The Philippine music community is in mourning following the death of Jimmy Regino, backing vocalist of the iconic Original Pilipino Music (OPM) group April Boys. His passing on December 27, 2025 was publicly confirmed by his brother and fellow band member, Vingo Regino, in a heartfelt video message shared on social media. With Jimmy’s death, the Regino brothers’ celebrated musical trio has come to an end, marking a poignant chapter in the history of Filipino pop balladry.
April Boys’ Legacy: A Pillar of 1990s OPM
Formed in 1993 by the Regino siblings—April Boy, Vingo, and Jimmy—the April Boys quickly cemented themselves as household names across the Philippines. Their debut album, Dugong Pilipino, produced the enduring hit “Sana’y Laging Magkapiling”, which became anthems in karaoke bars, jeepneys, and family gatherings nationwide.
The group’s sound captured the heart of the Filipino masa during the 1990s “Jukebox” era: sentimental ballads that resonated deeply with everyday stories of love and longing. Jimmy’s harmonious backing vocals were a crucial thread in the group’s warm “wall-of-sound,” complementing the lead vocals and underpinning the trio’s rags-to-riches narrative.
From Trio to Duo: The Group’s Evolution and Reunions
April Boy Regino left the group in 1995 to pursue a successful solo career, leaving Vingo and Jimmy to carry the April Boys name forward until 2004. The brothers briefly reunited in early 2020 for concerts in the United States, performing in cities such as San Diego and Las Vegas. This reunion was tinged with nostalgia; it was among the last times the trio appeared together on stage.
In 2023, the April Boys released the single “Idolo” under GMA Music, featuring April Boy’s son, JC Regino. This poignant collaboration bridged generations, yet underscored the enduring musical legacy of the Regino family.
End of an Era: The Passing of Jimmy Regino
Jimmy Regino, who recently had been hospitalized for an extended period, passed away in late December 2025. His death was announced by his brother Vingo in a social media video on December 27, conveying both sadness and reflection:
“Sa lahat po ng fans ng April Boys ibinabalita ko po sa inyo na pumanaw na po ang kapatid ko na si Jimmy. Hindi na natin maririnig ang boses niya.”
Vingo further expressed the profound pain of losing another sibling after April Boy Regino’s death in November 2020, leaving him the sole surviving member of the original group.
“Ang hirap po ng mawalan ka ng mnahal mo na kapatid… Kahapon pa ako umiiyak. Kahapon pa ako malungkot na malungkot.”
“Mahal na mahal ko yung kapatid ko. Masakit yung nangyari sa akin na mawalan ng kapatid… Parang hinihintay na lang niya na magkita kami bago siya umalis.”
Impact on Filipino Culture and the Entertainment Industry
Jimmy Regino’s death reverberates deeply within the Filipino cultural landscape. April Boys’ timeless repertoire represents more than music; it symbolizes shared memories of simpler times, emotional expression, and communal bonding. Tracks like “Umiiyak ang Puso” and “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin” remain staples in videoke sessions and fiestas, affirming the group’s enduring “Idol ng Masa” status.
Fans, fellow artists, and industry insiders have flooded social media with tributes, reflecting on the group’s significant role in defining OPM during the 1990s and early 2000s. Jimmy’s harmonies, often understated, were hailed as vital to the group’s unique sound and emotive power.
Details and Context of Passing
The cause of Jimmy Regino’s death and arrangements for his interment have not been disclosed. His brother’s account suggests a lingering hospitalization prior to his passing, with Jimmy seemingly awaiting his family’s presence before his final moments.
Notably, no official government or cultural institutions have issued statements related to the musician’s death. Given the private nature of this event within the entertainment sector, no legal or regulatory proceedings are expected.
Looking Forward: The Legacy of the April Boys
With the passing of Jimmy Regino, an era of Filipino popular music fades gently into memory. He leaves behind not only a catalog of heartfelt songs but also an emotional connection that resonated with ordinary Filipinos across generations. Vingo Regino, as the last surviving member of the trio, now carries the weight of preserving this legacy.
As fans revisit the April Boys’ melodies on videoke machines and streaming platforms, Jimmy’s voice will continue to echo in the cultural fabric of the Philippines—silent no longer, but immortalized in song.
