By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Regine Velasquez opens up about the changes in her voice and the challenges of staging major concerts as she prepares for "FINALE," her final major solo concert series.
For Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, “FINALE” does not mean she is saying goodbye to music.
It does, however, mark the end of an era.
After four decades in the OPM industry, Asia’s Songbird is ready to scale back on the kind of massive concert productions that have long been part of her career.
But is it really a finale for her?
“Yes and no. For major concerts yes, but I'm not going to stop performing altogether. I will still perform siguro sa mga smaller, intimate venues,” she said.
The decision comes as Velasquez acknowledges that staging huge concerts has become more demanding, especially with the preparation and physical pressure that come with each production.
“More than anything, I can't handle na talaga yung pressure na mag-stage ng huge concerts because of everything that comes with it, you know, what it entails. Mahaba ang preparation kasi kailangan bongga diba, it will eat up too much of my time, my schedule, and it's hard because I'm also a mom and wife.”
Age has also changed the way she approaches performing.
“I am not the same singer that I used to be like 10, 20 years ago. Kasi may mga pagbabago as you age talaga. But don't get me wrong. I could still sing. It's just that, it's not like before anymore.”
Her decision comes after years of demanding performances, including periods when health problems forced her to slow down.
In 2012, she lost her voice during her “Silver” 25th anniversary concert at the Mall of Asia Arena after coming down with a viral infection, forcing her to cut the show short.
The following year, she took a one-month break from television and live performances to address acid reflux, which she believed had also contributed to the problems with her voice. Doctors advised vocal rest and discussed treatment options with her.
She has continued performing through the years, but the demands of mounting major concerts have changed.
Still, the decision to stage one more major concert proved that the audience remains eager to see her on a big stage.
“Yeah, I was mildly surprised kasi ang bilis, I mean, alam ko naman bebenta pero hindi ganoon kabilis na in a matter of minutes, sold out na.”
The sold-out shows will also give Velasquez a chance to thank the audience that has followed her career.
“This concert is not a farewell, it's a thank you concert. It's for all those that supported and loved me through the years, I just want to show my appreciation by giving them a huge concert.”
Fans can also expect plenty of singing, but not necessarily the elaborate stunts she used to do.
“Naku, hindi ko na kaya,” she said laughing. “I've done that already and you know, I can't do na mga buwis-buhay na pasabog. But expect a whole lot of singing talaga.”
“Iba-iba ang setlist ko gabi-gabi,” she added.
Velasquez will stage “FINALE,” her final major solo concert series, on Oct. 17, 18, and 19, 2026, at 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
