On November 29, a news suddenly broke out that took the Filipino people by surprise. April Boy Regino, the original Idol Ng Masa has already laid to rest. Everyone was lost for words. His fans, families, and the general public were mourning over the man whose music touched the lives of many.
As we remember April Boy’s life, let us recall his humble beginnings. From the boy in Caloocan who only dreamed of reaching the stars. And to the man we know now behind hit OPM songs.
April Boy’s Early Life
Before the fame and the spotlight, Dennis Regino Magloyuan Magdaraog was a simple boy who grew up in the slums area in Caloocan. Life back then was not easy. So, to help his parents, he would accompany them in selling snacks such. He would also sing at the request of their customers.
“Nagtitinda lang po kami ng mga kakanin nu’n, ‘yung mga banana que, kamote que, kung ano pong que. Tapos, kapag bibili sila, papakantahin po nila ako. Inuuto nila ako e, uutuin ko rin ho sila,” said Regino in an interview with GMA.
At the age of 10, April Boy started joining amateur singing contests for the prize of money. Together with his father, they would travel to different provinces just to try their luck. The money April Boy would take home already means a lot for the needs of their family.
His talent started to get recognized even more. At 14 years old, he would be offered to perform in festivals in different places. He was also a front act of well-known singers during those times.
However, his great ambition forced him to try his luck as a performer overseas. In 1987, after passing the audition, he went to Japan as a folk singer.
“Napakabata ko pa ho nu’n. Kapag 18 kayo at mag-a-abroad kayo, parang bihira ‘yun nung panahon na ‘yun. Pero nakapasa naman ho ako. Nagpunta ako ng Japan. Naging Japayuki po ako,” April Boy stated on the same interview.
The Fame
After showcasing his talent in Japan for 6 years, April Boy returned home. Then, together with his brothers Vingo and Jimmy, they formed their group “April Boys”. Their first single “Sana Ay Mahalin Mo Rin Ako” became an instant hit among the masses.
Despite the success of the group, April Boy decided to pursue his solo career in 1995. His two brothers still continued as a duo act. Many people wondered why April Boy left the group when everything seemed to be on track.
“Nu’ng medyo sumikat na ho kami, nagkatampuhan ho kami. Nagkahiwa-hiwalay kami. Sila po ang nag-duetz Ako po, nagsolo. Kasi po minsan, nagpapataasan din po ng ere. Pero bandang huli, magkakapatid ho kasi, nagkabati-bati rin ho kami,” April Boy admitted.
April Boy’s solo career was nothing but pure success. He was able to release several hit singles such as “Umiiyak Ang Puso”, “Paano Ang Puso Ko”, “Esperanza”, and the widely known “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin”.
The OPM hitmaker also received numerous awards for his music career. His first single solid 120,000 units making it a triple-platinum record. He was also named “The Most Promising Male Performer” by Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Foundation and “Best Entertainer Of The Year” by the Parangal ng Bayan Award.
The Trials
Amidst the back to back concerts and album releases, April Boy and his family decided to migrate to the United States in 2005. There, he performed for various Filipino communities.
It was until 2009 that the darkest moment in the singer’s life took him by surprise. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer. According to him, having that illness was not something he was prepared for.
“Ito ‘yung pagsubok na hindi ko akalain na darating sa akin. Kapag sinabing cancer, mabibigla ka na lang sa sarili mo. Cancer? Mamamatay na ako,” he said.
During this time, the Regino family opted to go back to the country where he would continue his medication and recovery. In 2013, he disclosed to the public that he was cancer-free after years of battling with the disease.
However, in the same year, another sad news broke out. April Boy was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Because of the new battle he is fighting with, the singer found it hard to breathe and caused him to be bedridden.
Two years after, he was again diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. This type of diabetes led him to lose his vision.
During those times, April Boy was already close to giving up. However, his wife always reminded him to stay strong and hold on to God’s grace.
“Dati po, ayoko na pong kumain, gusto ko nang mamatay. Tapos po, nu’ng nag-aral po ako ng Bible, talagang sobra po pananalig nila na may pag-asa pa. Ako naman po, umasa talaga ako na makakakita ako. Sabi ko, tutulungan ako ng Diyos,” April Boy said.
In The Next Life
On November 29, the 59-year old OPM icon has already passed away. Although the Filipino people are saddened by the news, they have nothing but gratefulness and good memories of the Idolo ng Masa.
On her Facebook post, April Boy’s wife Madel recalled the pain she was feeling. However, she takes solace in the fact that her husband is already free from pain.
“No more pain sa iyo mahal. Sobrang pain naman sa akin. Sabi mo gusto mo pang mabuhay dahil gusto mo pa akong makasama. Bakit mo ako iniwan? Ang daya mo mahal! Hindi ko pa kaya!!!” Madel posted.
Thank You, Idol!
We will surely miss the man behind the cross arms and baseball cap trademark. His contribution to the Filipino music industry has paved the way for more people to take pride in their own.
Thank you, idol! You may have already departed but your legacy will always remain in our hearts.