Songbird Overfatigue

Regine still keeps to back-breaking sked even after collapse.

Though Songbird Regine Velasquez has suffered from hoarseness before, this is the longest time she has had one, which set in after she collapsed and got hospitalized for overfatigue on May 2.

Still, the hoarseness is no cause for concern as it does not hinder her from delivering on work. Apart from singing weekly on “Party Pilipinas” and recording songs for kantaserye “Diva,” Regine has concerts slated in the US and Canada this coming weeks.

During her interview with Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the press on the set of “Diva” in Antipolo on May 11, the Songbird talked about her punishing workload which could be one of the reasons her voice’s recovery is taking longer than usual.

“I usually finish taping for ‘Diva’ at 3, 4 a.m. then return to the set a few hours later, at around 10 a.m. when the sun is at its hottest. I wear prosthetics and long sleeved tops pa so you can imagine how hot it can go for me,” she said in Filipino.

Regine also brainstorms with the kantaserye’s musical director on the songs that are used for certain scenes in the show. She does so since she which ones fit her voice and style within the parameter of a scene’s theme or requirement.

As for her participation in “Party Pilipinas,” the Songbird usually works with the show’s creative team as opposed to just doing what she’s told.

“Fortunately, they consider my suggestions. When I ask if I can do this song or that, they allow me. Lately, however, because of the late hours I keep for ‘Diva,’ I’ve no time to think about my numbers so they just tell me what to do on the show. I cooperate, of course,” she said.

Regine has been so busy these months that she is far from finishing her much-anticipated follow-up to 2008’s “Low Key” album. She also mulls recording an album comprised by songs she has sang on “Diva” in which her character, Sam, is about to metamorphose into a beauty following surgery.

“Which is good for me – for one, I can finally stop wearing this long sleeves!” she joked.

The Songbird disclosed that she has signed up to doing the title role in her first indie film “Mrs. Recto.” In a previous interview, director Dante Nico Garcia said the story tells of women who sell ready-made term papers in downtown Manila.

After these projects – and only then – can Regine take a breather from her schedule in time for her boyfriend, singer Ogie Alcasid’s birthday in August.

By JOJO P. PANALIGAN