Regine's fantasy

Music piracy remains a big problem and record producers are always on their toes thinking of ways to counteract the illegal practice. Take note, just counteract because given the rapid way technology is improving everyday, it is now impossible to fully put a stop to piracy. Fantasy, the latest and the 19th CD by Regine Velasquez is an interesting example. Created with the true Regine fan in mind, it comes in very special packaging, which the pirates will only be able to duplicate at great cost.

There are actually two editions available. That means the buyer can choose from two different covers. One is in black and white and the other one is in color. Then inside are several new and daring photos of Regine taken by Mark Nicdao that fans can only acquire by buying the original two-volume set.

Despite the steep CD price, P550 each, the ploy worked with help from the public interest in Regine and Ogie because of their wedding late last year. Fantasy debuted at No. 1 and was proclaimed Gold after only two weeks in the stores last December and went Platinum soon after. No Regine fan probably wanted to be caught dead with only one CD cover. They must have both. They can really use an extra copy of the album what with all the repeated playings they want to enjoy.

There are lots of new originals including the first single release, You Don’t Know, composed by her husband Ogie plus True Romance by Janno Gibbs, Sana’y Laging Ganito by Edwin Marollano, Always a duet with Jay Perillo written by Monet Silvestre and the cutest of the lot, OK Lang Ako by Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar. There is no need for fans who like the hit covers Regine does very well because they will find here great versions of You And Me by Lifehouse and Paul Young’s I Go Crazy.

We will probably never know when the loving started but the songs in the CD Magpakailanman should give you a good idea about some instances. Released to celebrate their recent wedding, this hit compilation of Filipino originals is made up of solo and duet recordings by Regine and Ogie. Somewhere in the course of making some of these recordings, Regine and Ogie fell in love, defied a lot of odds, and are now happily and hopefully, forever together.

Of course, Magpakailanman is made up of love songs. In fact, here are some of the most memorable works from composers like George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Vehnee Saturno, Louie Ocampo and Ogie himself. And with romantic melodies as the prevailing theme the album makes for a most suitable wedding soundtrack. There are probably lots of memories for Regine and Ogie in these beautiful songs but I do not think they would mind having other lovers adopt them as their own.

Included in the collection are Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka, Ikaw, Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, Forevermore, Pangako and Never Ever Say Goodbye by Regine; Ikaw Lamang, Magmula Ngayon, Pangako Ko, Mahal Kita, Minamahal Kita and Ikaw Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig by Ogie; and for their duets, there are Sa Piling Mo, Hanggang Ngayon and Magpakailanman.

Meanwhile, here are the Top 20 videos of the moment from the Pinoy MYX weekly countdown. Regine’s You Don’t Know featuring reel and real lovers Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, remain in the Top 10 after almost two months of release.

The list: Sino Nga Ba Siya by Sarah Geronimo on its third week at No. 1; Liwanag by Callalily; Hanging Habagat by Champ; Lagi by Kiss Jane; Wag Na by Yeng Constantino; Mahal Kita (Di Mo Pansin) by Kyla; Song For The Suspect by Franco; You Don’t Know by Regine Velasquez; Ang Huling Yakap Ng Mundo by Imago; Today I’ll See The Sun by Frencheska Farr.

Kahit May Mahal Ka Nang Iba by Mark Bautista; Naked by Salamin; Lumapit by Archipelago; What’s Your Poison by Chicosci; Fly With Me by Duncan Ramos; Naaalala Ka by Jericho Rosales; Paasa by All For Patricia; Sa Silid by SLEX; Meron Akong Ano by Kamikazee featuring Chito Miranda, Ian Tayao & Reg Rubio; and Pagkakataon by Shamrock featuring Rachelle Ann Go.