Out, proud and in love are singer Sheryn Regis and her partner, businesswoman Mel de Guia.
The couple, who have been together for two years, “met” over the phone. “Literally it was ‘one hello’,” revealed Sheryn.
The singer-songwriter said she does not even eat pork or beef, but one day ordered a “boodle fight” package with longganisa, inasal, etc, from Mel right in the middle of the pandemic. Mel, for her part, did not know the “Sheryn” who was ordering from her, until she got the confirmation for the payment and personally delivered the order to the singer.
Thus was the beginning of a beautiful love story.
Now Mel, as Sheryn’s partner and business manager, is throwing her full support behind Sheryn’s 20th anniversary concert at the Music Museum on July 8. It will feature Ima Castro, Dianne dela Fuente, MMJ Magno, MissTres, and JMRTN of REtroSPECT.
Before that, Sheryn will be in Kuwait on June 30 for the celebration of Filipino Migrant Workers Day and Independence Day. She will then embark on a concert tour, performing in a series of shows, produced by Jaro Productions, in Canada and the US. On July 14, she will perform at Theatre Plaza in Montreal and the next day, July 15 at the Global Kingdom Ministries in Toronto. Her next stops are July 22 in Astoria World Manor in New York, July 29 at Auburn Performing Arts Center in Seattle, July 30 at Michael J Fox Theatre in Vancouver, August 5 at Historic BAL Theater in San Francisco, August 12 at Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre in Alberta, August 19 at Grand Centre in Texas; and September 9 at Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland.
The title does not only refer to the amazing performances but also Sheryn’s revelation about her life’s journey – from growing up in Cebu, placing second to Erik Santos in “Search for Star in a Million,” recording hits, writing songs, living in the US, getting married and having a daughter, fighting cancer, and now living her truth as a member of the LGBTQ community.
“[The title] refers not just about me showing off my identity,” she cleared, “‘All Out’ kasi – you know why? – marami akong sasabihin sa concert na ‘yan na hindi pa alam ng iba — untold stories of my journey.”
Sheryn admits to undergoing challenges in her career, but they remain thankful because they have only made her a better performer.
“Even if I struggled a lot, especially my identity for how many years, the best thing is I got to focus a lot as a singer,” she reveals, “Even if I did not focus on what was bugging me – my identity… they gave me a lot of chance to really sing and prosper.”
One of the songs that has a lot of meaning for Sheryn is the hit, “Gusto Ko Na Bumitaw” with the lines, “Umiiyak gabi-gabi/Walang tinig na naririnig/Nakikipaglaban sa digmaan na talunan/Hanggang kailan/Talo na, pagod na…Sino nga ba, ako ba o ikaw?”
“Actually hindi yan about sa romantic relationship, it’s between me and myself,” she explained.“Kaya I just want to let go.
“Minsan makikita ko sarili ko sa salamin, Sheryn Regis, tanggalin ko kaya ito. Sino ako? Kaya gusto ko i-let go kung anuman meron ako…
“Before napaka-timid ko lang. Because I am hiding something. Ang dami kong tinatago. It’s hard to express kasi nga baka mag slip ako… So that’s why it’s hard na magkaroon na hidden inside. Sometimes ‘yung hina-hide mo nakakaapekto sa pagkatao mo.”
Sheryn is a much-awarded soprano and songwriter who started singing at 2 years old. Known as “The Original Queen of ABS-CBN’s Teleserye Theme Songs” and “Crystal Voice of Asia,” she has recorded several hits, including “Come In Out of the Rain,” “ Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” and “Gusto Ko ng Bumitaw.” — Gerardine Fe C Trillana
