MANILA – Popular Filipino signer April Boy Regino wept when he announced his retirement from show business owing to prostrate cancer, ABS-CBN News said on Saturday.



Earlier, Yahoo Asia said he has decided to bow out from the music scene because his illness has made him unfit to hold shows and gigs.



Sources said he was "tearful" when he announced his retirement in separate interview in another television station.



The singer behind such hits as “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin” said that he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and that he has decided to quit show business to take a rest.



“I have to stop. A person should learn to admit that, although he still loves what he has been doing, there is always an end," he said.



The 44-year-old singer said it saddened him to retire but he has no choice because his "condition" has made him weaker day by day.



“When I hear people telling me 'idol' don't quit, I said to myself 'I'm sorry, I still love you' but I have to, I feel that I am so tired now," said the singer, who came from a poor family.



Regino vowed to continue his fight with cancer for his loved ones and his supporters.



“I am happy because of God's help to give me new strength (every day) and I am trying to fight to get well. Nothing is impossible with him," he said. — SG