Regine on Legrand: A joy to work with

Win some, lose some.

That sums up the way things have been turning up lately for Regine Velasquez.

Last week, she and former rival Gelli de Belen reconciled on national television (on GMA’s SIS). Win! A few days ago, Regine in the company of Jaya and Lani Misalucha had an unpleasant encounter at the GMA Studio make-up room with Bing Loyzaga, wife of Janno Gibbs, a few minutes before Regine and company got on air for S.O.P. Lose!

Three weeks ago, Regine was voted one of Asia’s favorite artists at the MTV-Asia Awards in Singapore. Big win! It was also in Singapore where Regine had another attack of migraine (the same ailment that hit her during a show late last year at the Music Museum right in the middle of her performance!). Little lose!

As I’ve said, win some, lose some. It has been nothing less than a roller-coaster ride these days for Regine who has, bless her, kept her cool (never mind if she did break down during her... clash?... with Bing) through it all and kept her dignity intact.

But tomorrow night and Saturday night, Feb. 14 and 15, 8:30 p.m. at the PICC Plenary Hall (with an extension on Sunday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.), Regine will be a big winner as she performs with the Michel Legrand (Windmills of Your Mind, The Summer Knows, Something New in My Life, etc.) in the Valentine concert Songbird Sings Legrand, produced by Maxi-Media in cooperation with City Light Entertainment.

Regine (who also once recorded a duet with Paul Anka) is the second local artist to perform with Legrand (the first was Kuh Ledesma last year) and the first to record an album with the music icon.

So how was it working with Legrand?

"I went to Paris last year and stayed there for one week. Legrand and I prepared the repertoire for the album. He was a joy to work with! Everytime I finished singing, he’d exclaim, ‘Oh, darling, how beautiful!’ Ganoon siya."

Regine’s favorite Legrand compositions are What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? ("Mahirap kantahin, pero ang ganda!") and On My Way to You. "Actually, I love all his songs. As a kid, I used to sing Happy (Michael Jackson) and it was only later did I learn that it was composed by Legrand.."

At work, according to Regine, Legrand was very serious, and very dedicated, putting all of himself into what he was doing.

"I could easily relate to him because I’m also like that," said Regine. "I’m amazed at his energy and enthusiasm. At his age, he still has the drive. Ako, I’m not sure if I’d still have the same drive when I reach that age."

Meanwhile, let’s enjoy the Songbird as she sings Legrand and simply forget what we’re gonna do the rest of our lives.

Anne turns 18

Anne Curtis is turning 18. Like most girls who come of age and become young ladies, she is having her debut in a grand party at the Garden Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel on Feb. 21.

Her guests will be made up of family and friends, both in and out of showbiz. For the 18 roses, the list of participants includes Janno Gibbs, Anjo Yllana, Chubi del Rosario, Richard Gutierrez, Sherwin Ordoñez, Jake Roxas, Wendell Ramos, Cogie Domingo, JR Trinidad, Patrick Garcia, Dingdong Dantes and Anne’s rumored boyfriend Vittorio "Oyo Boy" Sotto. Anne’s father, James Curtis Smith, will be her escort and first dance.

But since Oyo Boy is on the guest list, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will Luis "Lucky" Manzano be there, too?

If they know the answer, Anne’s female friends – who make up her 18 candles – certainly aren’t telling. They include showbiz stars Angelika dela Cruz, Rica Peralejo, Camille Prats, Vanna Garcia, Jodi Sta. Maria, Chantal Umali, Antoinette Taus, Cheska Diaz, and cousins Ciara and Danica Sotto.

The 18 treasures will be presented by people special to Anne, like Ara Mina, Sunshine Cruz, Assunta de Rossi, Dina Bonnevie, Vic Sotto, Michael V, Alice Dixson, Rufa Mae Quinto, Bobby Andrews and Dorothy Tan. (Tan is the owner of the clothing brand Petit Monde of which Ann is one of the celebrity endorsers.)

Anne, who will be wearing a gown designed and executed by Jontie Martinez, is very excited about her debut. She was personally involved in putting it together – from choosing people for the 18 roses, candles, and treasures, to making the reservations at the Shangri-La Hotel and choosing the kind of food to be served during the party. Anne even chose the design of her invitations and CD give-aways.

Anne is a talent of Viva Artists Agency. She is a mainstay of GMA’s Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw, Beh, Bote Nga and Bubble Gang.

What’s up?

• The Tau Alpha Fraternity of UP Diliman, in celebration of its 70th anniversary, presents Heart Attack, a night of music and fun. Happening on the fourth night of the UP Diliman Fair 2003, this pre-Valentine party will feature bands like True Faith, The Dawn, Sandwich, Eraserheads, Pan, Itchyworms, Sugarfree, Monsterbot, Mighty Man and Yuk and many more! Plus Wet and Wild action by Pamela Ortiz, Karen Villar, Tricia Borromeo and Hanni Miller in the minipool. Aside from the usual rides, booths and games, Heart Attack will also feature a pool party – a first in UP Diliman’s Fair history. The party starts at 6 tonight at the UP Diliman Sunken Garden. Tickets are priced at P70 each. For inquiries, call Adrian (09192528109) or Raymond (09197122280).

• Fr. Teo Rustia of The Bethesda Springs of Hope Healing Ministry will hold a healing service tonight at Francis Parish Church, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. The healing service features the relics of St. Padre Pio, St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Water from Lourdes. Admission is free; everyone is invited. For inquiries, call 412-1283 or 373-2384.

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