April Boy Regino bows out of music amidst cancer
Still battling from prostate cancer, Jukebox King April Boy Regino has vowed to retire from singing in a tearful interview that signals the end of a two-decade career defined by his catchy songs and his unique cap throwing performances.
“Tigil na po ‘ko habang buhay. Ang isang tao dapat tanggapin niya na kahit gustong-gusto niya pa 'yung ginagawa niya, kailangan na din niyang tuldukan,” the 44-year-old singer said in a tearful interview with Cristy Fermin on TV5’s weekly talk show “Showbiz Police” over the weekend.
The Philippine music’s “Idol” has kept his condition secret for two years for fear of losing gigs, until he made it public when he returned home from the United States two years ago.
A few years on, April Boy admitted the Big-C has made him weaker. And while his fans still clamor for his iconic voice, the singer has already made his decision.
“Kapag naririnig ko [ang mga tao], ‘Idol, ‘wag ka titigil. Wala na kaming inspirasyon.’ Sasabihin ko, ‘Pasensya na kayo. Mahal ko rin kayo. Pero ‘di ko alam kung bakit gusto ko nang tumigil.’ Siguro sa pagod ko na rin po. Lahat po ng tao dumarating ‘yung pagkapagod. Parang pagod na pagod na ko,” he said with his voice cracking.
Best known for hit songs like “’Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin,” “Paano Ang Puso Ko?,” and “Esperanza,” April Boy reminded his fans that his timeless music lives on—even when his “physical self” may no longer be around.
“Hindi ko po sinasabing gusto kong mawala. Magreretiro po ako pero pisikal lang po ‘yun. Katawan ko lang ang mamawala. Pero ‘yung awitin ko nandiyan pa rin po. Mapapakinggan pa rin po nila ko.”
Long hair no more
The visibly weak singer shared that it was difficult for him to chop off his long and shiny hair—one of the highlights of his colorful career that has spanned 20 years. He used to be part of the novelty group April Boys with his brothers Vingo and Jimmy until he went solo.
“Siyempre po naiyak din po ako. Kahit papaano e ang tagal ko pong inalagaan po ‘yan. 'Yan din po ang naging style ko. Pero nung para sa kalusugan ko po, naisip ko na 'yun ang mas maganda,” he said. The doctors told him that hair steals some nourishment a cancer patient needed.
Despite his condition, April Boy remains thankful.
“Masayang-masaya po ako dahil sa tulong ng Panginoon nagkaroon na naman ako ng panibagong lakas pero nagpapagaling pa po ako.”
And he’s happy his wife Madel continues to join him in the road to recovery.
“Nung sinabi po ng asawa ko na, ‘Bumangon ka. Magpalakas ka. Tutulungan tayo ng Diyos. Magdasal lagi tayo na pagalingin ka.’ Wala pong imposible sa Kanya. Naku, napakabait po ng Diyos sa’kin.”
Still reeling from prostate cancer, April Boy has managed to perform in what could be his final show—in the Yolanda-hit Tacloban City where he tearfully recalled how he was warmly received by the crowd: “Tuwang-tuwa po sila.”
