Regine at the Movies

On October 21, 2001, the Philippine Daily Inquirer announced that Regine Velasquez partnered with promoter Maximedia International to perform twelve shows in November and December at the Music Museum in San Juan and the Onstage Theater in Makati.[1] The set on each night would be a collection of film soundtracks, including movie theme songs recorded by Velasquez.[1] Raul Mitra was announced as musical director,[2] while Gabby Eigenmann was selected as guest act.[3] On the week of the last two performances, Maximedia added five more shows, bringing the number to seventeen.[4] Velasquez described the song selection process as an "eye-opener" and added that she hoped to "bring the good ones from the silver screen to the stage".[5]

I am very excited about this show. I realize how important music is in films. The songs and not to mention the score, certainly enhance emotions and gives the scenes the kind of impact the director of the movie has envisioned, otherwise movies would be very bland without music.[5]

In October 2018, Velasquez signed a two-year network deal with ABS-CBN.[6] One of her initial collaborations with the network was the re-staging of the concert residency for three non-consecutive nights on November 17, 24, and 25, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon.[7] Mitra remained as the show's music director, while guest performers for each night were Piolo Pascual, Sharon Cuneta, and Daniel Padilla, respectively.[8]

The concerts were met with positive responses from critics, who praised the intimate show and Velasquez's vocal abilities. Rina Jimenez-David of the Philippine Daily Inquirer described the show as "nostalgic" and a "night of real entertainment".[12] She commended Velasquez's performances and her "wonderfully down-to-earth spiels".[12] Jimenez David said, "An intimate venue seems to fit [Velasquez] perfectly, allowing her greater rapport with her audience whom she by turns teases, cajoles, charms, and even poses with."[12] Leah Salterio, also from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was appreciative of the selection of movie theme songs and lauded Velasquez's "lung power" in performing "vocally challenging hit[s]".[3] Salterio added, "[Velasquez] simply belted out one hit song after another", and further noted the singer's "trademark histrionics which she unabashedly displayed".[3]

In a review of the 2018 show, Salterio wrote: "After more than three decades of performing, Velasquez still displayed her admirable vocal range in song after song, which delighted her audience, who couldn’t seem to have enough of [her] that night."[11] Media critic Allan Policarpio commented, "If there was one good thing that could be gleaned from the mercurial temperament of [Velasquez's] voice these days, it is that it has somehow brought out in her a renewed sense of enthusiasm that was most apparent after getting through a demanding piece."[13] He continued to praise her emotional connection and stage presence. Policarpio concluded by writing, "[Velasquez] made sure to remind everyone of what she was capable of, and why she’s one of the country’s most influential vocalists."[13]

The 2001 concert was aired as a two-part television special on February 15 and 22, 2002 on RPN network.[14][9] On November 24, 2018, the second night of the show was broadcast via pay-per-view livestreaming on Kapamilya Box Office.[15] For the 2018 production, Velasquez received nominations for Female Concert Performer Of The Year from the Star Awards for Music and the Box Office Entertainment Awards, and won the latter.[16][17]

• List of Regine Velasquez live performances

• Tours of Regine Velasquez at Live Nation