Jay R with his father, Jun Sillona Jr. From Mica Javier’s Facebook page
RnB singer Jay R vowed to continue the legacy of his late father, Gaudencio “Jun” Sillona Jr., who recently died at the age of 92.
During a listening party abroad last Aug. 12, wherein he performed his upcoming single “Blessed,” Jay R shared about his father’s death and paid tribute to the man who “blessed me with life and music.”
In a video he uploaded on his social media pages, the “Bakit Pa Ba” hitmaker said that he is dedicating the event to his father. “We’re gonna make it a life celebration for my father, who just passed away today,” shared Jay R, who after leading a moment of silence, looked up and said, “Love you, dad… We’re gonna be strong.”
Furthermore, in his post’s caption, the singer-actor made a promise that read, “I will continue his legacy and he will always live in our hearts.”
In an earlier post, in which he announced his father’s demise, Jay R told his dad, “Love you, dad. See you again on the other side.”
His wife of three years, fellow musician Mica Javier, penned an emotional tribute for her father-in-law, as she reminisced about her bond with her “Daddy Jun.”
“Not everyone gets to meet someone born in 1931, but I’m lucky and grateful [that] I got to know you and spend time with you, Daddy Jun. You were a treasure — I will always remember your strength…, tenacity and cool [and] calm presence, especially the sound of you playing classical piano for hours on end,” wrote Javier, who also shared snaps of her father-in-law during her wedding with Jay R.
She also recalled her fond memories with him such as their “long walks” in the village and when he cooked for her spam and fried egg.
“[S]a dining table, lagi ko po kayong tinatanong tungkol sa kwentong kabataan niyo, pero konting kwento lang po, tatawa lang po [nang] maliit, tapos tahimik nanaman po kayo (At the dining table, I would always ask you about your younger years, but after just a bit of sharing, you’d laugh a bit, then you’d stay silent again),” she shared, as she capped off her message by asking him to send her regards to her departed loved ones.
“Thank you for accepting and loving me as your own. You’re in great company now, please say ‘hi’ to my mama and tito Danny for me. Love you po!! Godspeed [emoji],” she said.
Several people including colleagues from the entertainment industry sent love to Jay R via the comments section of his posts. The “Desperadas” actor received comfort from Coleen Garcia, Karylle, Vina Morales, John Prats, and Jason Abalos, among others.
Screenshots from Jay R’s Instagram page
Jay R has previously mentioned that his parents have greatly influenced his musical journey, and shared how his mother would sing while his father played the piano. Dubbed as the country’s King of RnB, Jay R is scheduled for a reunion concert with perennial duet partner Kyla, to celebrate their two-decade partnership. EDV