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Kilig is still there: Exes Ariel Rivera, Regine Velasquez reunite on 'ASAP'

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Leah C. Salterio

<figure class="op-interactive"><div id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1_Container"> <ivs-player id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-vid="1419945" data-ivs-floating="1"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/iframe-parent.js"></script> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script> </div></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>More than two decades after they became romantically involved, albeit only briefly, Ariel Rivera and Regine Velasquez still thrill their fans, undoubtedly, even outside the Philippines.</p><p>The former sweethearts performed together onstage in the “ASAP Pinoy” tribute to Rivera, whom the Sunday variety show honored in the second part of its special episode aired from Sydney, Australia.</p><p>Rivera and Velasquez sang his English hit, “Photograph,” a Trina Belamide composition. Their chemistry as they performed the duet was unmistakable. The deafening shrieks and screams of the crowd at the ICC (International Convention Center) Sydney, venue of the “ASAP” show, were unstoppable.</p><p>Who would have thought that after more than 20 years, Rivera and Velasquez would still be warmly embraced by a huge crowd?</p><p>“Ogie, sandali lang naman,” Rivera smilingly told Alcasid, Velasquez’s better-half who also performed in the tribute.</p><p>The heartwarming salute to Rivera opened with the familiar refrain of “Sana Kahit Minsan,” his debut single and monstrous hit rendered by Velasquez, with Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Moira de la Torre, Ogie Alcasid, Randy Santiago, Toni Gonzaga and Jed Madela.</p><p>“Lahat ng blessings sa buhay ko started with this music,” Rivera said of the song penned by Vehnee Saturno. “It changed my life.”</p><p>Valenciano briefly uttered a few lines to introduce Rivera at the start of the tribute. “His songs are truly some of the best OPM love anthems ever written. His music has given life to our stories of joy, stories of pain and most importantly, of everlasting love.”</p><p>When he sauntered onstage, a tearful Rivera immediately warned, “Gary, I’m a very emotional kind of person. When I hear people expressing their love to what I’ve done, I get emotional.”</p><p>In tears, Rivera started with the first few strains “Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin,” then Valenciano and Padilla continued the ballad.</p><p>OPM’s “best and prized gems” participated in the tribute and sang more of Rivera’s hits. Pascual and De la Torre carried out “Sa Aking Puso,” Santiago and Gonzaga rendered “Ayoko na Sana,” Alcasid and Madela warbled “Simple Lang.”</p><p>To end the tribute, Rivera crooned “Sana Kahit Minsan,” as he was joined by the other artists.</p><p>“Our hearts are full of joy to share this stage with one of the four ‘ASAP’ pioneers, an OPM hitmaker,” Valenciano said.</p><p>“It is with great pride that we present to you this ‘ASAP Pinoy’ plaque of recognition for your outstanding contribution to Original Pilipino Music. You’ve been part of Filipinos’ journey through love all around the world.”</p><p>Rivera was also acknowledged as the man who, along with Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez and Dayanara Torres, started the 23-year journey that is “ASAP.”</p>

<p>More than two decades after they became romantically involved, albeit only briefly, Ariel Rivera and Regine Velasquez still thrill their fans, undoubtedly, even outside the Philippines.</p>

More than two decades after they became romantically involved, albeit only briefly, Ariel Rivera and Regine Velasquez still thrill their fans, undoubtedly, even outside the Philippines.