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.
M u s i c I n s i d e B u z z