By Kathy Arellano
Regine Tolentino is a popular on face on Philippine TV. She has a number of shows in GMA-7. On top of these engagements, Regine also runs two thriving businesses that she finds much more exciting: Regine’s Boutique, which she put up in June 1999 when she was still 20 and a first-time mother, and Regine’s Dance Studio, which she put up three years later in 2003.
Going into the fashion business wasn’t entirely a new thing to Regine, for she had taken fashion design in college. It was therefore with some confidence that she invested her own money as initial capital for her business. She rented a two-story building on Granada Street in Quezon City for a boutique shop and a dress factory, then equipped the latter with 12 sewing machines.
For starters, she made an initial 13 designs of baby dresses and children’s party dresses. She presented them to a well-known high-end shopping store, which promptly agreed to carry them. This auspicious entry into the ready-to-wear business was followed not long after by her bagging the Philippine license to produce young people’s clothing carrying the Walt Disney characters and brand.
The growth of Regine’s garments business really took off when she lost weight from her second pregnancy and seriously went into dancing as an avocation. A graceful dancer, she became a regular, much-sought-after performer in glitzy awarding ceremonies of show-business. For her stage appearances, she always made it a point to wear her self-designed gowns, thus actively promoting her own fashion creations.
So successful was this self-promotion strategy that by 2002, she had already expanded her garments business into the design and creation of formal wear, including bridal gowns. She then became a regular guest-judge in the dance show “Shall We Dance,” for which she would also supply dance dresses for the performers.
Regine’s show-business clientele for her dresses eventually grew to include the mainstays of such leading TV entertainment programs as “SOP” and “Eat Bulaga,” among them popular movie-TV performers Ruffa Gutierrez, Lucy Torres, Izza Calzado, Ara Mina, and Ruffa Mae Quinto. Soon after, Regine also started supplying made-to-order dance shoes to the Dance Sport Council of the Philippines and the participants of its annual dance competitions.
As soon as she had strongly established herself as a “dance diva” and had saved up enough profits from her boutique business, she decided to put up her own dance studio in 2003. Regine’s Dance Studio, which she located in New Manila, Quezon City, offered classes and one-on-one lessons in ballroom dances, hip-hop dance, belly dancing and Zumba.
Eventually, the 130-sq m dance studio became the rehearsal venue of choice for local TV shows and concerts alike, chief among them the “Shall We Dance” show. The studio currently maintains a regular staff of four and 12 dance teachers. Regine’s Boutique is now at Unit 6, Valencia Hills Commercial Complex. N Domingo cor. Valencia Street, Barangay Valencia Quezon City, they moved there January 2010 after being based in Granada St. for almost nine years. Next year they are celebrating its 2 decades with a grand fashion and dance show.
She’s been a ZIN™ Member since March 2013 and she absolutely loves teaching Zumba® classes. She is currently licensed to teach Zumba®, Zumba® Toning, Zumba Gold®, Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr., went to ZIN™ Convention last 2014 which led her to her first ever Canada Tour last August 2018, Head Produce by Yours truly Kathy Arellano with my co –Producer Zin™ Cristina Macapili who’s the master mind of having it a big Reggaeton event with the Dance Diva Regine, this is in cooperation with TFCC, For the love of Children Society of Alberta and Jobelle Salcedo founder of Reggaeton. It was a very successful and huge Zumba® event here in Calgary the “Reggaeton 2018 featuring Zumba® Masterclass with Zin™ Regine & Zin™ Cristina” and along with other Zumba® event in other cities here in Canada; Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Before we part ways I managed to get the chance to interview her and ask some questions to get to know more about her, her plans in life and career.
Questions:
Kathy: How do you manage being a mom, a celebrity Zumba instructor, Television host and being an entrepreneur?
Regine: I try to be organized by writing down my schedules and balancing it out to make sure i have me time, family time, and career time,…in that order. I always start the day with a prayer of thanks, do some physical activity like work out or dance, and that jumpstarts me for all my activities throughout the day. I love what I do so I am always passionate and focused on each task. I also take it 1 day at a time so I don’t get overwhelmed by my workload.
Kathy: What Are Your Short and Long-Term Goals?
Regine: Short term goals are to eat healthy (which is a daily struggle), work out, and focus on upcoming projects like our corporate events, zumba tours, boutique orders and keeping my kids safe and having quality time with them.
Regine: My long term goals would be:
1. The further development of my Youtube channel,
2. The expansion of Regine’s Boutique and RTSTUDIOS
3. To execute my franchise of a salon, laundry shop, and spa,
4. To get into tiptop shape and do marathons,
5. Get back to doing tv shows and movies,
6. To have my own makeup line,
7. New tv show,
8. And to travel the world… yun lang naman hehe.
“Never stop dreaming”
Kathy: After winning as best dance album of this year’s PMPC awards, are you planning to create more albums?
Regine: Yes, I plan to do another album! Working on a new single right now.
Kathy: What will your fans will look forward too?
Regine: 2019 will be very exciting for me because I’ll be working on more content for my Youtube channel, is I’ll be shooting a new music video, a new album is in the works, “Ignite: Regine Tolentino in Concert” will be on a world tour, and it’s the 20th Anniversary of Regine’s Boutique so we will have a grand Fashion and Dance Concert for this.
Kathy: As a certified Zumba instructor, what is your motivation to stay Fit and healthy for your students?
Regine: My motivation is to become the best “me” that I can be for my children! In doing so, I find great fulfilment in inspiring others in my advocacy to stay fit and healthy. It makes me so happy to see people enjoy, get inspired by my routines, and get good results like gaining more confidence, losing weight and being more productive!
Kathy: Why zumba?
Regine: Zumba is a party! You don’t feel like its a dreaded workout because you dress up and you dance! You feel beautiful and empowered just moving to the music! Next thing you know, you are drenched with sweat amd have burned a ton of calories!
Kathy: What is the Benefit of zumba in your daily life?
Regine: After a Zumba class or event, I always feel energized and more confident. It rejuvenates my happy hormones and makes me a more positive and productive person. I always look forward to the next opportunity to dance again!
Kathy: Tell us more about Ignite show and when do you plan of bringing this show to North America?
Regine: “Ignite: Regine Tolentino in Concert” has fully-conceptualized song and dance numbers with explosive routines and amazing costumes with the awesome Speed Dance Company and special celebrity guests. “Ignite” is about beauty, sensuality, and women empowerment. It truly is a show like you’ve never seen before. We are excited to take this show on tour around the world and display a different type of entertainment!
Kathy: Please tell us your experience doing your Canada tour last August 2018?
Regine: My 2018 Canada tour was absolutely amazing! It was my first time to perform for the people of Canada! I was pleasantly surprised to get such a warm welcome and outpour of support and love, especially from the Pinoy community. I had a wonderful time as well touring this beautiful country and I hope to back very soon!
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