Filipino artists

OFW frontliners’ son is Ireland’s budding pop star

Jojo Dass

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OFW frontliners’ son is Ireland’s budding pop star

RISING STAR. Joshua Emmanuel Regala's passion and talent for singing is bringing him places. Photo courtesy of Narcisa “Ysay” Regala

Joshua Emmanuel Regala, a semi-finalist in 'The Voice Kids UK,' recently released his single 'If I'd Never Let Go'

He may well be called “The Only Bigating Son.”

The only child of a Filipino couple working in Ireland’s medical field as COVID-19 frontliners, 15-year-old Joshua Emmanuel Regala, appears locked-in on the path to becoming one of the country’s pop stars.

So far, he has bragging rights to a good harvest of awards from various singing competitions in Ireland, the US, and, last month, in the United Kingdom, having made it as a semi-finalist at The Voice Kids UK 2020.

“I feel blessed,” said Regala, who, in the course of his budding singing career, has grown fan base. “I thank the Lord for giving all these opportunities and the chance for my music and my voice to be heard and be of inspiration to others,” he added.

Regala mesmerized judges with his version of “You Are The Reason,” a song by Calum Scott, English singer, and songwriter who rose to worldwide stardom after competing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2015. 

Photo courtesy of Narcisa “Ysay” Regala
Loving parents

Behind Regala are his loving parents, Narcisa “Ysay” Regala, a nurse at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland, which also has a campus; and Agustin Regala Jr., who works in the medical records section of the same hospital. Joshua goes to school at the same teaching hospital where he is currently in third year high.

Mahirap, at first, kasi hindi lahat prepared sa kung anong klaseng virus ito o yung severity ng impact ng COVID-19,” said Narcisa of her job.

(It’s hard because not everyone was prepared for the kind of virus, or the severity of COVID-19’s impact.)

She said Joshua is their stress-reliever. “Definitely, siya ang pangtanggal stress naming mag-asawa. We are so blessed to have a kind, good-hearted, God-fearing child,” said Narcisa, registered nurse in the Philippines, hailing from Clarin Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.

Joshua and his parents. Photo courtesy of Narcisa “Ysay” Regala

She said Joshua is their only child. “We’ve been praying and waiting for six years bago ako na buntis (before I got pregnant). He is a gift,” Narcisa said.

The couple has been in Ireland since 2002. Narcisa successfully applied before the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) for her license.

Having been born in Dublin, Narcisa said Joshua speaks little Filipino. “Kunti lang pero nakaka-intindi siya basta bagalan lang ang pagsasalita ng Tagalog. Kasi mixed kami sa bahay. Ako Bisaya, asawa ko Tagalog,” she explained.

(He only speaks a little Filipino but he can understand it, as long as you speak slowly. We speak mixed languages at home. I’m Bisaya and my husband is Tagalog.)

Debut single

Joshua, who got 4-chair turns during The Voice Kids UK’s blind auditions, recently released a new music video for his debut single, “If I’d Never Let Go.”

According to the Filipino rising star in Ireland, the song was written and arranged by Dave Browne and Yan O’Brein of Picture house, one of the top bands in Ireland who has worked with Bono of U2 and popular musicians.

“The song is all about regret of having someone whom I let go. Missing the memories that was once built together; bout love being let go and having regrets in return,” said Joshua.

“I feel the song is very relatable to all the people who have experienced these situations. I love singing songs that has a depth in meaning. It pushes my emotions more,” he added. The young singer added that he also has several original songs lined up for release.

Joshua said his singing career all started when his father, Jun Regala, gifted him with a guitar. “When I learned how to play it, I started to love singing with him and my family. Music has been a passion for our family.”

He said his musical influences include Adele, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, and Callum Scott.

Joshua was winner of Pulse Ireland 2018; grand champion of All Ireland Senior Teenstars singing competition 2019; gold medalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts 2020 (WCOPA); and gold medalist for Mash up (WCOPA 2020). – Rappler.com

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