Kapuso to Kapamilya: Regine Velasquez joins ABS-CBN

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – It’s long been rumored that Regine Velasquez would be jumping the GMA-7 ship to join ABS-CBN, and Wednesday, October 17, the star and her new network finally confirmed the news.

“I’m very happy, excited. Overwhelmed right now,” said Regine after signing a contract with the Kapamilya network.

Regine’s official Facebook page had earlier called on followers to make the following hashtags trend: #RVAonABSCBN, #TheSongbirdisNowAKapamilya, and #NaritoNaSiRegineSaABSCBN.

The page’s announcements coincide with an ABS-CBN press event scheduled for October 17, where the network said they will be making a major announcement.

ABS-CBN’s MOR 101.9 DJ Chacha posted this picture of a red carpet ahead of Regine’s expected official welcome to the Kapamilya network:

Nagpa-red carpet pa kayo para saken. Charot! Dito dadaan si Mamshie Regine Velasquez. Nag abala po kami dito sa kapamilya network. Excited na lahat to see the songbird! pic.twitter.com/3HlcJdbxiI

— DJ Chacha (@mor1019chacha) October 17, 2018

Regine earlier announced her participation in ABS-CBN’s ASAP Live in Sydney concert. She also bid her goodbyes to GMA-7 on October 13, on the 6th anniversary episode of her show, Cooking Diva. GMA-7 execs also confirmed her departure then. (READ: Kapuso no more: Regine Velasquez leaves GMA-7)

Regine has been a GMA-7 talent for the past 20 years, though her page’s admin pointed out in comments that the star’s first two TV appearances were on the ’80s ABS-CBN variety shows Triple Treat and Teen Pan Alley. Her husband, Ogie Alcasid, is also signed with ABS-CBN. – Rappler.com