Singer-songwriter and TV host Ogie Alcasid has cleared the air regarding the swirling retirement speculations surrounding his wife, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, clarifying that she is not stepping away from the music industry anytime soon.
Speculation began mounting in March after Regine revealed to Billboard Philippines that her major solo concert this coming October—which marks her milestone 40th anniversary in show business—would be her last large-scale performance.
”Although I still have some projects next year, but this will be my last big solo concert,” she stated at the time. “I still have mga projects next year and then eventually I retire… Sabi ng asawa ko retirement means naman not really stopping altogether. It means doing whatever it is that you wanna do, but it will free me from ‘yung pressure of trying to please everyone.”
I still have projects next year and then eventually I retire… My husband told me that retirement does not really mean stopping altogether. It means doing whatever it is that you want to do, but it will free me from the pressure of trying to please everyone.
The statement sparked widespread concern among loyal fans who feared the iconic vocalist was bidding a permanent farewell to the stage.
However, during a recent press conference for his upcoming Daddyokie Father’s Day concert, Ogie directly addressed the rumors and firmly denied that his wife is bowing out of the spotlight.
“Hindi pa sya magreretire,” Ogie clarified.
She is not going to retire yet.
While putting the retirement rumors to rest, Ogie admitted that navigating the twilight of a massive touring career has been a deeply emotional journey for them both, recalling a poignant moment they shared abroad.
“It was emotional. This is her love, aside from me. I remember — honey, sorry nalang, ikukwento ko — we were in London, nanood kami ng Coldplay. Yung atmosphere ng concert, naramdaman niya, and she got very emotional. Di niya sinasabi sa akin, pero parang feeling ko, in her mind, sabi niya, mami-miss ko ‘to. Pero sabi ko nga sa inyo, I don’t think she is going to stop, lalo pa ngayon. Ang galing-galing pa rin nya,” Ogie shared.
It was emotional. This is her love, aside from me. I remember — honey, sorry, I will just tell the story — we were in London, we watched Coldplay. She felt the atmosphere of the concert, and she got very emotional. She didn’t tell me, but I felt like, in her mind, she was saying, “I’m going to miss this.” But as I told you, I don’t think she is going to stop, especially now. She is still so incredibly talented.
The veteran songstress had previously opened up about her mental health struggles regarding live shows, admitting in a social media post on February 19 that mounting anxiety had cast a shadow over her recent performances.
“Lately, every single performance for me is such a struggle, even doing ASAP. It used to excite me, a source of joy, but now it gives me so much anxiety. I still LOVE singing, I do, but performing on stage… maybe it’s part of getting old, I don’t know. But it’s kinda of heartbreaking,” Regine confessed.
Despite these self-acknowledged hurdles, Ogie remains confident that Regine’s enduring passion for her craft and the fierce loyalty of her fanbase will keep her singing. As it stands, the powerhouse vocalist is fully focused on training for her highly anticipated FINALE concert this October.