Beautiful, intriguing and fabulous photographs of Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez are contained in "Reigne: The Book," which was launched recently by Viva Foundation for the Arts at The Podium in Ortigas Center to coincide with the opening of the exhibit of photographs of the singer taken by ace and award-winning lensman Jun de Leon.

The book is a collaborative effort between Regine and Jun (he worked on it for no less than four years, according to Viva Big Boss Vic del Rosario who was in the launch of course). The magnificent 200-page collection of photographs, many of which have never been seen before, covers five years in life of the famous singer. De Leon chronicled not only Regine's formal sittings for album covers or show posters but also many of her unguarded and daring moments, alone or with close friends. De Leon chose the best among these and compiled them in this very special book which is a must for all fans of Regine and anybody who appreciates a true work of art.

Retailed at R950, "Reigne" comes in a special gift box with a free CD of Regine singing " The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and the never-before-released "Misty Glass Window ."

The book brings to fore a long-standing friendship between two volatile artists who are also known perfectionists. Jun and Regine instantly hit it off the first time he accepted the offer to take her photographs for one of her album covers. Since then, he has learned ro rely on De Leon to take all of her picture requirements. In return, she has become one of his valued subjects for whom he would go the extra mile to ger that special image.

Those images are what "Reigne" is all about. This is Regine Velasquez as seen through the eyes of De Leon , a life spent before the camera, a chronicle of accomplishments, the many facets of a woman. It is also a work of art that they are now sharing with everybody. "Reigne" is actually a biography, a life story spent before the camera. It is a directory of accomplishments, as it depicts the many mysteries that make a woman. Most of all "Reigne" is a work of art, shared, imparted, immortalized!

Regine is definitely one of country's most popular stars. She was honored last week with a Platinum Record Award for the album "Covers." She stars in the well-followed soap series "Forever in My Heart" for GMA-7 and scored another big success with her recent concert "Reigning Still" held at the Araneta Coliseum .

De Leon , on the other hand, has been a photographer for over 30 years. He has published five books of his works, among them "Viva Gold." He has also ventured into the movies with the short film "Waves of Echo."