JC Regino drops emotional ballad to continue dad’s music legacy

As a new artist, JC Regino is carrying out important tasks. One is to carve a name for himself. Two is to continue the legacy of his dad, April Boy Regino.

His latest song, Tama Na Sa ‘Kin Ikaw, released under GMA Music, as well as the single, Idolo, are his baby steps in that pursuit.

“It was written by my uncles Vingo and Jimmy (Regino),” said the younger Regino of the ditty, described by his team as an emotional ballad, in a recent press conference. “The first time I gave it a listen, I fell in love with it right away kasi napaka-simple nung kanta, pero may meaning at may recall siya, nanduon po talaga yung mga mensahe ng kanta (it’s simple, but has a clear meaning and recall). Tingin ko yung kanta ay para sa mga nagmamahalan, sa mga nanliligaw, sa mga mag-asawa na o yung bago pa lang (I think the song is for those who are in love, such as young lovers, newlyweds and married people).”

The song’s main hook and the message are in its title and the line, “Tama Na Sa ‘kin Ikaw.”

“(It puts across the message,) ‘For me, you’re more than enough,’” shared JC. “Everything is OK for as long as you’re with me.”

The song was a collaboration between JC and his uncles, who are based in the US. His team said the lyrics were written by Vingo and Jimmy, who also lent their vocals, along with that of JC. By the way, Vingo, Jimmy and JC’s dad are collectively known as April Boys.

“I signed up with GMA in February and I’m very thankful for the opportunity given to me and to get back to singing,” JC looked back on this latest development in his career. “My plan is to just create songs because that’s the dream of me and my dad.”

Growing up with a father, who has his own collection of signature tunes such as ‘Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin, Paano ang Puso Ko, Umiiyak ang Puso Ko’t Sumisigaw and Ye Ye Vonnel, JC began to form his penchant and appreciation for music.

“At first, I wasn’t into singing,” recalled he, who, as a youngster, also listened to mostly love songs, Air Supply, ‘90s boybands like Backstreet Boys, Boyzone, The Moffatts and Westlife. “I was just playing the guitar. I learned to compose a song at the age of 14. Then, I made an inspirational song Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Aking Buhay, which we (me and my dad) performed as a duet (before). And he liked it. Every time we would compose (or work together), he would criticize my song, but with love. I could also make suggestions on his work. With singing, we would do karaoke and I learned how to sing every time we had bonding moments.”

To make the story short, JC has decided to follow in the footsteps of his dad and is embracing every bit of it.

During the pandemic, the father and son had a heart-to-heart talk and the former encouraged the latter to pursue singing and keep on chasing it because April Boy knew that it was where “I’m happy and it’s my passion,” said JC. That conversation took place two months before April Boy passed away.

Listening to JC’s songs, one cannot deny the fact that he is the son of April Boy Regino. Their voices share certain similarities, but there’s a thin line that makes one distinct from another. This is true because, as JC put it, aside from DNA and genes, “my dad was my mentor, who taught me to sing.”

If there’s a shade of difference in terms of singing and composing style between JC and dad, it will be small and subtle. He has that cool, fun, affable personality, too.

Asked about his dad’s qualities that he emulates, JC answered, “Yung pagmamahal niya sa mga tao, yung pagtulong at lagi niyang ginagawa yung best niya sa lahat ng bagay (it’s his love for people, his heart to help others, and his full commitment to everything he does), masyado siyang mapagmahal sa fans niya (he truly loved his fans).”

Regarding the career advice his dad has given him, JC shared, “(He said,) ‘In everything that you do, give your 200 percent always, it could be in composing a song, singing a tune or doing a show, even just for a few people.”

His dad also reminded JC about the importance of staying humble.

All this serves as JC’s guidepost as he navigates the local music industry, makes a name for himself and continues the legacy of his dad.