Eva Castillo’s name may not ring a bell to most but Regine Velasquez-Alcasid knows her only too well.
And why not?
Eva bested her numerous times back when they were competing as mere amateurs.
Regine recalls: “Noong araw kami ang Nora at Vilma sa mga amateur singing contest. Kumbaga, kung may Chona Velasquez, may Minerva Castillo.
"Lagi siyang nananalo kasi magaling talaga siya. Ang laki ng boses niya, parang ang boses niya, mala-Dulce."
While Regine went on to soar to great heights, things didn’t exactly pan out for Eva.
As they say in the ‘biz, it’s not simply about having the necessary talent, it’s being able to optimize that talent.
To make clear, Eva tried to make it big in showbiz, too.
After Regine mentioned her numerous times in interviews, GMA succeeded in making Eva sign a contract, going on to make great use of her singing ability in various shows.
She became a regular on “SOP,” even going on to record the hit “Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin” for a GMA soap.
All’s well that ends well?
Not exactly.
Eva was forced to put a halt on her thriving career after she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
For some time, Eva was in and out of the hospital, going through dialysis.
She was well enough to try and stage a comeback in 2017, joining “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” on “It’s Showtime” but she ultimately failed to make the cut.
Soon after, she was back at the hospital.
But Regine didn’t forget her former competitor.
According to family and friends, Regine was consistent in helping Eva all these years and in numerous ways.
On Tuesday, March 22, Eva finally succumbed to her disease at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
She was only 52.