Ogie takes lead, Regine joins him in musical celebrating 38-year career

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and his wife, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, are set to share the theater stage in a musical inspired by Ogie’s 38-year music career, titled “Kailangan Kita: An Ogie Alcasid Musical.”

The announcement was made on Oct. 31, following the final performance of “Bongga Ka Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Just before the curtain fell on the production, theatergoers were given a glimpse of the next musical scheduled to open in May 2027.

Before Ogie appeared onstage, a video featuring him and Regine was shown to the audience. Theater performers then set the mood with a series of songs from his catalog.

Poppert Bernadas performed “Kailangan Kita,” followed by Ethan David and Sheena Belarmino, who sang “Hanggang Ngayon.” They later joined other theater actors for “Dito Sa Puso Ko” before Ogie was finally introduced.

“Yes. It has been revealed,” Ogie exclaimed as he stepped onto the stage.

He initially teased the audience with an invitation to his supposed birthday celebration, saying, “Next year na po. Nais ko po kayong imbitahan sa aking birthday party…”

He then revealed that the real celebration would be through his musical.

“Sa aking munting palabas na aking sinulat. Tatlongpu’t walong taon na po, lahat ng mga awiting sinulat ko at inawit ko ay gagawin po namin dito sa bulwagang ito,” he shared.

Ogie confirmed that he would portray the lead character, with Regine playing his onstage partner.

“Excited po akong ipaalam sa inyo na ako po ang gaganap. Totoo po! At ang gaganap po na aking kabiyak ay walang iba kundi ang asawa ko na si Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. So, excited na po kami,” he said.

The couple has spent seven years developing the project, making the announcement a significant milestone for the longtime musical collaborators.

“Ito po’y pitong taon naming pinag-ukulan at pinag-isipan kung papano po namin ipapalabas ito,” Ogie said.

“Kaya excited na po kami. Sana, excited din po kayo.”

The musical’s title also pays tribute to the 2002 romantic drama “Kailangan Kita,” starring Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto. Directed by Rory Quintos, the film was shot in Bicol and became one of the most memorable romantic films of its time.

Ogie acknowledged the film’s original leading man during the announcement, inviting Aga to join the celebration.

“At nakakatuwa dahil ang title ng aming musical ay ‘Kailangan Kita,’ at narito ang unang gumanap sa pelikula na walang iba kundi ang kamukha ko na si Ginoong Aga Muhlach.

“Palakpakan po natin! I hope you’ll come next year. May 2027 until about July. Hope to see you,” he told Aga.

Featuring Ogie’s original compositions and Regine’s celebrated vocals, “Kailangan Kita: An Ogie Alcasid Musical” will bring the real-life couple together onstage in a production celebrating decades of music and their personal partnership.

The musical is scheduled to run from May to around July 2027 at Newport Performing Arts Theater.