Regine arrives in Los Angeles for "Flying High" co

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez’ recent arrival in the US was a very emotional experience.

With several deep breaths to calm her nerves, the multi-platinum recording artist could not help but blink off a few tears when she set foot on US soil at the Los Angeles Airport last August 30.

Although she had been to the US many times before, Regine paused a few seconds to take in the reality of the scene before her. She had to remind herself that this was not a dream. After all, it was only a few months back when she thought she would never be able to return to the US again.

Regine once again thanked top immigration lawyer Michael J. Gurfinkel, for being instrumental in making it possible for her to perform for her US-based fans.

Regine, her manager Patty Mayoralgo, and her father Gerry Velasquez, flew in from Manila Thursday for the final preparations for Regine's "Flying High" concert tour scheduled for Sunday, September 9, 2001 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, and on Saturday, September 15, 2001, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.

Regine, the reigning Box Office Queen of Philippine movies, explains that she came ahead of schedule so that she would have enough time to visit "Flying High" selected ticket outlets all over Los Angeles and San Francisco, and personally thank her fans and supporters.

When news broke out that she will finally hold her long-awaited concert, thousands of Regine's fans immediately marked off the concert dates in their calendars and reserved tickets.

The concert's executive producer, Millie Gurfinkel, secured the best venues for Regine and her fans, because she wanted nothing but the best for Regine's fans. Universal Amphitheatre is U-shaped (unlike other venues which are deep and hollow) and all seats are "best seats," with great views of the stage. Seats at the larger San Francisco Cow Palace are also arranged for the maximum viewing pleasure of the audience.

Regine, one of the hottest artists in the Philippines nowadays, is a bit nervous and overly excited about her coming U.S. concert tour.

"I cannot believe this concert is finally going to happen. After last year’s episode at the Embassy, I thought I could never perform again in the US. All I can say is that I am truly blessed to have been given another chance to bring joy to the hearts of our kababayans. Also, I am really excited -- this being my first time to perform solo in the US," the singer said.

Since this is Regine's US "homecoming" concert, she promises her audience a night to remember, with her signature songs "Ikaw," "Narito Ako," "Kailangan ko'y Ikaw," and many other classics which she has revived like "Bluer than Blue," "Never Ever Say Goodbye" and "Pangako, Ikaw Lang", and many more love songs.

And to make the evening more romantic, "King of Hearts" David Pomeranz, well remembered for his ballads "Got to Believe in Magic", "King and Queen of Hearts" and "Born for You", will be joining Regine on stage as a guest performer.

Regine's equally-talented sister, Cacai, is also a special guest.

Directed by the talented Jet Montelibano and line produced by Edith Montelibano of Creative Concepts, International, "Flying High" is already being hailed by local tinseltown as the Concert Event of 2001.

On Sunday, September 9, the posh and exclusive Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City will host Regine after almost seven years. It was here that she staged a very successful concert with fellow Filipino artists in 1994, giving her to the same status as international pop icons who have performed at the prestigious venue.

For inquiries, call The Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel Toll free at (866) Gurfinkel (487-3465) from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m; and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit: www.regineconcert.com.