Who doesn’t know and love April Boy Regino, the OPM icon who won the hearts of the masses with his jukebox hits since the 90s? His hit songs, Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin especially, have been one of the top “last song syndrome” (or LSS–the Pinoy version of earworm) choices during videoke sessions, while his signature choreographs are, to this day, being done by Filipinos, young and old alike. However, April Boy succumbed to death and recently joined his Creator. April Boy was married to Madel with whom he has a son named JC, who is apparently following his footsteps as a singer-composer. April Boy was 59.
Related story: April Boy Regino passes away at 59
Born Dennis Regino Magloyuan Magdaraog on April 9, 1961, April Boy first rose to fame when he and brothers Jimmy Vingo formed a novelty band called The April Boys and released an anthology of songs including Honey My Love, So Sweet (which April Boy also did an English version of), and Sana’y Laging Makapiling (the first ever hit he and the April Boys had), that would later become a staple in every Filipino fiesta. The Regino brothers were all born in Marikina but trace their roots from Capul, Northern Samar. The band took a hiatus when April Boy migrated to the US as an entertainer to the Filipino-American community but during his homecoming after a year off, that April Boy signed up with GMA Records as a solo recording artist.
Known for the trademark caps he tossed during every performance, April Boy is well-loved for his uncomplicated songs that are simple and relatable. His anthology since the 90s include Umiiyak and Puso, Paano ang Puso Ko, Esperanza, Yeye Ye Bonnel (one of his more popular dance songs), Tanging Hiling (his one and only Gospel song), and of course, the iconic hit that became an LSS for most Filipinos, Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin. I have to admit, I personally am not a fan of jukebox songs, but this man… I have so much respect for.
Watch: Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin part of Tangina Ina soundtrack:
Watch: April Boy Regino sings “Umiiyak Ang Puso” in a movie:
In a controversial and shocking revelation in 2014, a tearful April Boy announced that he was stepping out of the spotlight as he had been battling against prostate cancer, diagnosed in 2009. “I might have to stop singing. I have to accept that even when I love what I am doing, I just have to put an end to it,” the hitmaker said, explaining how he felt he was getting weaker by the day. And even when die-hard fans cheered him on, he admitted he was extremely exhausted with the battle, thus he had to rest, while promising them that he will definitely fight to live for all his supporters and loved ones. He dealt with the journey with hope and faith to the Almighty saying: “My wife encouraged me to stand up and be strong, and to trust that the Lord will heal me because nothing is impossible with Him. And, indeed, He has been so good to me.” A few years later, April Boy declared cancer-free!
Related story: April Boy knows how to say thanks
However, it wasn’t all good news because after beating the big C, April Boy once again disclosed about his second war against a serious heart condition that required him to still opt for a longer complete rest. In 2015, he was once again diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, which caused him to lose his left eyesight. Despite all the challenges he faced, and being half blind, April Boy never missed a chance to share what he clearly saw unraveling right before his very eyes: “Ngayon, binigyan ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon ng Diyos. Ito na ang pinakamasayang yugto sa buhay ko,” he testified in one of his interviews. (The Lord has given so a second chance. This is, by far, the happiest chapter in my life).
Byruz Atienza, a neighbor and a lead vocalist of Holy Smoke and Second Coming, that used to do front acts for April Boy (through their band leaders Lheo and Lorie Torres who were the singer-composer’s closest friend) could attest to April Boy’s kind souls: “He was very down-to-earth to everyone, not only to the fans. So clearly, what he was onstage, was also what he was normally, daily. I remembered how he would give caps to everyone, including his staff. His family, including his son JC, were the best,” Atienza attested.
In a Facebook announcement posted by younger brother Vingo who said “This is a sad day…my brother April Boy is gone. I can’t stop crying. So, this is how it feels to lose a brother.” April Boy was diagnosed with acute respiratory and kidney disease and his death on the morning of November 29, recently shocked all Filipinos. And true to his number one hit song, Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin (I cannot accept it), almost everyone didn’t know how to accept his demise.
With his phenomenal songs being used in Teleseryes, and movies, he may be gone now, but this OPM icon (that has since tugged our heartstrings) will always live on in the hearts and minds of his Filipino fans. And no one can ever take that away. Rest in power, April Boy.
