PASAY CITY, Philippines — Veteran OPM icon Regine Velasquez-Alcasid has announced that her upcoming concert series, “FINALE,” will mark her transition away from large-scale arena productions, though she emphasized she is not retiring from music entirely.
After four decades in the entertainment industry, the celebrated singer shared that future performances will be scaled down to smaller, more personal settings rather than massive venue shows.
“Yes and no. For major concerts yes, but I’m not going to stop performing altogether. I will still perform siguro sa mga smaller, intimate venues,” Velasquez said when asked if the concert title signals an end to her music career.
The singer cited the mounting physical demands and extensive preparation required for big productions as key factors in her decision, alongside balancing her responsibilities as a wife and mother.
“More than anything, I can’t handle na talaga yung pressure na mag-stage ng huge concerts because of everything that comes with it, you know, what it entails. Mahaba ang preparation kasi kailangan bongga diba, it will eat up too much of my time, my schedule, and it’s hard because I’m also a mom and wife,” she explained.
She also candidly reflected on how age has naturally altered her performance style over time.
“I am not the same singer that I used to be like 10, 20 years ago. Kasi may mga pagbabago as you age talaga. But don’t get me wrong. I could still sing. It’s just that, it’s not like before anymore.”
Velasquez’s decision comes after years of navigating vocal and health challenges, including losing her voice due to a viral infection during her 2012 “Silver” anniversary concert and taking an extended break in 2013 to treat acid reflux.
Despite these setbacks, public demand for her live shows remains high. The singer admitted she was surprised by how rapidly tickets for her upcoming series sold out.
“Yeah, I was mildly surprised kasi ang bilis, I mean, alam ko naman bebenta pero hindi ganoon kabilis na in a matter of minutes, sold out na.”
Rather than a retirement announcement, Velasquez views the upcoming show as a expression of gratitude to her long-time supporters.
“This concert is not a farewell, it’s a thank you concert. It’s for all those that supported and loved me through the years, I just want to show my appreciation by giving them a huge concert.”
While promising nights focused heavily on vocal performances and varying setlists, she lightheartedly ruled out any high-risk stage stunts from her past shows.
“Naku, hindi ko na kaya,” she laughed. “I’ve done that already and you know, I can’t do na mga buwis-buhay na pasabog. But expect a whole lot of singing talaga.”
“Iba-iba ang setlist ko gabi-gabi,” she added.
”FINALE” is scheduled for October 17, 18, and 19, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.