ONDING

Since then, they've done shows together in Japan , U.S. and Europe .

“It's in Europe na nag-bonding kami nang husto,” says Pops. “We found out we have some things in common, like our love for eating and shopping. Pero ang favorite line namin after eating is: ‘Girl, kailangan tayong mag-diet.”

At the time Pops was having problems with her marriage, she confided freely to Regine and the latter made sure all the things Pops told her in confidence remained private. Later on, when Pops would get lonely, she's call Regine and the two of them would have a girls' night out.

“Kasi, pareho kaming walang lovelife, so sabi ko, labas na lang kami,” says Pops.

“One time, we went to a bar, kaming dalawa lang,” narrates Regine. “The boys there were sending us free drinks at nilalaklak naming lahat. Actually, I didn't even know what I was drinking. Basta sige, inom lang ako ng inom. When I got home, nagsuka ako nang nagsuka and I woke up the next day with a terrible hangover. That was a terrible experience. But even if the boys were sending us drinks, none of them had the courage to approach us. So, we end up not meeting any guys. Nai-intimidate yata sa amin.”

“Even when we go abroad, we'll tell ourselves, baka dito natin ma-meet ang ating Prince Charming,” Pops sighs. “Pero wala pa rin. So, we end up comforting each other by eating and shopping together. We're both the type na we can shop till we drop.”

FRIENDS

What is Regine's best qualities as a friend?

“You can trust her,” Pops quickly replies. “Like nga noong I was having problems with my marriage, kinukuwentuhan ko siya lagi ang she really knows how to keep a secret. And she's by nature very generous. Not just to me but even to other people she works with. Hindi siya maramot.

“At sabihin mo,” Regine butts in, “napakaganda ko.”

And what is Pops' best qualities?

“She's always been very supportive in everything,” Regine says. “As a singer, she pushes you as an artist to achieve more. Parang ate ko talaga siya at feeling baby ako. And she's always very sweet and thoughtful.”

Finally, they got to do a Valentine concert together last February 11 and 12 at the ULTRA, Queens… on Fire, and their first time to do a back-back-to-back show in Manila . It was a big hit. Both nights were sold out and the venue was really packed to the rafters. And all those who came to watch were not disappointed because both Pops and Regine were in their best element that night, performing con mucho gusto indeed.

“We did a lot of duets. The audience got a big surprise because we sang many songs na mas kilala as panlalaki but given new arrangements by our two musical directors, Homer Flores and Raul,” says Pops.

“And we're so thankful because the audience was really appreciative,” adds Regine. “It was fulfilling to do that kind of concert where you can see that the people really had a good time. They were singing and dancing with us.”

This April, Star Media of Ana Puno will take the Queens… on Fire concert tour to the U.S. where there's a demand for them to perform together. The show's title is Queens… on Fire because Pops is knows as the Concert Queen while Regine is the Queen of Song. But why On Fire?

“Because we're both on fire when it comes to our passion for our craft, for our career,” says Pops. “And also, this is a concert that shows women's power.”

Both Pops and Regine are excited with their U.S. concert tour. “Shopping and eating galore na naman!” Regine exclaims.

“Everyone knows we have two different styles on stage,” says Pops. “Regine is a belter while I specialize on dance tunes. Now, that we're joining forces, balance ang aming combination and we'll make sure this will be a concert to remember for all our fans in the States.”

And hopefully, they might both find Mr. Right in their trip to the U.S. this time.

TV CAREER

Each of them have two TV shows. Pops is in Sing Galing and Pops on ABC 5, while Regine is in Pinoy Pop Superstar and SOP on GMA-7. Is it true Pops will also be doing a new soap for GMA?

”Sorry, but they have no offer. But ABC-5 is very pleased with the ratings and commercial load of my shows, so I am really very happy with them. We have good working relationship.”

How did Regine feel now that Pinoy Pop Superstar is competing with Search For A Star In A Million on ABS, hosted by Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista who were discovered in an amateur show she herself hosted?

“I'm happy for them. Ganyan lang naman talaga sa showbiz. They're shown daily, ‘di ba? Pero okay lang maski tapatan pa nila kami on Saturdays. We'll just take it as a challenge to make our show better. Ang maganda sa GMA-7, they don't pressure me na ‘Hoy, may bago kayong kalaban, mas galingan n'yo, ha.' On my own, I really just try to always do my best.”

Pops is amused by all the reports of sightings of her with estranged husband Martin Nievera in various places and the speculations that they'll eventually reconcile.

The truth is, when they were writing about seeing me with Martin, he's not even here,” she says. “He was then in the States. At kung friendly man kami ngayon sa isa't isa, natural lang ‘yon because of our sons (Robin and Ram). The boys are growing up very fast and they need parental supervision. Actually, hindi na ako affected kahit tinutukso nila kami ni Martin.”

“But I have this strong feeling magkakabalikan talaga sila,” adds Regine. “I'm their mutual friend since their Penthouse Live days at nakita ko how sweet sila to each other. Actually, close ako to both of them, not just lang naman to Pops. Favorite nga ako ni Martin, kaya when I go their place then in Ayala Alabang, I even stay sa bahay nila from lunch hanggang dinner. “I'm one of those who pray na balang araw, they'll be together again. Nothing is impossible naman in this world, ‘di ba?
(Articles lifted from S Magazine) - -