Regine: "I hope I will not be judged"

Before the press launch of Pinoy Pop Superstar (PPS) Year 3, hosted by Regine Velasquez at the Studio 3 of GMA 7 last Monday noon, some press people were trying to make a bet: Will Regine say something about Ogie Alcasid's revelation in YES! Magazine regarding his relationship with her?

Most of the press people believed that Regine probably wouldn't say anything. She'd most likely render a song being the host of the widely-popular show. Some others believed otherwise since yesterday, May 22, Regine once again faced the press for the promotion of the Star Cinema movie "Paano Kita Iibigin" with Piolo Pascual on ABS-CBN. It would be logical for Regine to say something on her home turf so it won't affect the promo of her movie with Piolo.

In her opening spiel, Regine even joked that she knows the entertainment press were aching to ask her reaction about the revelations that Ogie made in YES! Magazine, but it's not yet the right time for her to speak in respect to the nine grand finalists of PPS 3 who were really the reason why GMA 7 invited the press over.

While the audio-visual presentation of PPS 3 was being shown, Regine went around and drop bits and pieces on how she felt about the issue that would surely be asked of her. "I am still trying to absorb it," she said. After the press presentation of the nine finalists and before the question-and-answer portion, Regine went back onstage, sang the theme song of her movie with Piolo, and then she started talking.

"First of all, nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga kaibigan ko sa press at sa mga taong naging mabait sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo at hindi nyo ako hinusgahan," she said initially.

"I'm both happy and scared now right now. Happy ako although hindi halata dahil at least it's now out. But at the same time, very scared on what people will say about me. I'm scared that I will be judged," she said as tears started falling.

"Also, scared ako dahil sabi nila kapag nilalabas na ang relasyon, naji-jinx!" she said jokingly, as she tried to put up a brave front while tears rolled down her cheeks.

"This relationship is important to me. This is the only relationship I have and the relationship I will ever have," she continued.

"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Ogie for protecting me. Hindi namin mailabas ito dahil napakaraming kailangang protektahan ni Ogie-hindi lang ako kundi pati pamilya niya.

"Napakaraming pinagdaanan ni Ogie ngunit hindi niya ako isinama at sinarili niya lang. Thank you, Ogie. I love him very, very much," she ended.

Regine's final words drew applause from the press. After that, Regine left the stage and allowed the finalists of PPS 3 to hog the limelight for the question-and-answer portion.

Early this year, Ogie promised that he will announce something in June. Speculations flew that Ogie's announcement has something to do with her relationship with Regine. At the first presscon of Paano Kita Iiibigin, Regine was asked if she has any idea about what Ogie is going to reveal. She begged off from giving a comment for the time being but said that she will first wait as to what Ogie has to say before saying her piece.

In the June 2007 issue of YES! Magazine, Ogie confirmed his separation with wife Michelle van Eimeren and that he's in love with Regine.

Regine is fully aware of what could be in store for her with her and Ogie's admission as to the true status of their relationship. Her only wish is that she people won't judge her. We're sure we will be hearing more feedback from readers and showbiz folks alike now that Regine and Ogie have come out in the open.