Mr. & Ms.
February 14, 1995

Ariel Rivera fell in love with Regine Velasquez and Regine fell in love with Ariel…now is falling in love such a crime? Maybe. Maybe not. The point is they did…fall.

Hesitant to delve in his relationship with Regine because of his abrupt parting with actress Gelli, Ariel has been issuing short, clipped, one-sentence, one-word answers to questions from reporters pertaining to his and Regine's very controversial romance.

They should be given a fair trial rather than being adjudged. It's unfair. "We can't say anything about it because it's their opinion. I mean, I can't change that and no matter what I do, that's how they feel. I can't do anything about it. Right now, I'm just keeping quiet 'cause I don't want to say anything…first of all, I've nothing naman against them," Regine reveals, a bit misty eyed.

Ariel mutters, "I think it will just die down naturally."

In the studio of Jun de Leon, Ariel and Regine would rather be somewhere else than being interviewed. Their voices were close to a whisper. Hesitant.

Regine starts, "Actually, it has something to do with music also…doon nag-start, when we worked together, got to know each other." "Nung one time, nag-show kami, yung Two Hearts, One Beat…we had to talk, of course. Kaming dalawa yung magkasama. And yung show kasi was like a play, a love story so siyempre kailangan talagang may rapport," says she.

Ariel adds, "During the show, we had to almost show true emotions so that the people can believe…"
"That we're in love…only acting, of course." Regine butts in. "Basta paggising ko nalang isang umaga…ah okay 'yun na pala yun," relating how she realized she was already in love with Ariel. "We started out as friends…we didn't know it would turn on this way. Basta it did."

"What I like about him?" she muses. "First of all he's very mature. I like that kasi parang I haven't had any experience about, you know, relationships, and life in general. I mean I would like to think that I'm mature, but I'm not that experienced in life and somehow he is. He's gone through a lot already so that's what I'm looking for." "Isa pa, he's very malambing, very caring, very very good person. And also, the biggest thing I like about him is the way he treats his family. I love my family and when I see him, actually I see my father."

"My ideal man is my father,he's my idol. The reason why I didn't have any boyfriend is because I tend to compare men to my father, 'caue he's a super great man. I've been looking for that, which I saw in Ariel. " she reflects.

Ariel on Regine: "I like her simplicity, her outlook in life…her childlike qualities, her bubbly personality, her respect for her elders."

He whispers, "I love her lips. Everytime we're doing a concert, she always gets mad at me because everytime we sing together, I walways stare at her lips, she always looks into my eyes, well ur supposed to look at the eye, but me, I look at her lips and she gets conscious." Ariel reveals.

Regine and Ariel common little things: He says, "We're very similar in our upbringing although I grew up in Canada…it's basically the same, how I've grown, how she's grown. We're both very, very close to our family, whatever we do, we consider our family first, that's our basic similarity.

But does he still communicates with GELLI? "LET'S NOT MENTION ANY NAMES," he requested.

"With me, I want to be friends first and be developed to lvoe and we'll go fine together. When ur friends u'll get to know the person unlike when courting all the good qualities are brought out and are only shown. she says. "There comes a time when u want to get hold of ur life, I just want to be happy." Ariel says.

"I call him Ariel, what else should I call him?" Regine says laughing. 'Honey' is one suggestion, 'Sweetheart', 'Babes'…I call her Reg," he reveals.

"Our priority is our careers. Just because we're together doesn't mean we have to be attached all the time. That's overdone." she enthuses. "That's where the efforts come in, the schedules, we have to try harder." "What's important in a relationship is communication 'coz it's base on trust." Regine replies.

Ariel and Regine have fallen in love at the wrong time, but one thing is for sure as they left the studio with hands entwined, both looking at each other, undoubtedly, caught up in each other's spell. They're madly in love. And that's that.

Regine to do duet with Bryan McKnight
By Leah Salterio Gatdula
PDI. Fri., Feb. 17, 1995

There's meatier news about Regine Velasquez, aside from her controversial affair with Ariel Rivera.
After doing a duet with Paul Anka in the now-popular "It's Hard To Say Goodbye," Regine will record a new song with another international artist. Bryan McKnight of "One Last Cry" fame.
This was confirmed by Alex Chan, marketing manager of PolyGram FarEast, Regine's recording studio which released her international album, "Listen Without Prejudice." Chan was in town to watch the two-night Valentine concert of Paul Anka at PICC. The recording executive said McKnight readily gave his nod after hearing Regine's album. In fact, McKinight even agreed to compose the song to be released both in his and Regine's album.
While Regine's duet with Anka was a product of technical wizardry, her duet with McKnight will be recorded live in the United States, said Chan. However, in Anka'' Valentine show Regine with the American singer-songwriter for the first time "It's Hard To Say Goodbye."
Regine will also record a song with jazz guitarist Norman Brown in Japan this month. It will be included in her second international album to released by PolyGram FarEast which will carry songs by Filipino composers.
Regine's "Listen Without Prejudice" album has been released all over Asia -Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia-and has been certified gold in some territories. In the LP, Regine did a duet with Chinese music superstar Jacky Cheung, in "In Love With You."
Regine will leave on Sunday (Feb. 19) for Singapore, where she will receive a Best Newcomer plum by a local radio station, for the success of "Listen Without Prejudice." The affair will be graced by such international artist as Richard Marx ("Now and Forever") and All for One ("I Swear").


 

'I am not pregnant' - Regine
By Leah Salterio-Gatdula
PDI. Monday, February 27, 1995

Manager Ronnie Henares is thinking lawsuit these days

"NOT!"
That's what Regine Velasquez told the INQUIRER when we asked her about the nagging rumor that she's three months pregnant with Ariel Rivera's child.
"I really feel it's unfair," Regine cried. "First of all, everybody's blaming me for what happened. They were saying it was my fault why they broke up. Now, here comes the news that I'm pregnant. I don't really know what they're trying to do."
Ever since she and Ariel went steady last December, Regine has kept mum about her romance despite the flurry of speculations and even controversies. Lately, however, Regine has felt the gossips are getting out of hand, especially about the "pregnancy."
"If you will believe everything you hear and read, pang-limang buntis ko na ito," Regine said. ("this is my fifth time to be pregnant"). "Pang-limang beses na ako nakunan at maraming beses na rin ako nakunan at maraming beses na rin ako nagpa-abort. I never came out on TV to talk about my relationship with Ariel, more so, about my supposed condition. I don't owe anybody an explanation because I'm not doing anything. I have nothing to deny. Perhaps, my only problem is that I don't even know how to defend myself."
On the report that she went to Makati Medical Center for a frog test, Regine remarked, "How could I have done that when my February schedule has been very busy? I did shows left and right. I also went to Singapore and Hong Kong this month. There's no way I could still go to a hospital for checkup."
Her manager Ronnie Henares of Primeline Inc., echoed: "Anybody could go to a hospital and bring a sample of urine from a pregnant woman and say it came from Regine Velasquez," Henares said. "She almost hugh up on me when I asked her on the phone if she was pregnant. She said, "How could it happen, box, wala pa namang nangyayari!" Naturally, I believed her.
Regine also denied she and Ariel are planning to get married in June. "Kung buntis ako, hindi ako ipapakasal ng tatay ko kay Ariel, papatayin ako nu'n!" she said jokingly. "My parents trust me and they also trust Ariel, that's why I'll never do something like that to them. I don't want them to lose their trust in me,"
While many believe their relationship blossomed last November, when they did a three city US tour (San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York), Henares said that was not possible at all.
"Regine was her best friend, Grace Reyes, most of the time on that trip. Her dad (Mang Gerry) was also there. There was never a time when she and Ariel went out together on their own. We always went out as a group."
Henares said the issue has been hyped intolerably so that he has no other recourse but to consult his lawyers to look into the possibility of taking legal action against the writers who broke the "pregnancy news."
"The bandwagon mentality of these attacks is beginning to take its toll on Regine. Some producers are backing out, after learning about her alleged condition. Her recording company was also alarmed because they have big plans for her. Whoever is behind all these should first look into their sources.
I know that 90 percent of pregnancy rumors in show biz are unfortunately always true. But fortunately, for Regine, it's not. She is an exception. It's just that her silence has been misconstrued. She has not said anything because she does not want to go into the fray."
So there, it's clear. Once and for all, Regine is NOT pregnant. We hope the tongues will stop wagging now. Or at least, check your sources. Or again - with a lawsuit coming, be ready to put your money where your mouth is.

 

Audie and Regine play beautiful music together
Manila Bulletin, Sat., July 1, 1995

No, there's no romance between them in real life, but Regine and Audie are the newest love team on Philippine stage.
As part of the centennial celebration of Jose Rizal's death centennial anniversary, Tanghalang Pilipino revives interest in his works by "Noli Me Tangere (the Musical), " this time starring "Asia's Queen of Pop," Regine Velasquez as Ma. Clara with stage performer and "Mr. Joseph the Dreamer" himself, Audie Gemora as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra.
Regine, Tanghalan's newest guest artist, is enthusiastic about doing the "Noli" and being reunited with an old friend.
"Audie and I have known each other for years, but this is the first time we're working together. I'm really excited. If everything turns out okay and this hits it big for me, the "Noli" would be another one of my cherished firsts."
With a recording for the Asian market an Asian Tour, plus many successful concerts and recordings, why go into a new turf?
"It was Audie who really convinced me to do "Noli." I watched him and Monique in last season's "Noli" and it was such as great show. Besides, I just wanted to try something new. Ayaw kong maging stagnant," says Regine.
"I love the music of "Noli" Ryan did another masterful work," she adds.
Audie on the other hand, says he likes doing roles for Tanghalan's productions. "I really like working with Tanghalan. They are very open to other views and suggestions that creates a very encouraging atmosphere. I can speak out my mind. Here, I enjoy the freedom to experiment and try other options," he says.
Audie first heeded the calling of theater during his high school years. Having done his first Tagalog musical with Tanghalan, "Florante at Laura" in 1988, Audie is comfortable doing Filipino musicals. He stressed that the Filipino musical is an original piece of work which demands a great deal of creativity.
Though, they have their differences in artistic orientation, Audie and Regine share a common denominator, both being pop recording artists. Regine, the tip prize winner of prestigious Asia-Pacific Singing Contest, is known for her hit songs "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang," "Narito Ako," and "Ikaw Lang."
Recently, Audie was given recognition as a New Recording Artist for his hit song "Loving You" in the 1995 Awit Awards.
Tanghalang Pilipino chose a power trio to mount the musical - the artistic direction of Nonon Padilla, the musical direction of Ryan Cayabyab, and the libretto of Bienvenido Lumbera.
Padilla is known for being a "very visual" director, his work "drawn" from the rich theatrical traditions east and west, ancient and post-modern, with an MTV-like pacing and atmosphere." Cayabyab's forte is a unique blending of original Filipino music and pop which provide the melodic flow from Noli. Lumbera's lyrical genius brings to life emotional scenes in the play.
Others in the cast are - John Arcilla, alternating as Crisostomo Ibarra, Gigi Posadas, alternating as Ma. Clara, Nanette Inventor, Ony de Leon, Eugene Villaluz, Bernardo Bernardo, Noni Buencamino, Garry Lim, Pablo Molina, Irma Adlawan, Clottie Gealogo, and Rommel Singson.
On July 14, 8 p.m., Regine and Audie come together on stage for the first time. Other play dates are July 14 and 15, 8 p.m.; July 15 and 16, 3 p.m. at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater); July 28, 29, Aug. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.; July 29, 30, Aug. 5 and 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino (Little Theater).

 

My Love Emotion
December 22, 1995

Regine Velasquez, Asia's Songbird. In her blockbusting, award-winning, international album, "Listen Without Prejudice," she proved herself capable of capturing the hearts of multi-national audiences in multi-platinum terms.
Now, Regine holds forth with a new album, "My Love Emotion." Here, she again shows that her talent is enough to inspire and orchestrate a gallery of her musical peers from the other countries.
This album may be said to have been born in a live performance by Regine in Singapore. In the audience, was one Phil Buckle, guitarist for the Australian group Southern Sons. So taken was Phil by the Songbird that he was moved to write a song just for Regine. The result was "My Love Emotion," now the album's title cut.
The album took form with the tapping of other talents across Asia-Pacific. Japan's Mariya Takenchi lends her musical touch in "My Sweet Hone." From Indonesia's Younky Soewarno and Tengku Malinda came the words and music for "Learning From Love."
But this album derives dominant flavor from a preponderance of Filipino talent. Manila's sax wizard Tots Tolentino provides the brass accents in "My Love Emotion." In "Goodbye," pop idol Martin Nievera himself contributes the lyrisc while the musical arrangement is done by the near-legend Louie Ocampo. Three other cuts, "You've Made Me Stronger," the carrier single, "Fast" and "Wait and See," were written and composed by Trina Belamide, creator of the now-historic theme of the Papal visit to Manila, "Tell the World Of His Love." And yet agin, a flawless combination is achieved by Regine and the Filipino vocal group the Tux for the song "Perfect."
As an album, "My Love Emotion" offers the sweep of song expressed in a wide range of sentiments amplified by Filipino sensitivity and distinguished by the touch of Asia's Songbird.
It's been said often enough that music trancends all barriers, races or creeds. For the sheer harmony of diverse artistry, this album does. And if it is true that music has the power to touch the hearts of people everywhere, this album will.