Biography

Career

Music

His subsequent albums included 1993 ''"Me and You"'' (我與你) and 1994 ''"Born to be wild"'' (餓狼傳說). In the 1994 Billboard Music Awards in the US, he was named the most popular singer in Asia. He received numerous music awards both in Hong Kong and elsewhere, including the best-selling Chinese singer in the World Music Awards for two consecutive years in 1995 and 1996 held at Monaco. Cheung was also elected as one of the world's Top Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 1999.

Amongst his hit songs, some of his most famous were ''Amour'', "Just want to spend my life with you" (只想一生跟你走) and "Goodbye Kiss" (吻别). The album ''The Goodbye Kiss'' (吻别) was one of the best-selling albums of all time, achieving more sales in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia than ever attained before, with an astounding 4 million copies sold in 1993 alone. The 4 million sold worldwide allowed him to be the first Asian artist to get on PolyGram's annual Top 10 roster. The album was also instrumental in helping Cheung break into the mandopop market. Due to these great songs and albums, Cheung is generally considered to be the pre-eminent member of the ''Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop''. He is regarded by some sources as the best singer of the four.

In 1995, Cheung staged his record-breaking 100-show world tour titled "Yau Hok Yau" (友學友), literally a pun of "friendship Jacky Cheung" reusing the same Chinese characters found in his name. The tour started with 34 shows from 8 April to 9 June at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Then the tour continued at Perth Brisbane Australia and returned to Taipei and mainland China. It then expanded to Madison Square Garden in the US, different parts of Europe, Singapore, India, Malaysia and Japan. He was regarded as the new Michael Jackson by Business Week.

His successful music and acting career has made him one of Hong Kong's icons. Cheung was elected by Time Magazine as one of the "25 most influential people in the New Hong Kong" in 1996.

In 1999, he was named one of the 10 Outstanding Young Persons of the World by the Junior Chamber International, a worldwide federation of young professionals and entrepreneurs. In 2000 he was awarded by RTHK, the Golden Needle Award. This award, the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award, recognized outstanding contributions to the music industry.

Cheung won the ''Best Selling Cantonese Album Award'' in the Hong Kong IFPI Awards of 2005 with his live album, ''Jacky Live Performance''. In the fast-changing scene of canto-pop, Cheung has been able to maintain his popularity and sales power for more than 20 years after his debut, which is unparalleled in the history of Hong Kong pop music.

In 2007, Cheung staged his ''"Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour 2007"''. The tour started on 18 February 2007 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. When the tour ended in Hong Kong on 3 February 2008 after touring 58 cities around the world, a total of 105 shows had been given, attracting more than 2 million fans. 105 became the highest number of shows in a tour by a Chinese artist, breaking the previous record of 100, which was also set by Cheung previously.

Duets

On stage musical

Acting

In the 2004 released and Wong Ching-po directed triads drama film, ''Jiang Hu'', Cheung played the role of ''Lefty'', the best friend and right hand man of a crime boss, ''Hung Yan Chau'', who is played by Andy Lau. The film includes several actors from the cast of ''Infernal Affairs''.

Ceremonies and spokesperson

In December 2006, Cheung performed live the theme song ''"Together Now"'' at the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. He was introduced as "the most popular Asian performer in the world".

In 2010, Cheung, Jane Zhang, and K'naan sang a Mandarin version of "Wavin' Flag (The Celebration Mix)" for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Community

Foreign domestic helper incident

IFPI Awards (partial list)

IFPI Platinum Disc Award

IFPI Top 10 Sales Album

IFPI Top 10 Sales Artist

IFPI Top Sales Album

See also

References

External links

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Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:Hong Kong singers Category:Hong Kong actors Category:Cantopop singers Category:Hong Kong vegetarians Category:Hong Kong Mandopop singers Category:Hong Kong English-language singers Category:Hong Kong Buddhists

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez (born April 22, 1970), better known as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer and TV host. She won the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong, and is widely known for possessing a wide and powerful vocal range.

Velasquez is the first Asian artist to stage a solo concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York, as part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series.

In 1994, Polygram Records produced her first Asia-released album, ''Listen Without Prejudice''. It is considered as Velasquez' most successful album to date, selling more than 1.2 million copies in Asia. It sold over 700,000 units in China, making it the best-selling album in the country by a foreign artist until 1999. The album has sold over 100,000 units in the Philippines and over 320,000 units in other Asian countries.

She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo, Fernando Carrillo, and Billy Crawford. "In Love with You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, landed the top spot in MTV Asia's Top 20 Asian Videos in 2000.

In 2000, She performed the country's millennial theme ''Written In The Sand'' together with 2,000 children in the top-roof of The Peninsula Manila, televised in 67 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila for the BBC's millennium special 2000 Today .

She has also embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in a ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' episode entitled "Lobo." Velasquez formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with Bella Tan's Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions.

Biography

1970–1985: Early life and discovery

1986–1987: Debuts

Viva Records signed Velasquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album. The album contained the songs "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang," "Isang Lahi, " and "Urong Sulong." Her first regularly televised performances were musical variety shows with ensemble casts, such as ABS-CBN's Triple Treat and the Sunday variety show Teen Pan Alley. Velasquez and Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical Kenkoy at Rosing, recording the cover song "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," and performing duets in concert.

1988–1991: International exposure

In 1989, Velasquez was chosen to represent the Philippines in the ''Asia-Pacific Singing Contest'' held in Hong Kong. On Dececember 23, 1989, Velasquez won the grand prize with "You'll Never Walk Alone" from ''Carousel'' and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from ''Dreamgirls''. After the competition, media started calling her "''Asia's Songbird''."

Jose Mari Chan, picked Velasquez to do a duet for his album entitled ''Constant Change''. The album was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA. Gary Valenciano penned the song 'Each Passing Night' which they sang together for his album 'Faces of Love'.

Velasquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included t "''Narito Ako''" ("Here I Am"), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye, " and "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, ''Narito Ako'', was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as a guest performer. Velasquez's debut United States solo concert, ''Narito Ako sa New York'' (Here I Am in New York), was held at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall on October 11, 1991 Velasquez Velasquez delivered an outstanding performances at the Carnegie Hall in New York, considered to be one of the world's most coveted performance venues. Her special guest was Ray-An Fuentes. The concert was a roaring success that earned three standing ovations from the audience.

She sang "Urong-Sulong" and "Narito Ako" plus "I'm Your Baby Tonight" "Greatest Love of All," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "We Can Work It Out," "Somewhere" and a Barbra Streisand medley and romance medley with guest Ray An Fuentes.

She next released an album, Tagala Talaga ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady"). It comprises her renditions of classic Filipino compositions by Nonong Pedero, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, Louie Ocampo, Freddie Aguilar, and National Artists for Music Awardees Ryan Cayabyab, Lucio D. San Pedro, and Levi Celerio.

1992–1998: Asian music scene

First, they featured Velasquez in a duet with Paul Anka titled "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" which is included in the album her fourth album, ''Reason Enough'', which was released in 1993 and achieved platinum album status. It featured "Sana Maulit Muli," "Babalikang Muli," and a duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away."

In November 4, 1994, she performed with Janno Gibbs and Ariel Rivera at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. About 6,100 people came. On November 12, they performed at Cow Palace Auditorium in San Francisco. Ticket sales exceeded 8,200. On November 18, they performed at the Beacon Theatre in New York. 400 standing-room-only tickets were released along with 3,000 seats sold out two weeks before the concert date.

PolyGram Records produced her first Asian album, ''Listen Without Prejudice''. "In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, turned platinum in Taiwan seven days after its release. In its year-end sales of 1994, ''Listen Without Prejudice'' reported sales of over 300,000+ units in Asia in three months. It was reportedly the first huge success of PolyGram in Asia.

Velasquez' second album, ''My Love Emotion'', featured "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. She said that this album was born from a live performance in Singapore. She performed there in the Perfect 10 Music Awards in 1995. She was nominated in two categories (Favorite New Act and Favorite Performance in a song for "In Love With You") but she lost. She sang "In Love With You" with a Singaporean singer and "What Kind of Fool Am I?" After singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" Phil Buckle (the guitarist of Southern Sons, an Australian band) congratulated her and he told her that he'd like to write her a song. Phil composed "My Love Emotion," which is the title of the album. She did two videos for "You've Made Me Stronger" and "My Love Emotion" and sold 100,000 copies Asia-wide on the first month of its release. In the year-end sales of "My Love Emotion," it sold more than 250,000 units across Asia.

As a part of her ''My Love Emotion'' Japanese album launch, Japan Velasquez was invited with many concert guestings, Asian music gatherings, and festivals such as Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture 1995 when she did the opening and closing numbers.

Before Velasquez participated in the Asian music scene in Manila in October 18, 1996, her third Asian album ''Retro'' was released. The album contains re-arrangements of her favorite songs. She and Remus Choy made a video for the duet "I Can't Help It."

As a part of her ''Retro'' album promotion, Velasquez guested and performed with the some of the songs included in her album at the event called The Open Concert in South Korea.

Velssquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of José Rizal's ''Noli Me Tangere'' at the CCP in 1995. She played the tragic role of Maria Clara opposite Audie Gemora's Crisostomo Ibarra, directed by Nonong Padilla. Vic Del Rosario of Viva saw her performance and offered her the lead in ''Wanted: Perfect Mother'', a movie adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comic book series, loosely based on ''The Sound of Music''. Martin Nievera wrote the theme, "You Are My Song," one of Velasquez's original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De Leon.

On April 20, 1996, she did a free concert at the UP Sunken Garden to celebrate her tenth year in show business. It was her way of thanking her country for supporting her all these years. The special guests were Ivy Violan, Nanette Inventor, Bernardo Bernardo, the Tux, Louie Ocampo, Janno Gibbs and Cacai Velasquez. She was the stage director and she conceptualized the show. The musical director was Ryan Cayabyab. They were backed up by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. In the same year, Velasquez recorded a Christmas album, ''Love Was Born on Christmas Day'', her final album under Polycosmic Records. She also ended her contract with Primeline, Inc., opting to manage her own career with her sister, Cacai Velasquez.

June 7, 1997, she and Kuh Ledesma staged the "Power of 2" in San Francisco and Pasadena in the U.S. The show was huge with over 12,000 people in attendance. Afterward, she had a Canada tour (Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary) and shows with Pops Fernandez in Italy which were all successful.

Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B; and hip hop album ''Drawn'', produced by Mark J. Feist, featuring a portrait made by Velasquez on the cover. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "Never Ever Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" celebrated her vocal power, technique, and versatility. A mix of original and cover tracks with an R&B; flair comprised the album. The only Filipino track in the album, "Ikaw (You)," was the theme song of her movie with matinee idol Aga Muhlach. The single "Emotions" was produced by Mark Feist, who later produced the Destiny's Child cover of the same song in 2001 with very little variation. Velasquez also developed a more sexy public image, distancing herself from her former demure one.

''Drawn'' was the one of Velasquez best selling albums: Two weeks after its release, it turned platinum with 40,000 copies sold and ended up on 8x Platinum (350,000+ copies sold). It was considered the figure two weeks after the set of its release. ''Drawn'' was officially available on November 22, 1998 but, according to VMG advertising and promotion manager Bambi Diploma, a number of outlets sold the album around November 16, 1998.

Eventually, her star shone brighter year after year. Velasquez became an international star and released three multi-platinum albums in Asia. She toured the Philippines and other countries, captivating jam-packed crowds with her performances. She was really a crowd favorite, in large part to her charm and endearing personality. "I work hard at what I do. I try to do better all the time," she says.

1999–2005: Transition and independence

In 31 December 1999, she performed the country's millennial theme, "Written in the Sand" was beamed to 67 major broadcast networks in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa — reaching more than a billion of people. The first to view the broadcast were the people of the Kiribati Islands in Fiji, and the song crossed 24 time zones, culminating in the Samoa Islands. On the evening of 31 December 1999, Christian Lanzar a Hemophilia stricken child was joined by more than 2,000 children, some who arrived as early as 10:00 a.m. to rehearse, at the top of Manila Peninsula Hotel. "I was gathering enough energy and strength to face a magnificent milestone in my life," said Christian. Velasquez joined the contingent to perform "Written in the Sand". She released an album entitled ''R2K'' ("Regine 2000"), containing covers of international artists and achieving Sixtuple platinum status in sales and even reached to Ten Times platinum.

Two years later, she released an all-original album titled ''Reigne''. The album included songs like "To Reach You," "''Dadalhin''," and "''Sa Aking Pag-iisa''"which had a remix version. She also worked with singer Marvi Napoles in reviving Mariah Carey/Brian Mcknight Whenever You Call.

Velasquez became the spokesperson for American fast-food chains like KFC and Wendy's in Asia. As an actress, she appeared in a number of Filipino films. In 2002, she received ''Best Actress'' in Star Awards for Television in her portrayal of a retarded woman seeking acceptance and love. She also released the film "''Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon''" and received an MTV Asia award for "Best Philippine Artist,". She was named the "Box Office Queen" award the same year from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial foundation.

She also staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, ''One Night with Regine'', set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the ''2003 Asian Television Awards''. Her MTV Asia special entitled ''Speak Your Mind'' was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agenda on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.

She also hosted the amateur singing contest Star For A Night which aimed to discover new talents. The weekly show was aired on IBC-13 and was a co-production with Viva.

Velasquez became the first and second recipient of the MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) in 2002 and 2003. During the 2002 award ceremony held in Singapore, she sang "Cry" in a duet with Mandy Moore, one of the hosts.

In 2003, Velasquez reunited with Martin Nievera in the Martín Nievera and Regine Velasquez World Concert Tour. The concert was an artistic and commercial success. The first quarter of 2004 saw Velasquez and co-artist, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid in much-anticipated back-to-back concerts entitled The Songbird and the Songwriter. Velasquez formed her own record label called Songbird Music in that same year. She produced an album for Gabby Eigenmann who was her co-host in ''SOP''. Velasquez won her MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) for the second time in MTV Asia Awards.

In 2004, Velasquez released ''Covers Vol. 1'', comprising cover songs including Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics of male singers like Basil Valdez, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Side A, True Faith, and Ariel Rivera. Velasquez transferred her amateur singing contest to GMA-7 and changed the name to ''Search For A Star''.

Velasquez starred in GMA's telenovela ''Forever In My Heart'' opposite Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and former flame Ariel Rivera. December 2004 was Velasquez return to major solo concert performance. She staged in 24,000 seat Araneta Coliseum another set of back-to-back concert performances regally titled ''Reigning Still''. The show was triumphant amidst a series of typhoons that ravaged Manila and nearby provinces. Reigning Still wasn't a culmination of Velasquez' career, it was a bridge to a new level in her career – maturity – in performance and in work. She moved on with the event and for two consecutive nights, Regine conquered the Araneta Coliseum again on her own. The concert was not full to its maximum capacity on the first night (considering that Manila's streets are still flooded at that time) but the second night was a real full house. Never mind since it has been declared Sold Out two weeks before the concert which means even if people didn't make it, tickets were already bought and sold. That's very important especially that Velasquez donned the hat of producer and director. The concert was a showcase of what Velasquez has learned in her craft through the years. It is a spectacle of her running concepts, ideas and style where you can see a Velasquez touch in every detail of it. The concert though was more pop in nature, high spirited, experimental and upbeat, following the trend of recent concerts by Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Christina Aguilera In 2005, Velasquez and singer Pops Fernandez performed a concert, ''Queens On Fire'', later taking it on an eight-city U.S. tour.

Velasquez held the ''Reflections'' Concert series at Aliw Theatre late that year. The stage was decorated with mannequins wearing her gowns from the past decade which were later auctioned for the benefit of GMA's Kapuso Foundation. The concert featured the prodigies "Wyeth Gifted Kids" (saxophonist Jacob Sarreal, violinists Joseph Valdés and Paulina, and classical cellist Pocholo Gutiérrez). The concert featured songs by her favorite singers or the foreign female singers who have influenced her career. The concert consisted of numerous medleys of hits by Barbra Streisand, Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.

Velasquez hosted Pinoy Pop Superstar (a singing competition on GMA 7 which started last 2005 until 2008) which launched the career of Jonalyn Viray (1st Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion who also competed at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood where she won five golds for Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B; and Variety categories & was declared "Overall Champion Female Solo" in Broadway, Pop and Original).

She recorded the theme song "''Di Na Nag-iisa''" for the ''Darna'' TV series, based on the ''Darna'' comic book character created by Mars Ravelo. The theme song was composed by South Border's Jay Durias and the song was nominated for an Aliw Award for Best Song Made For Television. The song was also used in the movie ''Till I Met You'' and is included in the original sound track.

2006–2008: 20th Anniversary and independent record label launch

Her Valentine concert at the Araneta Coliseum, Forever After, co-starred Ogie Alcasid, Rico Puno, and Ai Ai Delas Alas. She and Pops Fernandez staged the North American leg of the Queens on Fire concert tour in the spring of 2006. The Forever After tour was staged in key US cities and at the Wembley Arena in London.

On August 13, 2006, the ''Sharon Cuneta Show'' devoted an to Velasquez. In the middle of 2006, together with manager Cacai Velasquez, boyfriend Ogie Alcasid, and brother-in-law Raul Mitra, Velasquez launched the IndiMusic record label. As part of her 20th anniversary celebration, she staged Twenty concert, at the Araneta Coliseum in mid-October 2006. Velasquez also recorded "Maghihintay Ako," the theme song for the sci-fi telenovela Atlantika.

In 2007, ''People Asia'' magazine's "People of the Year" honored her with the Exemplary Achievement Award, shared with three others. On March 14, Velasquez together with Kuh Ledesma represented the Philippines in the Mosaic International Music Festival in Singapore held at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Her movie, Paano Kita Iibigin, opened on May 30, 2007. The movie was the first co-production between Viva Films and Star Cinema which is owned by media conglomerate ABS-CBN. A soundtrack, featuring solos and duets by the co-stars, was released by Star Records, the first time Velasquez produced an album outside Viva Entertainment. The theme song was penned by Ogie Alcasid.

In August 2007, Velasquez and Alcasid started hosting ''Celebrity Duets'' (Philippines) on GMA 7. The show pairs up local personalities with local professional singers. Velásquez also endorsed Vicki Belo's "Belo Essentials," which includes singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and model/TV personality Lucy Torres. This year she recorded the theme song of GMA's remake of ''MariMar''. In October 2007, she appeared on the cover of the fashion magazine "Preview".

Velasquez attended the 2007 Aliw Awards held at Palacio de Maynila and won "Best Major Concert Act (Female)" for her 20th year anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum. Velasquez was also awarded "The Most Successful Artist of the Year" award by Walk Of Fame Philippines on December 4, 2007 in Eastwood, Quezon City.

Velasquez had a featured performance on Korean television KBS1 entitled ''Window of Asia'' showcasing her life.

She also starred a weekly musical variety show on GMA7 titled ''Songbird'' which premiered May 15, 2008. The "Up Close and Personal" solo U.S concert tour started in May 2008.

A series of concerts with Lani Misalucha started with a tour of the US and Canada in September 2008 before moving to Manila in 2009. Also in 2008, Velasquez released her 15th studio album, ''Low Key,'' which earned a certified gold status three days after its release. In December 2008, she performed with Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma, and Zsa Zsa Padilla in the biggest concert of the year at the Araneta Coliseum dubbed as Divas 4 Divas.

2009–present

Velasquez also played Anna in the series ''Totoy Bato'', a soap in GMA-7. In March and May 2009, she went on tour in the US to stage The Divas 4 Divas US Tour; also, in 2009, Velásquez hosted the GMA singing competition, ''Are You The Next Big Star?''.

Velasquez did a docu-biography show which aired May 24, 2009 on GMA Network as part of her month-long birthday celebration entitled "Roots To Riches." The show featured untold stories, "going back to Regine's roots from her amateur singing days in Malolos, Bulacan up to where she is now." She also gave citation to her young rival in singing competitions, Minerva "Eva" Castillo. They joined in one stage singing, "Ako Ang Nagwagi".

After being scheduled to perform at a concert with Charice Pempengco, Velasquez was forced to pull out after contracting the swine flu. She has since recovered.

At the final requiem mass for President Corazon Aquino, August 5, 2009, Velásquez sang a duet with Martin Nievera, "The Prayer."

Velásquez held a two-night concert entitled "Regine... Most Requested" at the SkyDome, SM North EDSA, which marked her return to the Viva fold. Eva Castillo appeared as her special guest. Early December, she started her most requested concert in provincial places and early next year she is scheduled to finish her provincial tours

In August 28, 2010, Velasquez launched her signature perfumes collection via Bench with two scents available called ''Reigne'' and ''Songbird''.

In 2010, Velasquez started the year by accepting a comic-villain role in GMA-7's ''Darna''. She starred as Elektra The Planet Woman. At the same time, went on to conclude the provincial tour of her SRO 2009 concert series, "Regine Most Requested". Also in March 2010, she starred in the primetime-musical series offering of GMA Network for their 60th Anniversary entitled ''Diva''.

Velasquez attended the inauguration of the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines Noynoy Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand on June 30, 2010, performing Aquino's first campaign jingle "Hindi Ka Nagiisa" and "Bagong Pilipinas" together with other Filipino artists. For the fourth time (2000-9, 2001-4, 2002-7), Velasquez was ranked 8th in the top 10 of FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman In The World. In November 2010, Velasquez started shooting a GMA-7 teleserye, "I Heart U Pare", set to premiere on early 2011.

Velasquez released an album under Universal Records entitled ''Fantasy'', a 2-CD album containing 22 tracks.''Fantasy'' also has two sets of packaging. Each box-set contains 10 sets of post-cards that are in color and in black and white. Fantasy was awarded a Gold Record Award two weeks after its release, and after one month it was awarded as Platinum Record Award making it one of the fastest selling albums of 2010 in Philippine albums history.

In 2011, Velasquez received a ''MYX Magna Award 2011'' in the 6th ''MYX Music Awards 2011''. In June 2011 Velasquez was nominated as Coolest Female Singer in 2011 Yahoo Philippines OMG Awards, She got 43% of the over all votes, but she lost it to Charice Pempengco with 54% of over all votes .

Acting career

Velasquez' returned to the cinema in 1996 for her first lead role in the film ''Wanted Perfect Mother''. Also in that same year, she was one of three lead actresses in the musical comedy ''Do Re Mi'' alongside Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco. Despite being part of the movie, Velasquez' vocals were not part in recording of the movie's soundtrack, as it was an then-upcoming VIVA Records singer named Krystine, who sang vocals on her part. In the movie version, Velasquez was able to record her vocals just in time before the movie was released.

In 1998's ''Honey Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako'', she played a ghost who died in a car accident days before her wedding day. Also, Velasquez co-starred with Aga Muhlach in the romantic film ''Dahil May Isang Ikaw''. Later, in 2000, she starred in ''Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw''. In 2001 she starred in ''Pangako Ikaw Lang'' which earned her a ''Box-Office Queen'' award from the ''Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation''.

Velasquez acted in two more romantic films in 2002 and 2003; ''Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon'' and ''Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka''. In December 2003, she appeared in ''Captain Barbell''.

Velasquez returned to the romance genre in 2006 and 2007 with ''Till I Met You'' and ''Paano Kita Iibigin.'' In June 2008, she was the voice of Urduja in the animated film ''Urduja''.

In 2009, Velasquez, conceptualized the story for ''OMG (Oh, My Girl!)'' and she will appear in a cameo role as a production assistant.

Velasquez is currently filming Mrs. Recto, an indie film under the direction of Director Dante Nico Garcia. Her 3rd reunion movie with Aga Muhlach, ''Of all the Things''.

Personal life

In April 2011, She and her husband confirmed the news of her pregnancy through the same afternoon-variety show, Party Pilipinas.

Philanthropy and other activities

In 1995 Velasquez performed to the Singapore's National Kidney Foundation, the HongKong AIDS Foundation, the Hong KongPhilharmonic Orchestra. The proceeds goes to the cited charitable event.

In 1999 Velasquez and the Municipality of Pasig did a fund raising event called ''Muling Aawit ang Pasig'' it was the concert were Velasquez performed, the proceeds goes to the rehabilitation of Pasig River. Later on it was followed with another event called ''Piso Para sa Pasig'' also starred by Velasquez all the proceeds goes to the cited recipient.

In 2002 Unicef picked Velasquez as the one of their Ambassadors in Asia. As one of her first project, Velasquez did a documentary MTV Asia special entitled ''Speak Your Mind'' which was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agendum on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.

In May 2002, Velasquez staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, ''One Night with Regine'', set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the ''2003 Asian Television Awards''.

In 2005 Velasquez sold 40 of her gowns in an auction sale launched on October 23, 2005 on the Mel & Joey talk show with the proceeds going to GMA 7's ''Give a Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy project'' which desires to give some needs for those in need. The auction resulted in more than P 800,000 (Philippine Peso).

In response to Thypoon Ondoy in 2009, Velasquez joined other celebreties who donated more than P 300,000 for the victims and she did a relief works in the affected areas. In December 2009, Velasquez did a Musical Special called ''After The Rain'' starring the stories of the families that has been affected by the Thypoon.

In 2010 Velasquez was named as the one of the ambassadors of Operation Smile a non-government organization, which provides medical treatment to children with Cleft palet.

Discography

Theatre

Filmography

Television {| class = "wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Channel ! Role ! class = "unsortable" | Notes and Awards |- | 1997 | ''SOP'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (1997—2010) |- | 2000 | ''Habang May Buhay'' | (IBC-13) | | Episode "Sa Puso Ko'y Ikaw"together with Piolo Pascual |- | rowspan=2|2002 | ''Star For A Night'' | (IBC-13) | herself | Host (2002—2003) |- | ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' | (ABS-CBN 2) | Abby | Episode "Lobo"2002 PMPC Star Award for Television for Best Actress |- | 2003 | ''Search For A Star'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2003—2004) |- | rowspan=2|2004 | ''Forever in My Heart'' | (GMA-7) | Angeline | main role |- | ''Pinoy Pop Superstar'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2004—2007)2005 PMPC Star Award for Television for Best Female Host2006 PMPC Star Award for Television for Best Talent Search Program Host |- | 2007 | ''Celebrity Duets'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2007—2009)together with Ogie Alcasid |- | rowspan=3|2008 | ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' | (ABS-CBN 2) | Cathy | Episode "Dalandan"directed by Jeffrey Jeturian together with Albert Martinez, Mickey Ferriols & Christian Vasquez |- | ''Songbird'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host |- | ''Ako si Kim Samsoon'' | (GMA-7) | Kim Samsoon Buot | main role |- | rowspan=4|2009 | ''Totoy Bato'' | (GMA-7) | Anna Molina | main role |- | ''Are You the Next Big Star?'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host |- | ''SRO Cinemaserye'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Episode "The Eva Castillo Story" |- | ''Darna'' | (GMA-7) | Elektra, leader of the Planet Women | recurring role (season 2, 2009—2010) |- | rowspan=2|2010 | ''Diva'' | (GMA-7) | Sampaguita/ Melody | main role |- | ''Party Pilipinas'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2010—present) |- | 2011 | ''I Heart You, Pare!'' | (GMA-7) | Antonia "Tonya" Estrella/ Tonette Star/ Tony Boy | main rolelater replace by Iza Calzado due to her pregnancy |- |}

Notable guest appearances

See also

References

External links

Category:1970 births Category:Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation Category:Filipino actors Category:Filipino dance musicians Category:Filipino singers Category:Filipino female singers Category:Filipino pop singers Category:Filipino record producers Category:Filipino Roman Catholics Category:Filipino television personalities Category:Filipino television actors Category:Filipino theatre directors Category:Filipino film actors Category:Living people Category:People from Bulacan Category:People from Manila

With both the vast pirate fleet and the throne of Tainan, he intended to continue his father's plans to invade the Philippines; however, he was forced to abandon this venture when faced with the threat of a Manchu-Dutch alliance. His victory over a combined Manchu-Dutch fleet in 1664 resulted in ending the brief alliance.

For the next 19 years, he tried to provide sufficiently for the local inhabitants and reorganizing their military forces in Taiwan. Contacts with the Kangxi Emperor from the mainland by sending ambassadors was frequent. Although he continued to fight for the cause his father died for, he had largely abandoned any pretense of restoring the Ming Dynasty by the time he invaded Fukien in 1676. He occupied key cities in the province for a year before losing them back to the Manchus by the end of 1677. Invading Fukien once more, he led a force of 30,000 men to capture Haicheng as well as taking the provincial commander prisoner.

In 1680, Zheng Jing was forced to order the abandonment of Xiamen, Quemoy and the Pescadores islands after losing a major naval battle to Chinese Qing admiral Shi Lang. Driven off the mainland by the Manchu, he retreated to Tainan where he fell ill and died of dissipation on March 17, 1681. Zheng named as his successor his oldest son, Zheng Kezang; however, Zheng Kezang was quickly toppled in favor of Zheng Keshuang.

See also

References

Bibliography & Further Reading

Category:History of Taiwan Zheng Jing Zheng Jing Category:Chinese pirates Category:Ming Dynasty generals

Biography

Cheng returned to the Cantopop market in 2003, however success for him did not arrive until 2005, where his signature song "無賴" (''Rascal'') was voted one of the Top 10 songs at various music award shows, notably TVB's Jade Solid Gold, where it was voted the most popular song of 2005.

Biography

Ronald Cheng started his relationship with Charlene Choi, a popular Hong Kong female singer and actress, in 2004, after starring as lovers in the film Hidden Heroes. In 2010, while Choi announced ending the relationship with Cheng, the press revealed that they had registered their marriage in Los Angeles, United States in 2006. Both Cheng and Choi recognized the marriage, but decided to divorce.

Discography

Filmography

TV series

References

External links

Category:Hong Kong singers Category:Cantopop singers Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:TVB actors