Residency by Regine Velasquez | |
Location | Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines |
---|---|
Venue | Samsung Performing Arts Theater |
Start date | February 17, 2023 |
End date | April 29, 2023 |
Legs | 1 |
No. of shows | 6 |
Regine Velasquez concert chronology |
Solo was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. Consisting of six shows, it began on February 17 and concluded on April 29, 2023. After not performing for a live audience following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Velasquez conceived the concert residency to celebrate the 35th anniversary of her professional debut. She described the show's concept as an artistic journey, with performances that would be devoid of front acts or special guests.
Velasquez aimed to create an intimate experience for concertgoers, which she found challenging for shows held in arenas. The set list contained songs she has never performed before and featured music from mainstream acts, such as Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Elvis Presley, and Madonna, as well as viral hits from the online video platform TikTok. It was exclusively promoted by iMusic Entertainment, with Raul Mitra serving as the music director, and Paolo Valenciano chosen as the stage director. Solo was critically appreciated, receiving praise for its theme and Velasquez's vocal abilities, and connection with the audience.
On August 3, 2022, Regine Velasquez revealed through ABS-CBNnews.com and her social media accounts that she would be performing a concert residency for a live audience in February 2023 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. It marked her first solo concert in two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, having only performed a livestreaming showcase, titled Freedom, on February 28, 2021. She co-headlined Iconic with Sharon Cuneta in October 2019, and teamed with Sarah Geronimo for Unified in March 2020. [1] In November 20, Velasquez announced that Solo would be staged on four dates consisting of Friday and Saturday night shows between February 17–25. [2] It was exclusively promoted by iMusic Entertainment, with Raul Mitra selected as the music director and Paolo Valenciano as the stage director. [3] Tickets went on sale for all four shows on November 30. [4] The concert series was conceived as part of the singer's 35th anniversary celebration since her professional debut. [5] [6] All the tickets made available for the shows sold out. [7] Due to the high demand, two extra shows were added in April. [8]
When explaining the concept and title of the show in an interview with entertainment podcast State of the Arts, Velasquez asserted, "The concerts that I do where I'm comfortable [performing] are the smaller, more intimate venues ... I'm okay with that because I feel relaxed and I can see people's faces." [9] She added that working on a small-venue show allows her to conceptualize themes and encourages an artistic exploration with a variety of music genres. [9] Unlike her previous concerts which featured co-headliners, Solo follows a recurring element of performances without any guests or special participants. With the concert series, she previewed, "There's a lot of new songs ... songs that you'll probably not expect me to sing." Velasquez revealed, these included music that had gone viral on the online video platform TikTok. [9]
The concert ran for two hours. The stage featured a video wall backdrop, flashing neon lights, and smoke. Velasquez appeared on stage to an elevated platform and opened the show with Donna Lewis's "I Love You Always Forever" wearing a pink plaid Bavarian-inspired mini dress. She descended the podium and began Lizzo's up-tempo hit "About Damn Time", and performed the song's rap routine. She continued into a popular TikTok tune, Stacey Ryan's "Fall in Love Alone", and followed this with performances of tracks from Filipino musicians: Zack Tabudlo's "Binibini", Ferdinand Aragon's "Disinasadya", and Adie's "Paraluman". Shortly after, she began with Madonna's "Crazy for You", which she dedicated to her husband. Following the performance, she spoke briefly about her late father, who enjoyed listening to the music of Elvis Presley, before transitioning into a medley of the American rock and roll singer's ballad hits. The next number on the set list was her original song "Tanging Mahal", which was followed with a performance of another TikTok tune, Jvke's "Golden Hour".
The second act saw Velasquez changing outfits into a graphic-printed fishtail gown and beginning a performance of Charlie Puth's "We Don't Talk Anymore". This was followed by a holographic duet with herself singing The Juans's "Istorya" and "Hindi Tayo Pwede". She then proceeded with "OK Lang Ako", a track from her 2010 album Fantasy . A medley of songs by Filipina singer Ella May Saison were performed, before doing renditions of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All" and Toto's "I'll Be Over You". The set list continued with an upbeat arrangement of her single "You've Made Me Stronger". Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides, Now" and Dua Lipa's "Love Again" were performed after. She then paid tribute to her son with Ben Rector's "Extraordinary Magic", as images of them were projected on the video screen. For Jessie J's "Flashlight", concertgoers illuminated their phones that flickered and flashed as they sang along with Velasquez. After the song ended, she bowed and thanked the audience before exiting the stage. For the encore, Velasquez returned on stage and sang her single "Araw Gabi". She closed the show with a performance of George Michael's "Freedom!".
In a review of the opening night, Leah Salterio writing for ABS-CBNnews.com, highly praised Velasquez's "dauntless" live performance, and described her vocals as "pitch perfect" and "stratospheric". [10] She believed the show was well-staged and commented that only Velasquez could manage to pull off a production of that scale. Salterio concluded, "There were no front act or guest to alternately regale the audience ... from start to finish, it was only Velasquez who ruled the stage and held the audience at the palm of her hand." [10] Janelle Cabrera-Paraiso of Metro also complimented the singer's vocal range which "allowed her to render modern-day, millennial-favorite tracks flawlessly". [11] She further remarked, "With over three decades of experience in the department, Regine's musical career is a mold not any name can easily fit. At 52, she is an exemplar of her craft and an icon to look up to in the industry". [11]
The set list given below was performed on February 17, 2023. [10] [11]
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
February 17, 2023 | Makati | Samsung Performing Arts Theater |
February 18, 2023 | ||
February 24, 2023 | ||
February 25, 2023 | ||
April 28, 2023 | ||
April 29, 2023 |
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).
Angeline Quinto is a Filipino singer, actress, and television personality. Known for her vocal range and soulful singing style, Quinto's music has garnered critical praise for its lyrical content and themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment. It has been featured in the soundtracks of films and television series in the Philippines.
R2K: The Concert was the first arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez, held on April 7 and 8, 2000, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. It was a part of Velasquez's promotion of her tenth studio album, R2K (1999). It was exclusively promoted by Viva Concerts, with beauty brands Pond's and Sunsilk as sponsors. Velasquez served as the stage and creative director for the show, which featured Ogie Alcasid, Gabby Eigenmann, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, and KC Montero as guest acts.
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.
Martin & Regine: The World Concert Tour was a co-headlining tour by Filipino performers Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez. It began on March 8, 2003 in Honolulu, Hawaii and visited the United States and the Philippines. The joint tour came after the two had finished their own concert residencies at the Onstage Theatre in 2002 — Nievera's Opening Night and Velasquez's Songbird Sings. The tour was announced early in 2003 and was exclusively promoted by Maximedia International. The set list featured songs taken from both singers' discographies, including collaborations such as "You Are My Song" and "Forever", as well as various covers. Louie Ocampo and Gerard Salonga served as the musical directors for the United States and Philippine legs, respectively. Reviews for the tour were generally positive, with critics praising both artists' vocal abilities.
Regine at the Movies was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Music Museum in San Juan and the Onstage Theater in Makati. The residency began on November 9 and concluded on December 30, 2001, after completing seventeen shows. The set list featured various covers of film soundtracks, including Velasquez's movie themes. The show was exclusively promoted by Maximedia International. In November 2018, ABS-CBN produced the re-staging of the residency which was held during three non-consecutive nights in November at the New Frontier Theater. Gabby Eigenmann was the guest act during the 2001 series, while Sharon Cuneta, Daniel Padilla, and Piolo Pascual were selected for the 2018 shows. Raul Mitra served as musical director for both productions. It received a positive reception from music critics, who praised the intimate show and Velasquez's vocal abilities.
Songbird Sings was a concert residency by Filipina singer Regine Velasquez at the Onstage Theater in Makati. The residency began on November 8 and concluded on December 28, 2002, after completing fifteen shows. The set list featured songs taken from Velasquez's discography. These incorporated tracks she released from her cover albums. The show was produced by Maximedia International. Raul Mitra served as musical director, while Gabby Eigenmann was selected as guest act. It was positively received by music critics, who praised the show's theme and Velasquez's live performance.
Songbird Sings Legrand was a co-headlining concert by French composer Michel Legrand and Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. The concert was announced in December 2002 and held on three consecutive nights in February 2003 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall in Pasay. Velasquez performed songs selected from Legrand's discography, backed by the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra. The show was divided into two segments; the first which featured overtures conducted by Legrand, being followed by an intermission, before Velasquez joined the composer in the second segment.
Two for the Knight was a co-headlining concert by American singer-songwriter Brian McKnight and Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez. The concert was announced in January 2002 and held on two consecutive nights in February at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. It was promoted by Viva Concerts and MTV, with Mossimo as its sponsor. McKnight's set list included songs from his studio albums Brian McKnight (1992) and Back at One (1999), while Velasquez's set list included songs from her album Reigne (2001) and some covers. McKnight and Velasquez both performed solo sets, which were bridged by two duets. The show received positive reviews from critics, who praised the singers' performances.
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.
Regine at the Theater was a concert residency by Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque, Philippines. The residency began on November 6 and concluded on November 21, 2015, after completing four shows. The set list contained songs taken from various musicals, and featured selections from Broadway, off-Broadway and Filipino productions, including Noli Me Tángere, for which Velasquez originated the lead role of María Clara. It was exclusively promoted by iMusic Entertainment, with PLDT Inc. as sponsor. Raul Mitra served as music director, while Audie Gemora, Aicelle Santos, and Jona Viray were selected as special guests. The show was divided into two acts with an intermission. Regine at the Theater was critically appreciated, receiving praise for its theme and Velasquez's vocal abilities.
R-15 was a concert by Filipino singer 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 Concert Productions, 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 from Velasquez's discography, including tracks from her cover albums.
Iconic was a co-headlining concert tour by Filipino singers Sharon Cuneta and Regine Velasquez. Comprising 16 shows, it began on October 18, 2019, at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, and concluded on March 26, 2023, in Los Angeles. The tour in the United States was due to begin May 2020 with six dates scheduled, but these were postponed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; new shows were announced after a two-year delay. It continued in June 2022 at the Resorts World Manila, followed by a series of shows in the United States throughout 2023. The concert tour featured guest appearances by Pilita Corrales, Jeremy Glinoga, and Zephanie Dimaranan.
Freedom: The Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Digital Concert was a livestream concert by the Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez. The concert was produced and broadcast by ABS-CBN Events through four live streaming platforms at 8:00 p.m. Philippine Standard Time on February 28, 2021. The concert's premise was "freedom of singing", stemming from Velasquez's desire to sing songs from several music genres and create a live experience on a stream for her fans longing for a sense of human connection. The set list included renditions of songs from artists such as Elton John, Chris Isaak, George Michael, Sara Bareilles, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish. Bamboo Mañalac performed as a special guest.
Regine Rocks was a concert tour by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. It commenced on November 25, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila and concluded on April 19, 2024. The shows in the United States began in February 2024 which visited select cities in California. It was initially conceived as a celebration of Velasquez's 35th anniversary since her professional debut, and was promoted as the lead-up event following her concert residency Solo at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, which ran from February to April 2023. The concert's premise stems from Velasquez's desire to perform rock music and elements of subgenres such as pop rock, and slow rock. The show spans over 2.5 hours, with a set list of 33 songs, including music from rock artists such as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Coldplay, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Queen, Radiohead, and the Rolling Stones.
Unified was a co-headlining concert by Filipino singers Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo. It was announced in December 2019 and held on two consecutive nights in February 2020 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The show was a co-production by Viva Live and iMusic Entertainment, in partnership with the Pinoy Box Office, Tagalized Movie Channel, and K Movies Pinoy. Ticket sales were handled by TicketNet, with Colgate as a major sponsor. Raul Mitra and Louie Ocampo served as musical directors, while Paolo Valenciano was the stage director. The set list included songs taken from the singers discographies, as well as covers of various pop and OPM music.