Regina Encarnation "Regine, Chona" Velasquez was born in San Jose, Balagtas, Bulacan, to Gerry and Tessie Velasquez. She is the eldest of five children. All are musically inclined, including mother Tessie who sings in the choir. "Maliit pa ako, lista na ako. Feel na feel na yung pinapalakpakan ako" (I was a smart girl. At an early age I could feel the applause within me!), recalled Regine. She had more than her share of applause. At six she joined her 1st amateur-singing contest. She sang "Buhat", a Rico Puno song, which Mang Gerry taught her. She won 2nd place. She joined more contest as she grew older. She went to different barrios just to participate. When she won, she would bring home some cash, small appliances and sacks of rice. When she lost, well, that was life - you win some, you lose some!

In 1984 Regine joined an amateur singing contest in nearby Baliwag. One of the prizes was a slot television show, "Ang Bagong Kampeon" (The New Champion). She won that contest and got herself on television. She was "Kampeon" for 8 consecutive weeks which was automatically qualified her for the grand finals. Her winning song was "In your Eyes" by George Benson. This outstanding achievement led to a recording contract with Octo Arts International where she recorded a single "Love Me Again" using her nickname "Chona". Unfortunately the song didn’t make it. This failure would have been so tragic for others, but not for Regine. She believed in her immense talent. She wasn’t ready to quit - she was determined to win!Pops Fernandez, one of her co-artist in Octo Arts heard her in one other concert recommended her quest in "Penthouse Live". Ronnie Henares, the executive producer of the show spotted Regine and offered to manage her. After much convincing, she agreed little did she know she was on her way to stardom. "Chona" became "Regine"; dressed her in Kirei creations; gave her voice lessons from trainers like Ryan Cayabyab; attended performance workshops from director Freddie Santos. She sang duets with Martin Nievera on TV and guested in Gary Valenciano’s "Love Power" concert. Kuh Ledesma was responsible for launching her first show at Manila Midtown Hotel, "Regine at 17". From then on, she became everybody’s favorite. She recorded songs (Urong-sulong, Kung Maibaba-lik ko lang, Love me Again, Narito Ako, Promdi and Please be Careful with my Heart, a duet with Jose M. Chan, had a regular TV stint (Teen pan Alley w/ Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga, and Triple Treat); starred in movies (Untouchables Family, Pik Pak Boom, and Elvis and James II) and made commercials. She was the recipient of the Grand Prize in the Asia Pacific Singing Contest held in Hong Kong. She has performed all over the Philippines and in some countries in Asia. One of her spectacular performances was her first major solo concert at the semi open air CCP Folk Arts Theatre. at another sold out concert at the Ultra, she once again enthralled the audience with a brilliant performance entitled "Regine in Season".

What makes this girl so unique and exceptional? For one thing, her vocal abilities - her overpowering sweet voice; her "deafening crescendos make the audience crying". Her dedication to her career has perfected her every performance, and master in her craft.

As she gives us a picture of a serious, hard working, unaffected sweet lass, she also exemplifies simplicity, a girl who just loves to sing and become famous one day. There is this sophisticated image and trendsetting look which makes her uncomfortable. "Siguro, dahil sophisticated and image, people expect na dapat mag-Ingles ako. But I’m more comfortable with Tagalog" she explained. Her father Gerry, comments "Sabi ko na sa kanya, kung natatakot siyang magkamali sa Ingles at nagmumukhang siyang trying hard, mag-Tagalog na lang siya." One she was asked why her father always accompanies her, she said "Ako ang may gusto nu’n. Malayo kasi ang tinitirhan namin sa Bulacan. Eh kung may mangyari, kasama ko lang ang driver, hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko." Regine the person is loka-loka (crazy). In Between commitments I sneak off to SM North with my friends to watch a movie and can’t help asking me if I am Regine. I get kick out of saying, "Hindi, kamukha ko lang yung singer." (No, I’m just like the singer!) She giggles.

Regine Velasquez is one of the most dynamic and powerful voices in the Philippines. She has won several awards not only in the there but also in foreign competitions. As a recording artist, REGINE’S biggest achievement was earning a platinum award for her initial album. This almond eyed beauty started her singing career by winning rural amateur contest. Her musically inclined father zealously took charge of her music training. Even when REGINE was still in grade school, she was already the unbeatable singing champ. The shy girl from Bulacan however had set her sights to the challenge of making it in the big city so she went to Manila and she conquered when she won the championship in "Ang Bagong Kampeon" which gained her a recording contract and a chance to star in local movie.

Today, Regine in one of the country’s most sought after performer. She now finds herself among the rich and famous, living proof of what discipline, hard work and the unyielding love of a father can do to make a dream come true. With a platinum records to her credit, hit singles and duets with the likes of JOSE MARI CHAN, PAUL ANKA and JACKY CHEUNG. This young lady has finally reached start status that may outshine the brightest of her peers.