The only child of a Filipino couple working in Ireland’s medical field as COVID-19 front liners, 15-year-old Joshua Emmanuel Regala appears headed to be 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 U.S. and, most recently last month, in the United Kingdom, having made it as semi-finalist at The Voice Kids UK 2020.
“I feel blessed,” said Regala, who, in the course of his budding singing career, has developed a growing 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 the 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.
Loving parents
Behind Regala are his loving parents, Narcisa “Ysay” Regala, 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.
She said Joshua, the only child, 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.
“We’ve been praying and waiting for six years bago ako na buntis. He is a gift,” Narcisa also 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.
Narcisa said Joshua does not have the Irish accent. “Wala siyang punto,” she said.
The family lives in Navan in County Meath, Ireland,
Debut single
Joshua, who got four chair turns during The Voice Kids UK’s blind auditions, has recently released his brand 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 other top 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.
Joshua said he has “a few original songs lined up which I cannot wait to share with you all.”
Joshua said his singing career all started “when I first got my guitar from my father, Jun Regala.
“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 were Adele, “when I started to have the passion in singing.” Added on the list were 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 World Championship of Performing Arts 2020 (WCOPA); and gold medalist for Mash up (WCOPA 2020).
The Daily Bread 