April Boy Regino, one of the most popular singers in the Philippines, died on November 29, 2020, at the age of 59. His death shocked and saddened many fans and fellow artists who admired his music and personality. But what was the cause of death of the OPM legend? Here are some facts and details about his life and demise.
Early Life and Career
April Boy Regino was born on April 9, 1961, in Marikina, Philippines. His real name was Dennis Magloyuan Regino. He was the fourth of eight children of Tomas and Lucena Regino. He grew up in a poor family and helped his parents sell snacks. He also joined amateur singing contests and performed in local fiestas. At age 18, he became a singer in Japan.
He returned to the Philippines in 1993 and formed the musical group April Boys with his brothers Vingo and Jimmy. Their debut song, “Sana’y Laging Magkapiling”, became a hit. However, in 1995, he left the group to pursue a solo career. He explained that the brothers competed among themselves which led to sulking, but they later reconciled.
His first solo album, Umiiyak ang Puso, was released in 1995 and sold 120,000 units. The song of the same name won Best Country-Ballad Recording in the Awit Awards. He also did a cover version of the song “Itoshi no Ellie”, renaming it “Honey My Love So Sweet”. He migrated to the United States and became an entertainer to the Filipino-American community. He also became a U.S. citizen in 2011.
Health Problems and Death
In 2009, Regino was diagnosed with prostate cancer while living in the United States. He underwent chemotherapy and surgery and announced that he was cancer-free in 2013. However, he also revealed that he had become blind in his left eye due to diabetic retinopathy.
In 2014, he retired from show business due to his health condition. He said that he had difficulty breathing and walking. He also suffered from gout and diabetes. He returned to music in 2015 with a new album and a new music company, GMA Music.
In 2020, he reunited with his brothers for the last time for live concerts in San Diego and Las Vegas. He died on November 29, 2020, in Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines. His brother, Vingo, confirmed his death on Facebook. His wife, Madel, revealed that the cause of death was acute respiratory disease and kidney disease stage 5. He was cremated on December 1, 2020.
Legacy and Tributes
Regino was known for his distinctive voice and style of singing. He popularized ballads such as “Paano ang Puso Ko”, “Umiiyak ang Puso Ko’t Sumisigaw” and “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin” in the 1990s. He also sang novelty songs such as “Ye Ye Vonnel” and “Esperanza”. He always wore a baseball cap in public as a trademark. As of 2005, he had sold over 500,000 albums in the Philippines.
He was also an actor, appearing in movies such as Sanggano (1997), Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko (1999) and Enteng ng Ina Mo (2011). He was also a composer, writing songs for his son, JC Regino, who followed his footsteps as a singer.
Many celebrities and fans expressed their condolences and tributes to Regino on social media. Some of them were President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Vice President Leni Robredo, singers Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Jaya, and Dingdong Avanzado, and comedians Michael V. and Ogie Diaz.
Regino’s son, JC, also released a new song, “Idolo”, in 2021, which he wrote as a way of giving thanks to his father’s fans for their support. He said that his father was his idol and inspiration.
April Boy Regino was a legend in the Philippine music industry. He touched the hearts of many people with his songs and personality. He will be remembered and missed by his family, friends, and fans.
