Roots to Riches | |
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Directed by | Louie Ignacio |
Starring | Regine Velasquez |
Country of origin | Philippines |
Original language | Tagalog |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Producer |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
Production company | Aria Productions |
Release | |
Original network | GMA |
Original release | May 24, 2009 |
Roots to Riches is an autobiographical documentary concert special by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. It originally aired on May 24, 2009, in the Philippines on GMA Network. The special follows Velasquez's early childhood beginnings as an aspiring singer competing on talent shows to the influential entertainer she is today, while providing an insight into her journey with stardom and detailing various aspects of her professional and personal life. It is interspersed with a series of flashback re-enactments portraying significant events in her life and career. The program includes a compilation of interviews with key people that have been instrumental to the trajectory of her success over the course of several years.
A celebration of Velasquez's 39th birthday, the two-hour special is spliced with musical performances filmed at the Centro Escolar University in Velasquez's hometown of Malolos, Bulacan. It was directed by Louie Ignacio and produced by Aria Productions. Raul Mitra served as the music director, with guests appearances from Pilita Corrales, Jose Mari Chan, Dingdong Dantes, Pops Fernandez, and Dennis Trillo and a special appearance by her former competition rival Eva Castillo.
Regine Velasquez started singing at age six, [1] and had unorthodox voice training with her father, where she was immersed neck-deep in the sea and would go through vocal runs. [2] [3] She credits this method for strengthening her core and stomach muscles, and developing her lung capacity. [4] When Velasquez was nine, her family moved to Bulacan, where she started competing in talent shows. In 1984, aged fourteen, she auditioned for the reality television series Ang Bagong Kampeon and won. [5] Her career began with a record deal with OctoArts International and the release of her single "Love Me Again" in 1986. [5] [6] After an appearance in the variety show The Penthouse Live! , she caught the attention of Ronnie Henares, a producer and talent manager who signed her to a management deal. [6] [7]
In May 2009, GMA Network announced a television special for the singer entitled Roots to Riches. [8] It was the second birthday showcase on GMA by Velasquez, after The Best of Me in 2008. [9] A blend of documentary and musical production, the title of the special is borrowed from the phrase rags-to-riches, [10] [11] a parallel of Velasquez's life and career trajectory. [2] [10] It depicted the singer's childhood beginnings as an amateur singer competing in various talent shows in her hometown of Bulacan through a series of biographical flashback re-enactments, camera footage, and a compilation of interviews. [12] In it, key people that have been significant in her career were interviewed, including individuals that have supported her during the early years of competing in talent shows. [10] "[It was] research[ed] ... I mean, everyone knows my story. But not this ... [a lot] of untold stories", Velasquez said about the special. [2]
Roots to Riches featured performances from a concert filmed at the Centro Escolar University in Malolos, Bulacan, which aired on May 24, 2009. Guest musicians included Pilita Corrales, Jose Mari Chan, Dingdong Dantes, Pops Fernandez, and Dennis Trillo. Velasquez's former talent show rival Eva Castillo also made a special appearance. [10] [13] GMA partnered with Aria Productions to produce the program, with Mae Zambrano serving as executive producer. Louie Ignacio directed it, while Darling de Jesus was the supervising producer. Rommel Gacho served as the line producer, and Archie Riola was in charge of floor production. Bang Arespacochaga was associate producer and Wilma V. Galvante was in charge of the executive production. Raul Mitra was the musical director. [14]
The special begins with Velasquez narrating her early life and the inspiration behind her drive to compete in talents shows. It follows a series of flashback dramatizations of a young Velasquez as she leaves school on foot making her way to a street vendor selling memorabilia of singer-actress Sharon Cuneta, whom she idolizes. Unable to afford the item, she leaves despondent. It also featured interviews detailing her career beginnings from her former manager Ronnie Henares, sister and current manager Cacai, and her father Gerry. The documentary includes scenes of the singer revisiting her hometown of Bulacan to reunite with individuals that supported her when she was still competing. Among them are Susan Galvez, her grade school teacher who designed and sewed her dresses, and Ernesto Cuazon, a motorized tricycle owner who would drive Velasquez and her father between towns. In another scene, a reunion between Velasquez and her former talent show rival Eva Castillo takes place. [10] [12] [14]
Velasquez performed eleven songs to an audience at the Centro Escolar University, including her Ang Bagong Kampeon piece "In Your Eyes", and her debut single "Love Me Again". She also performed several duet numbers with musicians she considered significant to her career journey, including Pops Fernandez who recommended she appear as a guest in The Penthouse Live!, where she was discovered by Henares, and Jose Mari Chan with whom Velasquez recorded her first collaboration "Please Be Careful with My Heart". Castillo made a special appearance and performed a medley of OPM songs with Velasquez. [10] [12] [14]
The set list is adapted from the special itself. [14]
Credits are adapted from the special itself. [14]
Band members
Production
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Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez is a Filipino singer and actress. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and belting technique. She had unorthodox voice training during her childhood, where she was immersed neck-deep in the sea. Velasquez rose to prominence after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989. Under the name Chona, she signed a recording contract with OctoArts International in 1986 and released the single "Love Me Again", which was commercially unsuccessful. The following year, she adopted the stage name Regine Velasquez for her debut studio album, Regine (1987), under the guidance of Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario and producer Ronnie Henares. She explored Manila sound and kundiman genres on her second and third studio albums, Nineteen 90 (1990) and Tagala Talaga (1991).
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Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez has appeared in motion pictures and television programs. She made her screen debut with a minor role in the 1988 comedy film The Untouchable Family. She went on to appear in supporting roles in the comedies Pik Pak Boom (1988) and Elvis and James 2 (1990). Velasquez made her stage debut in 1992 with the Musical Theatre Philippines production of Romualdo Ramos and Tony Velasquez's Kenkoy Loves Rosing. Her breakthrough came when she played the title role in the film Wanted Perfect Mother (1996). The same year, she starred in the musical comedy Do Re Mi alongside Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco. Among Velasquez's next releases were the fantasy comedy Honey Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako (1998) and Joyce Bernal's romantic comedy Dahil May Isang Ikaw (1999) opposite Aga Muhlach. Her first leading television role was in a 2000 episode of the IBC-13 anthology series Habang May Buhay.
One Night with Regine was a benefit concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez that took place on April 26, 2002 at the National Museum of Anthropology in Rizal Park, Manila. The charity event was organized by ABS-CBN Foundation to raise funds in support of the Bantay Bata child welfare program, which aimed to promote awareness of disadvantaged and at-risk children. The proceeds were donated to benefit the development of a children's village in Velasquez's hometown of Bulacan.
Twenty was an arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez. It was announced in September 2006 and held on two consecutive nights in October 2006 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Its concept and name is a reference to the 20th anniversary since her professional debut in 1986. The staging resembled a Roman colosseum connected by a grand staircase extending from the upper box gallery. The setlist predominantly contained songs taken from Velasquez's discography and various covers. The show was produced by Aria Productions, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Ronnie Henares served as stage director and Raul Mitra as musical director. Guest conductors were featured, including Louie Ocampo and Gerard Salonga, backed by the 60-member ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Velasquez's vocals and the production.
Silver was a two-day arena concert by Filipina entertainer Regine Velasquez. An initial concert was held on November 16, 2012, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with a second date taking place on January 5, 2013. Velasquez became the first local artist to play at the venue since it opened that May. The show's concept and name is a reference to the 25th anniversary of her professional debut in 1986. The setlist contained songs predominantly taken from Velasquez's discography and various covers. The show was produced by iMusic Entertainment, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Ryan Cayabyab and Raul Mitra served as music directors, accompanied by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
R3.0 was an arena concert by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez, held on October 21 and 22, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. It was a part of Velasquez's promotion of her seventeenth studio album R3.0 (2017) and marked a celebration of the 30th anniversary of her professional debut in 1986. The set list featured songs predominantly taken from the album, with additional songs from her older albums and various covers of pop hits. It was exclusively promoted by Viva Entertainment, with PLDT, Inc. as sponsor. Raul Mitra served as music director, while Paolo Valenciano was tapped as stage director.
R-15 was a concert by Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez held on April 21, 2001, at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in Ermita. The show's concept and name is a reference to the fifteenth anniversary of Velasquez's professional debut in 1986. It was produced by EE Concerts Production, with Freddie Santos as the stage director. Gerard Salonga served as the music director and conductor, backed by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. The set list featured songs taken from Velasquez's discography, which incorporated tracks she released from her cover albums.
Ang Ating Musika was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Aliw Theater in Pasay. The residency began on November 9 and concluded on November 24, 2007, after completing six shows. The set list featured all OPM numbers that were curated from the catalogue of Filipino composers and songwriters. These included material from George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, Rey Valera, and Basil Valdez, among others. The show was produced by Aria Productions, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Velasquez served as the stage director, while Raul Mitra was chosen as the music director. Martin Nievera, Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, and Kyla performed as guests. Reviews for the shows were generally positive, receiving praise for the theme and Velasquez's live performance.
After the Rain is a Christmas benefit concert television special by Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez. It originally aired on December 13, 2009, in the Philippines on GMA Network. The charity event was organized by the GMA Kapuso Foundation to raise money, relief, and awareness in response to the loss of life and human suffering that resulted from Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy). It was directed by Louie Ignacio and executive-produced by Wilma V. Galvante and Joseph Paolo Luciano. The special was performed to a live audience of more than 800 typhoon victims, who were also among the aid recipients.