MANILA, Philippines -- The news that April Boy Regino was suffering from prostate cancer shocked the local entertainment industry recently. April Boy and his family had just come back from the US.

The singer confirmed that he indeed incurred hardships in America.

He said he brought his family to the US after robbers broke into their home here, and after their car was stolen. He thought that in America, life would be much easier for them, and that they would be much safer there.

At first, he had concerts to do, and then he and his wife Madelyn established their own production outfit called Idol to produce April Boy’s own concerts.

It wasn’t easy at all, doing all the work, even driving for 18 hours straight to be where he would be performing. He soon found himself jobless. His American dream was slowly turning into a nightmare.

And to make matters worse, he found out he had prostate cancer. He is also diabetic and hypertensive.

Depressed, he decided to go back to the Philippines to rebuild his singing career.

His brother-in-law recommended that he tried taking Sante Pure Barley grass capsules which reportedly have cured prominent people including actress Maritoni Fernandez.

April Boy started taking the food supplement. He regained his strength and even his virility. And when they returned to the US (he and his family are now US citizens) sometime ago, his doctors pronounced him healthy.

Madelyn told us her husband’s diabetes is now under control and his blood pressure normal. Although he has Sante Pure Barley grass powder to thank, April Boy said: “Una sa lahat, ang Diyos ang nagpapagaling. Ang organic barley grass powder is a gift that He has given us.”

April Boy is embarking on a nationwide Thanksgiving Concert Tour beginning on Nov. 26 at the Marikina Sports Complex. “Idol Star ang Pasasalamat” is presented by Sante International, the Barley Company, and Idol Star. The show will also feature JC Regino with special guests Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Lito Camo, Ciara Sotto, Jan Marini, Justin Pinon, J.Z.E. Band, Basagan na Band, and Instinct Band.

Held in cooperation with the Marikina City Government and Rotary Club, proceeds from the concert will benefit the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Children in Conflict with the Law.

PAGCOR 5 continues nationwide tour

Together with Asia’s Queen of Song, Ms. Pilita Corrales, a new group of singers called the PAGCOR 5 mounts the second leg of their nationwide concert tour today, Oct. 14. They will perform at the Casino Filipino-Pavilion.

PAGCOR 5, who impressed their audience at the Heritage Hotel last Saturday, is composed of Joyce Tanana, the ”OPM@PAGCOR” grand winner; Charles Kevin Tan, 2nd placer; Renz Ruther Robosa, 3rd placer; and finalists Hadasa Camporaso and Steve Fernandez.

They will be performing next at Airport Casino Filipino (Oct. 21), Casino Filipino-Angeles (Oct. 25), Casino Filipino-Cebu (Oct. 27) and Casino Filipino-Davao (Oct. 28).

Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Asst. VP-Entertainment said the ”OPM@PAGCOR” nationwide talent search did not only provide opportunities for young vocalists but also managed to change the general public’s perception of “casino.” He said, “The word ‘casino’ always had a negative connotation. With joint efforts of different PAGCOR corporate departments and Casino Filipino branches, we are slowly introducing ‘casino’ as a venue for different entertainment offerings and corporate social responsibility projects.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Friday, Oct. 14, go to former Pagcor Chairman Alice Ll. Reyes, Rep. Dudot Jaworski, Richard Merk, Joey de Leon, Atty. Ruby Ruiz-Bruno, Norma Japitana, Lita A. Faustino, Eva Pineda, Agnes Payawal, Zocorro Zarate, Ilonah Jean, Lexine Bondoc, Charito C. Reyes, Tess E. Santos, Atty. Luz Suapengco, Charlie Antonio, Doy Tobias, Aldrin Cordero, Cecilla Batungbacal, Katherine Chloe de Castro, Erlinda L. Bautista, Moses Albert Ollero, Paul Nathaniel Barican, Anthony Bernal, Pam Pastor, Romina Gervacio of Radisson Hotel Cebu, and Barangay Captain Ramil P. Landingin of Macalong, Asingan, Pangasinan…