Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid has shared his thoughts on wife Regine Velasquez’s possible semi-retirement following her three-night “Finale” concert series, saying the decision to scale back her performances ultimately rests with the OPM icon.
In an interview published by The Philippine STAR on Thursday, October 22, Alcasid admitted that he was uncertain about what semi-retirement would mean for his wife, who recently marked four decades in the music industry.
“I am not so sure what she means by semi-retirement. Really only she would know that,” Alcasid said, adding that the decision was between Velasquez, her heart and her faith.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her future performance schedule, he acknowledged that stepping away from major concerts would be an emotional adjustment for the singer.
Velasquez concluded her sold-out “Finale” concert series at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from October 17 to 19, celebrating her 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry.
The shows were billed as her final major solo concert production, signaling a change in how she intends to approach live performances.
The singer previously clarified that she was not retiring from music altogether. Instead, she plans to discontinue large-scale solo concerts because of the physical, emotional and mental demands involved in preparing for such productions.
She has also decided to retire some of the technically challenging songs that helped establish her reputation as one of the country’s most accomplished vocalists, acknowledging that her voice has changed with age.
Reflecting on the concert series, Alcasid expressed admiration for his wife’s determination to deliver memorable performances despite difficulties during preparations.
He described feeling immense pride while watching her perform and said her commitment to entertaining audiences remained evident throughout the shows.
Looking ahead, Alcasid expressed interest in spending more time traveling with Velasquez and becoming more involved in activities connected to their faith.
He also revealed that the couple still has professional ambitions they hope to accomplish, suggesting that stepping away from demanding concert productions does not necessarily mean the end of their creative pursuits.
Velasquez, who has remained a prominent figure in Philippine music since the 1980s, has already completed recording a new album, reinforcing her intention to continue making music.