Power couple Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Ogie Alcasid during the Friday concert in Doha. PIC: Carmina Soberano & Ronnie Castro
Doha, Qatar: Asia's songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, proved once again why she is hailed as one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture during her highly successful concert in Doha.
The event, held at Al Gharafa Sports Club on a Friday evening, attracted over 3,000 enthusiastic fans who eagerly awaited the chance to witness her live performance in the country.
The concert which lasted for over two and a half hours, was a nostalgic journey for fans as Regine sang her most famous hits, including "Pangako," "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw," "Dadalhin," and "On the Wings of Love." The crowd was swept away by her powerful vocals and impressive belting technique, a trademark of her performances.
Adding to the magic of the night, Regine shared the stage with her husband, Ogie Alcasid, for a series of heartwarming duets. Together, they serenaded the audience with songs like "Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang Dumating," "Dito sa Puso Ko," "Kung Mawawala Ka," "Kailangan Kita," and "Hanggang Ngayon," creating beautiful musical moments that left the audience in awe.
Apart from her signature hits, Regine also showcased her versatility by performing a range of other songs, such as "I Love You Always Forever," "You Are My Song," "You've Made Me Stronger," "Bluer Than Blue," "Rather Be," "Crazy for You," and the iconic songs of the Filipino alternative rock band, Eraserheads, including "Pare Ko," "Magasin," and "Overdrive." The electrifying atmosphere was heightened as the entire crowd sang along with her, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid's comeback concert in Doha not only delighted her loyal fans but also left a lasting impact on the Filipino community residing in Qatar. Many fans expressed their joy at finally having the chance to see their idol perform live again after so many years. She last performed in the country more than a decade ago.
Faith, another fan said Regine's performance was as classic and captivating as ever. She expressed gratitude to the Filipino community for bringing artists like Regine to Qatar, as it helped ease the longing for the Philippines. Gerard, also a fan, praised the concert as a fantastic celebration of Eid. He and others in the audience felt transported back to the Philippines during the two-hour performance.
Alessandra, who had eagerly awaited Regine's comeback in Doha, could not contain her happiness. She described the concert as one for the books, emphasising how Regine's timeless singing had everyone singing along. “Seeing her live was an incomparable experience compared to watching videos on YouTube or listening on Spotify.”
The success of Regine's concert was not just a testament to her enduring talent but also a reflection of the efforts made by Royal Sports and Events in organising various concerts featuring Filipino artists in Qatar. The organisation's dedication to bringing renowned performers to the country has been well-received, with previous events drawing full houses.
Looking ahead, Royal Sports and Events have already announced that Filipino singer, actress, dancer, and model, Gigi De Lana, along with The Gigi Vibes, Lassy, and MC, are all set to perform on September 1.
The organiser is behind the successful programmes such as the Allstar Basketball event in May featuring famous Filipino personalities like Jairus Aquino, Young JV, Paolo Gumabao, Gab Lagman, Derrick Monasterio, and Ion Perez; and "Moira, The World Tour Qatar' concert in February where both are sold-out.
As the curtains closed on this unforgettable concert, the resounding applause and cheers served as a testament to Regine Velasquez-Alcasid's timeless charm and enduring talent, ensuring that her music will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans for generations to come.
