Dubai: It was a great start to the weekend on Thursday for hundreds of Filipino expats as they got a double treat with an enchanting live performance by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and her husband, the songwriter and hitmaker Ogie Alcasid. Despite the chilly night, the star couple floored a tremendous show at the Emirates Golf Club, and won.
“It’s actually pleasant weather to perform to. It’s a bit cold, but it doesn’t bother us because of your warm welcome,” said Velasquez while welcoming and thanking fans after the first two songs.
“It’s been a while since we performed here, and this is our fifth time since in 2004. You guys are great!,” Alcacid added.
Velasquez described Filipinos as being known to sing and listen to sad love songs before singing covers of Adele’s hit songs in her own trademark style.
She also nailed the challenging and most requested song Let it go from the hit Disney film Frozen, giving it her own twist.
The audience went wild when Alcasid sang songs from his hit records and a reggae rendition of Nandito Ako while letting the fans take selfies from the crowd.
Mark Anthony Respall Puentespina, a 32-year-old photographer, said he was lucky enough to get a front-row seat. “Their being a happily married couple shows in how they sing songs. There is also no change in the quality of their voices as they serenaded the crowd with songs, both old and new. It was an awesome treat to hear OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs performed live,” he said.
A couple from New Zealand, Gary and Maxine, were thrilled to see the show. “We were so excited to watch them perform live, specially the song Bakit ngayon ka lang — one of our all-time favourites.”
John Van Der Poel from Poland, a technical manager, attended the concert with his wife, son and parents. He said he was amazed by the couple’s vocal prowess. “We didn’t really understand some of the lyrics, but their performance still astounded us. We don’t have that [Regine’s] kind of voice in Europe,” he added.
Sharon Elaurza, 35, an executive assistant said it was like a trip down memory lane.
“My favourite part was the OPM and a long segment with all of my favourite songs sung by the couple. Every song made me feel very nostalgic. We’re hoping for more shows for Filipino expats,” she said.
The couple ended the night with pumped-up songs that got the crowd dancing and rushing towards the stage for that selfie for keeps.
