Netizen sang April Boy tune as a beggar
Popularly known as the Jukebox Idol, Regino recorded songs in a plaintive vocal style reminiscent of his predecessor, Jukebox King Eddie Peregrina
A netizen recalled how, at age two, he joined other kids begging for alms at Rizal Park in Manila while singing “’ Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin,” one of the many tunes popularized by April Boy Regino, who died on 29 November as his wife Madelyn posted on Facebook.
He was 59.
“We were literally beggars,” said the netizen, “and I sang ‘’Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin’ so people would give us money… April Boy was my hero.”
News of the death of Regino — born Dennis Regino Magloyuan Magdaraog on 9 April 1961 — was first mentioned on Facebook by his younger brother Vingo, who wrote in Filipino: “This is a sad day. My kuya April Boy is gone.”
Mrs. Regino’s own post said in Filipino: “No more pain for you, my Love. But it’s too painful for me… I still can’t accept it.” #Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5# Acute Res pit a tory Disease.
The hashtags confirmed showbiz columnist/radio host Cristy Fermin’s statements, quoting Regino’s son JC, that Regino was rushed to undergo emergency dialysis at a hospital in Antipolo and died of complications from acute respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.
At age 18, his desire to sing professionally landed him a contract in Japan where he performed in clubs for seven years.
JC Regino himself posted on Facebook a picture of a candle and his dad’s signature “Idol” baseball cap.
Regino had in the past suffered from other ailments, including prostate cancer in 2009 which he survived, and congestive heart failure in 2013 which forced him to stop performing. In 2015 he revealed that he lost his eyesight for a year due to high levels of blood sugar that caused a vein in his eyes to burst.
Popularly known as the Jukebox Idol, Regino recorded songs in a plaintive vocal style reminiscent of his predecessor, Jukebox King Eddie Peregrina. He achieved massive fame with a number of singles including “Sana’y Laging Makapiling” (as the April Boys, his then group with brothers Vingo
and Jimmy), “Paano ang Puso Ko?,” “’Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin,” “Esperanza” and “Ye Ye Vonnel.”
Past media coverage said Regino grew up in a slum community in Caloocan near a railway. While helping his parents sell snacks, customers would often ask him to sing.
At age 10, he started joining amateur singing contests. He dropped out from school after sixth grade to pursue singing, performing in town fiestas and as an opening act for other musicians.
At age 18, his desire to sing professionally landed him a contract in Japan where he performed in clubs for seven years.
Returning to the Philippines in 1993, he went on to form the April Boys.