francisco is also a part 
of) that magical night at the Westin, the album is surely something to look 
forward to.

The album is not the only thing that will give us Regine and Gerard 
together in the coming months. They will also topbill a Christmas show at 
the "The Tent" of The Fort in Makati. It will also be produced by Maximedia 
International, the same outfit that brilliantly brought together the tandem 
first time at Westin.

On Dec. 30, the two will also be doing a pre-New Year's concert at the 
Ynares Coliseum in Antipolo, where the PBA is being held already. This 
time, we were told that the show will be an "unplugged" presentation of 
Regine's music, with Gerard carefully watching over her as her musical 
director, of course. Now, this is really something to look forward to.

Had it not been for a prior engagement, (a show where he is also featured 
with the MPO), Gerard would have gladly accepted the offer to direct 
Regine's concert series at the Music Museum in November. We were told that 
Regine was really taken to the expertise of Gerard that she personally 
suggested that he be offered to do the musical direction of the series, 
also produced by Maximedia. But then again, there's always a next time.

* * *


And speaking of Gerard, we also heard from the grapevine that Viva big boss 
Vic del Rosario has been wooing the young "maestro" (with all due respect 
to Mr. C, Ryan Cayabyab who's also one of the best musical geniuses whom 
we love dearly) to sign up with Viva Records for an album.

If this happens, then Regine and Gerard will be under one roof. Isn't that 
neat? But then again, we still don't know whether Gerard would say yes or 
no to the irresistible offer. Let's just all wait and see.

 

TOP PAGE

M u s i c  I n s i d e  B u z z