JC Regino
During JC Regino’s moments of doubts, it was his father, the late “Jukebox Idol” April Boy Regino, who reassured and encouraged him to continue making music.
“It got to a point when I wanted to just stop singing. And I did, for a while, when I moved and lived in the United States. But my father would always tell me, ‘Kanta ka pa. Sayang ang mga kanta mo … sana marinig ng mga tao. Sayang ang talento mo. Ipakita mo sa kanila na magaling ka rin,’” JC related in a recent virtual conference for his new single, “Idolo,” under GMA Music.
April Boy died at the age of 59 in November 2020 due to acute respiratory failure. He had also been dealing with stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
Six months after his father’s death, JC started working on “Idolo.” But it wasn’t until last year that he finished it.
“He was my No. 1 critic, so I missed him while I was composing this song, because I used to seek his thoughts about the material I was working on. I would ask him, ‘Can you give this a listen? Is it any good? Do I have to change anything?’” JC related.
It wasn’t until his birthday last year that he was able to finish his song. He had been missing his father, so much so that it had him revisiting the unfinished song. “It’s tough not having his guidance. But one thing he taught me is that I should always strive to do my best and pour my heart into singing and writing songs,” he said.
Bittersweet
Much to his surprise, JC was able to land a recording contract with GMA Music this January, allowing him to release the song. It was a bittersweet moment.
“We had been planning a return to recording … to music. If he were here right now, we would probably be hugging each other,” he said. “But I’m grateful I was given another chance to pursue music and continue singing and writing songs. I didn’t expect this. All my hard work has paid off.”
While some people think that being April Boy’s son puts immense pressure on JC’s shoulders, he said that it’s pride that he feels more than anything else. “I’m just proud of his contributions to the local industry. I’m happy when I hear people singing his songs,” he said.
“Idolo,” which also features April Boy’s brothers, Vingo and Jimmy, is JC’s way of expressing gratitude to his father’s loyal fans, who continue to support his music. “I want to reciprocate their love. I know that my father really loved his fans and so I want them to feel that,” he pointed out.
Asked if there was anything he wanted to tell his father, JC turned emotional. “I miss you so much. No one can surpass you as a father and friend. I’m thankful that you raised me as a God-fearing, music-loving person. He’s my real idol,” he said.