Erik Santos penned a message of encouragement and support for Regine Velasquez after she revealed that she had been experiencing "so much anxiety" during her recent performances.
On February 19, Asia’s Songbird took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that she has been feeling anxious while singing during her recent performances, including her appearances on the ASAP stage. She described the feeling as a contrast to the joy she once felt whenever she performed, calling the change heartbreaking and possibly part of getting older.
READ: Regine Velasquez reveals struggling with 'so much anxiety' during recent performances
Following her post, messages of support poured in from fans and colleagues, including fellow ASAP mainstay, Erik.
In an Instagram post on February 20, Erik said he has been aware of what Regine has been going through and expressed his support by emphasizing that her place in the industry is firmly established.
“Please know that your legacy as THE Asia’s Songbird is not defined by a single high note or a perfect vocal day. It is defined by more than 4 decades of being the heartbeat of OPM. And even as you navigate the natural changes in your voice dahil sa hormonal change and menopause issues, you remain undeniably one of the best, if not the best, in OPM,” he wrote.
Addressing Regine’s own remarks about sounding different now, Erik pointed to her recent duet with Josh Groban as proof that she still can captivate audiences with the "magic" of her voice. He added that if there are changes, these reflect a "lifetime of stories," thanking her for continuing to perform and share herself even when it is difficult.
“Kung may pagbabago man, that change carries the weight of a lifetime of stories. And we thank you for still choosing to show up and share a piece of yourself with all of us even when it’s hard,” he added.
He also highlighted how Regine’s openness about anxiety resonates with many, writing, “Your honesty about your struggles makes you more than just an icon, it makes you human. Seeing a legend be vulnerable about anxiety on stage inspires us more than any perfect record ever could.”
Erik further shared personal moments they have had offstage, recalling conversations about life and family, and highlighted how Regine’s greatest role is not in concert venues but as a devoted mother to her son Nate and a loving wife to her husband, Ogie Alcasid.
Ending his message, Erik reassured Asia’s Songbird that she has already given audiences more than enough, encouraging her to take the rest she needs and reminding her that she does not have to be “The Songbird” every time she steps on stage.
“You’ve given us enough high notes to last a lifetime. Solved na solved na kami dun. Take the rest you need, breathe and please remember that you don’t have to be ‘The Songbird’ every time you step on stage. To us, you are Regine — our Ate and that is more than enough,” he said.
Fans were quick to respond to Erik’s post, flooding the comments section with messages of encouragement and appreciation for Regine.
“This is beautiful brother. We love you,” Ogie wrote.
“Aaaw nakakaiyak ang message mo kuya eric. ❤️ Yes indeed, you've given us enough high notes to last a lifetime! We love you @reginevalcasid !!! 👑💐👏✨,” another fan commented.
Erik and Regine have worked closely for decades, not only as mainstays in ASAP but also through musical collaborations that showcased their vocal chemistry, including powerful performances of “Pagbigyang Muli” and “Bakit Ba Iniibig Kita.”
Meanwhile, Regine is set to release new music this year, as previously confirmed by ABS-CBN's Star Music through a social media post last January.
"Ready or not… the Asia's Songbird is about to make great songs 👑 Stay tuned for @reginevalcasid this year!" Star Music previously posted.