Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez gears up for her final big solo concert, commemorating 40 years in the music industry.
As she marks four decades in the spotlight, Regine Velasquez is preparing to take what could be her final bow on the big concert stage.
“I’m celebrating my 40th year in the business. I’m going to have a concert sometime in October, pero wala pa kaming date and venue. It’s going to be my last big concert, to celebrate my 40th year,” she shared in an interview with Billboard Philippines.
Just recently, the iconic OPM artist was honored as one of the Women of the Year for her lasting contributions to the music industry—another milestone in a career defined by powerhouse vocals and enduring relevance.
A final milestone concert
Still, Velasquez made it clear that while the stage may soon grow quieter for her solo concerts, her journey in music is far from over. “Although I still have projects next year, this will be my last big solo concert,” she shared.
Opening up about retirement, the singer described it not as an ending, but as a shift in purpose, one that allows her to embrace music on her own terms.
“Eventually, I will retire… Sabi ng asawa ko, retirement does not mean really stopping altogether. It means doing whatever it is that you want to do. It will free me from ’yong pressure of trying to please everyone,” she explained.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Velasquez also reflected on the changes she now faces as a performer.
“When I was younger, I opened my mouth and there was a voice because when I open my mouth, there really is a voice. No matter if I’m sick or I’m dying, or whatever like rain, shine, I open my mouth and there is a voice. Nowadays, it’s not like that anymore, because I’ve gotten older and I think people don’t understand that. Actually, I also don’t understand that,” she admitted.
Embracing a new vocal era
She went on to describe how time has reshaped her instrument.
“It’s different now. I’ve gotten older and for women it’s different. My voice has gone through a lot of changes, but somehow I’m still able to pull through. Nowadays, it’s more difficult. Parang ’pag nadadagdagan ng digits ’yong edad ko, nababawasan ‘yong boses ko. It’s getting more difficult to sing,” she added.
Despite this, Velasquez emphasized that stepping back does not mean stepping away from life.
“Kasi ’yong concept natin ng retirement is ’yong tumanganga ka na lang sa bahay mo. Parang ayaw ko rin naman no’n… Parang hindi rin ako sanay no’n. I keep thinking, what am I gonna do next if I retire? I have to find something to do,” she said.
“But I guess, I don’t have to completely stop. Sabi ng asawa ko, retirement means hindi ka totally kailangan tumigil, you just have to free yourself of the pressure,” she concluded.
Nowadays, it’s more difficult. Parang ’pag nadadagdagan ng digits ’yong edad ko, nababawasan ‘yong boses ko. It’s getting more difficult to sing.
Regine Velasquez
