It was exactly on August 8, 2022 when OPM icon Regine Velasquez-Alcasid was declared the new official host of the long-running ABS-CBN morning talk show “Magandang Buhay.”

While she and her fellow momshie-hosts Melai Cantiveros-Francisco and Jolina Magdangal-Escueta have already tackled a variety of topics regarding different aspects of everyone’s life over the past two years, it seems that we have not heard her talk about her gig on the well-loved program. And she finally did during her guesting in ABS-CBN Entertainment Bisaya online talk show “Kuan on One,” hosted by Momshie Melai.

As their conversation veered on her journey as a “Magandang Buhay” host, Melai recalled how ecstatic she was when it was announced that the Asia’s Songbird would be their new co-host. According to Melai, she was so grateful to work with her on the show because, unbeknownst to many, it was a dream come true for her since she used to only aspire to be her co-host. Melai then wasn’t able to contain her emotions as she conveyed how it made her feel that she indeed has worth in the industry and is valuable.

Still in great disbelief, she confessed asking herself over and over again what made Regine accept it despite having the option not to and demand for her own show instead. And Regine was finally able to answer it.

“Alam mo kung bakit ko tinaggap ‘yon? Because when I guested there, I had so much fun. I really enjoyed it. And I can see what the show was trying to do. We weren’t just chismis or entertainment. No, we were trying to impart lessons in life, ‘yong mga natutunan namin. So, maganda ‘yon for me,” she told Melai.

Then she added, “Plus, during those times kasi no’ng nakikita ko si Jolina, she was so different from the Jolina I knew. And so, I wanted to do it because my main factor was I wanted to help her. I wanted for her to remember who she is.”

Regine turned to Melai and told her that she didn’t see any problem with her because she’s been noticeably comfortable in her own skin. But since she personally knew Jolina back then, she reiterated how strikingly different she was from the Jolina she used to know, which apparently got her bemused.

Besides, Regine was also the one who guided them in order for the show to have a smooth and steady flow and for the three of them to have chemistry and be in sync. Furthermore, Melai related how Regine really went out of her way to make sure that they didn’t feel shy around her, which she did by eating lunch not just with her fellow momshie-hosts but with the staff and crew of “Magandang Buhay” as well.

Momshie Melai went on to mention how Momshie Regine’s level of professionalism is so unmatched. Aside from being the one to arrive the earliest during tapings, she would also come fully prepared because she hates making others wait. According to her, the reason why she always comes early is basically because she wants to chat with everyone, even with the utility staff.

Although she’s one of the biggest and most illustrious stars in the country, she never allows that to get inside of her head and never believes that she must set herself apart from others, especially the ones she’s working with.

“No matter how small you think your job is, you’re still part of the group, you’re still part of the team. So, kagaya ng sinabi ko, bagamat madami tayo, iba-iba tayong tao, iba-iba ang paniniwala natin, we need to work as one. Kailangan parang isa lang ‘yong taong trumatrabaho, otherwise it’s not gonna work and it won’t be fun,” she said.

*Photo credit to Jolina Magdangal IG