Regine Velasquez retires signature songs at ‘Finale’ concert

MANILA, Philippines, October 20 ------ Regine Velasquez-Alcasid announced that she would retire some of her signature songs during the second night of her sold-out “Finale” concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, telling fans that age and changes in her voice have made it difficult to perform some of the demanding numbers that defined her four-decade career.

Among the songs she plans to retire are “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing,” “On the Wings of Love,” and “What Kind of Fool Am I,” which she said audiences may no longer hear her perform live after the concert series.

“In four years, I will be 60. It’s just a big stage; I decided to retire some of my songs. So, some of my songs you heard tonight, you probably won’t hear them anymore. I won’t probably sing them anymore. Why? Because I can’t anymore; I don’t have that voice for them anymore,” Velasquez told the audience during the second night on Oct. 18. “Finale” is a three-day concert series celebrating her 40 years in the music industry. The shows began on Oct. 17 and will conclude tonight, Oct. 19.

Velasquez clarified through her remarks that the decision was not a retirement from music itself but a recognition of the physical demands of performing some of her most challenging songs on a large stage. Despite the moments when her voice struggled during the performance, the singer found reassurance in the audience, which continued to sing along with her. She admitted that she had feared fans would leave if she could no longer deliver the performances they had come to expect.

“There is a time I don’t have a voice, and I expected you guys to walk out. It’s a natural tendency to get disappointed and walk out, and you didn’t; instead, you sang my songs to me. That’s my biggest nightmare, you guys walking out,” she said.

The singer thanked the audience for remaining supportive regardless of her vocal condition, saying that their continued presence was what encouraged her to keep showing up onstage. “I’m not here to prove anything. I am here because of all of you. I show up because you keep showing up. Every time we announce that we’re going to have a concert, you just show up. You don’t care kahit anong kondisyon ng boses ko…” she said.

The second-night set list featured a mix of Velasquez’s signature ballads, OPM classics and upbeat numbers. Among the highlights were “You’ve Made Me Stronger,” “Blueer Than Blue,” “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka,” “Pangako,” and “On the Wings of Love.” She also performed songs from “Golden Hours,” including “Espasol” and “The Easy Kind,” the latter with Nate Alcasid.

The concert shifted into a celebratory mood during the “Regine-oke” encore, as Velasquez rode a mechanical golden bird float while performing “Shine,” “Zoom,” “Dancing Queen,” “Dance With Me,” “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” and “Crazy for You,” bringing the second night of “Finale” to a lively close.

The evening also brought together several artists who have been part of Velasquez’s personal and professional journey. One of the highlights was her reunion with Jose Mari Chan for their 1989 duet, “Please Be Careful With My Heart.”

Her husband, Ogie Alcasid, also joined her onstage. The couple performed “Hanggang Ngayon,” while Velasquez revisited other songs associated with her career, including “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka,” written by Alcasid, “Pangako,” “Dadalhin,” and “You’ve Made Me Stronger.” Velasquez also paid tribute to her late father, Gerry Velasquez, through “Leader of the Band.” Nostalgia took over when Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco joined her for “Do Re Mi,” recalling the 1996 Filipino musical film in which the three starred together.

The singer’s son Nate, along with nephews and nieces, were also among the evening’s guests, alongside the group DNA. Throughout the night, Velasquez moved between powerful ballads, collaborations and personal tributes, revisiting songs that have accompanied generations of Filipino listeners.

“Finale” is not a farewell to the music industry, but a turning point for Velasquez’s large-scale solo concerts as she marks four decades in show business.

Source: manilatimes.net