Two pillars of the Philippine music industry, Regine Velasquez and Sharon Cuneta, will share the stage in an epic musical event entitled “Iconic”. But, what exactly makes the two timeless singers iconic? For Sharon, the life journey of the Asia’s Songbird is akin to a Cinderella story – how a simple girl from the province was patiently trained and nurtured by her loving father until she has become one of OPM’s finest gems. “Regine is Regine for a reason. Everything she went through, it’s the totality of a performer and all these little details that no one else has,” Sharon adds.
Regine, on the other hand, mentions gracious character and longevity as the facet of Sharon’s colorful persona that makes her truly an icon. “She is my inspiration. Nadadapa siya pero bumabangon siya,” says Regine who is a true-blue Sharonian. Regine has always seen Sharon as an artist who is committed to her supporters. “These people commute, go through rain, sweat in lines and all they want is a picture. It takes a little to make them so happy”, Sharon talks about her fans.
Yet, despite their superstar status, Regine and Sharon have also experienced discrimination in other countries. Regine, a shoe enthusiast, has worked hard to save for a Louis Vuitton item in New York but only to get shooed away while inside the store. The Songbird was hurt; after all, she has persevered enough to afford an expensive item and she believes that no one deserves to be discriminated. Nevertheless, Regine did not make a big deal out of it. “If you don’t want to entertain me, I’d find someone else who would,” Regine thought.
Sharon has also been discriminated in the same manner abroad. “I ended up buying things that I don’t really need because I was so angry. Galit ako kapag Pilipino ang inaapi,” Sharon looks back on the experience.
Taking on the Fast Talk Challenge, Regine reveals that actor Ariel Rivera was her first kiss. Regine’s guilty pleasure is eating while Sharon’s is watching YouTube videos. “Work hard” is the Songbird’s motto in life while the “golden rule” is the Megastar’s. Regine mentions husband Ogie Alcasid as her major turn-on while Sharon says it has to be a nice stare. When asked about one thing they do not need a man for, Regine says it’s her career while Sharon goes for money and power.