Regine Velasquez-Alcasid mourns the loss of her father, Mang Gerry

Kapuso singer-actress Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s father, Mang Gerry, passed away at around 1:30 pm last February 3 due to cardiac arrest. His wake is now being held at the Manila Memorial Park in Bulacan.

Among those who extended their condolences during the wake were President Benigno Aquino, Jr. and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. Regine’s friends from showbiz like Jose Mari Chan, Martin Nievera and Jaya were also there to console the Asia’s Songbird.

The internationally acclaimed singer has still not fully accepted Mang Gerry’s loss. She told Nelson Canlas of 24 Oras, “Alam mo ‘yung inaantok ka tapos hindi ka makatulog. Gutom ka pero hindi ka makakain, ‘yung ganun, so ang hirap. Tapos umiyak naman ako. May time naman akong umiyak. Iniyak ko pero parang meron siyang somehow na ano…huwag na muna ngayon.”

The countless fans and supporters of the Asia’s Songbird have witnessed how Mang Gerry gave his utmost support for his daughter in all of her performances.

Regine recalled how her father motivated her through the years.According to the Sarap Diva host, Mang Gerry would say, “Magaling ka, ganun lang siya. Relaxed lang siya and nagrerequest pa iyan ng kakantahin ko. Wala nang ganun, ‘di ba? Hindi ko na madidinig ‘yun.”

Performing live will never be the same again for Regine without Mang Gerry watching her and cheering her on. However, the show must go on for the Kapuso singer, who will be having a Valentine’s concert with Martin Nievera dubbed Voices of Love: Martin and Regine Live on February 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. “Iniisip ko kasi nandiyan pa siya, eh. Nandiyan pa, parang send-off concert ko,” said Regine.

She continued, “Lagi siyang present sa lahat ng concert ko. Parang iniisip ko na lang na manonood pa rin siya pero parang last concert na niya kumbaga.”

Mang Gerry will be laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park on February 7.

-Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com