osmo finally caught up with this songbird and found out what makes her soar.

You must be living on another planet if you haven't heard of the melodious voice of Regine Velasquez at least once in your life. A poster girl for success, this talented promdi from Bulacan rose to fame 19 years ago using her golden vocal chords and powerful diaphragm to belt out hit after hit, after hit. All grown up at 35 (with a solid career composed of singing in concerts, acting in movies, hosting singing contests, and producing shows), Regine sits down with Cosmo for the very first time and talks about her triumphs, tribulations, and dreams.

Tell us about your new baby…

Jaya has this hairless toy Chihuahua and the first time I saw him, I was like, “Yuck! I love you Jaya, but I'm really grossed out by your dog.” So she gave me this dog which was full of hair as a birthday gift! I named him George and now I bring him everywhere. He's the sweetest thing. When people see me, they don't look for my dad anymore, they look for George.

Now that you have a baby, a house, and a thriving career, the only thing supposedly missing is Mr. Right. You're 35 and you haven't found him yet. Do you feel pressured by the people around you?

 I used to be, but now I'm like, “Eh, wala eh! Anong gagawin ko?” I'll do my thing. I'm happy and content with my life anyway. I've been so blessed. I experienced so many things that not a lot of women get to experience at this age. I have no eight to complain. I have nothing to be sad about. If it's my destiny not to be married or not to have kids, then I'll accept it. What's wrong with that?

You think guys find you intimidating because you're a celebrity?

Aba ! Problema nila ‘yan. Guys talk to me when I don't have makeup on because I look approachable. Once, I met a guy while I was in jeans, unkempt hair, and no makeup. I had fun talking to him. I saw him again so I approached him and asked how he was. He gave me this strange look and didn't say a thing. I know I look a little different with makeup on, but I guess in his mind he saw me as Regine the celebrity.

Have you tried going on blind dates?

(Makes a face) No. The truth is, I'd like to thing I'm a modern woman when it comes to my work, my look, and my opinions. But when it comes to dating and men, I realized I'm super conservative. For me, dating isn't courting. Courting for me would be a guy who visits your house, gives you flowers… very old school.

Are you subtle or forward when it comes to telling a guy you like him?

Mahiyain ako. I don't say or do anything, even through text. If a guy is courting me but he doesn't tell me his intentions, I won't assume. He has to spell it out. I guess it's also because I'm in this business. I'm a bit guarded, but if the guy is really my type and he says he likes me, I'll say I like him, too!

Are you high-maintenance?

When it comes to boyfriends, I'm so low-maintenance. Mayabang ako. Kaya ko naman lahat eh! I don't nag and I'm not selosa.

How do you deal with rumors that link you to married men?

It's easy! I just keep mum and don't react. I don't care about these kinds of rumors because when the newest scandal comes along, they'll forget about mine.

What's the nastiest gossip you've heard about yourself?

That I was adopted. It's ridiculous! Some people came out and even tried to claim me. They say I had my skin bleached and my face done so that I'd look like my family. Hello! My siblings and I have the same nose, eyes, and face shape. I get affected because they even go to our house.

What are you like at home?

I'm the laziest person in the world. They have to hand me literally everything and I love it! I rarely stay at home so when I do, I enjoy it. I even ask my mom or siblings to get me stuff, but they know it's just my lambing.

How did you transform from a promdi princess into a glamorous diva?

I didn't really notice that my sense of fashion changed. Looking back, I realized I was a probinsyana with no style at all. But even if it was baduy, I owned it. Now that I'm older, I'm not so experimental anymore. I have to dress my age.

How do your parents react to the plunging necklines of your gowns?

My mother is conservative. Sometimes she'll get mad and call me up just to scold me. At times, I'd pretend it was computerized, but of course, she never believed me!

How much would you suffer for beauty?

I can wear high heels and push-up bras, but I don't like those body treatments. Like mesotherapy, I've tried it before but it was too painful.

You've been in showbiz for almost 20 years! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, I won't be singing anymore. I still want to be involved maybe through producing or helping other artists. I entered showbiz because my family was poor. My greatest accomplishment in life is that I was able to send all my siblings to school and they've all finished.

Do you have any more unfulfilled dreams?

I want to be a makeup artist. I also want to go to Paris to study art. I get a little insecure that I didn't finished college since it's such a big deal here. It's a status symbol for us, but my friend says, “You do have a career, Regine. As a matter of fact, you're very successful.”

Did you really want to play Darna on the big screen?

I did, but there were some problems. I still want to do it! When we were kids, we wanted to be either Darna or Dyesebel. I wanted to be both. It was a childhood dream. I want to try it because I've never done it and it would be a challenge for me. I'm not a physical person and I'm not into sports. I'm more of a klutz.

You're a big star, but do you still get star struck?

Yes, with Sharon Cuneta. She's my idol! I recently saw a collection of movies she's done, and I realized that I've seen them all in the cinemas! My favorite is Bituing Walang Ningning because it's a story about struggle and joining singing contests. I can relate to it.

What's the most memorable concert you've done?

The concert where I sang purely Barbra Streisand songs. I loved it because I didn't have to pretend I knew how to dance. I have a concert this month at the Aliw Theater called “Reflections.” It's about looking back and showing people how I started, what songs I used to sing, and the artists who influenced me through the years.

What advice can you give Cosmo readers?

Be sure of what you want in life. Assert yourself if you want something to happen. Don't just dream. Work at it. Don't wait for someone else to do it for you.

High Five (Regine reveals five things she can't live without!)

1. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: “I like their straight cut, low-rider jeans. They make me look sexy.”

2. BCBG: “I love their dresses.”

3. BAYGON: “I sleep with the spray can next to my bed. I hate mosquitoes and cockroaches. I don't like it when they disturb you when you're asleep. Sleep is a sacred thing for me.”

4. SKIN REPAIR: “It's the best lotion I've tried. I only get it in Singapore . I have stocks of it.”

5. LOUIS VUITTON: “I love their shoes and luggage. I'm planning to get a doggie carrier for George.”

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