Regine Velasquez

Regine Velasquez, born on April 22, 1970, is a celebrated Filipino singer and actress, renowned for her remarkable vocal range and belting technique. Her journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, where she underwent unconventional voice training while immersed in the sea. Velasquez gained national recognition after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984, followed by her victory at the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989.

In 1986, under the name Chona, she signed a recording contract with OctoArts International and released her first single, "Love Me Again," which did not achieve commercial success. However, the following year marked a turning point as she adopted the stage name Regine Velasquez and released her debut studio album, Regine, in 1987. This album, produced under the guidance of Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario, showcased her exploration of Manila sound and kundiman genres in her subsequent albums, Nineteen 90 and Tagala Talaga.

Velasquez's international breakthrough came with her fifth album, Listen Without Prejudice, released in 1994 under PolyGram Records. This album sold over seven hundred thousand copies, becoming her highest-selling album to date, bolstered by the hit single "In Love with You." She continued to experiment with various musical styles, including jazz and adult contemporary, in her later works, such as My Love Emotion and Retro. After leaving PolyGram, she released the R&B-influenced album Drawn and the twelve-times platinum certified R2K, which featured popular remakes.

In addition to her music career, Velasquez has made significant contributions to film and television. She starred in romantic comedies like Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw and Pangako Ikaw Lang, earning accolades such as the Box Office Entertainment Award for Box Office Queen. Her performance in the anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya garnered her a Star Award for Best Actress. Velasquez has also expanded her career into reality television, serving as a presenter and judge on various talent shows.

With over seven million records sold domestically and one point five million in Asia, Regine Velasquez is recognized as the best-selling Filipino music artist of all time. Her extensive list of accolades includes multiple Asian Television Awards, MTV Asia Awards, and Box Office Entertainment Awards. Often referred to as "Asia's Songbird," she has inspired countless Filipino singers and remains a pivotal figure in Philippine popular culture.