Jay R
{{short description|Filipino-American musician and record producer (born 1981)}}
{{Distinguish|JR (disambiguation)|Jay-R Siaboc|J.R. Writer|Jay-Z}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{peacock|date=November 2018}}
{{fan POV|date=November 2024}}
{{citation style|date=November 2024}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jay R
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Gaudencio Sillona III{{#tag:ref|Jay R is a United States citizen. Thus, he does not possess his mother's maiden name (Aquino) as is the convention in the Philippines.|group = fn|name = sur}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|2|1}}
| birth_place = Glendale, California, U.S.
| occupation = {{flat list|
- Singer
- songwriter
- record producer
- actor
- model
}}
| years_active = 1997–present
| nationality = Filipino-American
| children =
| parents =
| relatives =
| website = {{URL|Jayrsmusic.com}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instrument = {{flat list|
- Vocals
}}
| genre = {{flat list|
}}
| label = {{flat list|
- Universal
- Homeworkz
}}
| associated_acts = {{flat list|
}}
}}
| signature =
| alias =
| spouse = {{marriage|Mica Javier|March 1, 2020}}
| partner =
}}
Gaudencio Sillona III{{#tag:ref|Jay R is a United States citizen. Thus, he does not possess his mother's maiden name (Aquino) as is the convention in the Philippines.|group = fn|name = sur}} (born February 1, 1981), known professionally as Jay R, is a Filipino-AmericanRicky Lo (April 11, 2004) "[https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/04/11/245693/jay-r-heart-hunk Jay R: The Heart of The Hunk]", The Philippine Star singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and model. In 2003, he released his debut album, Gameface, under Universal Records.{{Citation |title=Jay R - Gameface |date=2003 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9790801-Jay-R-Gameface |access-date=2023-08-25 |language=en}} The album was certified platinum by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), and included the single "Bakit Pa Ba".{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2025 |title=Jay R Biography |url=https://www.liveone.com/artist/jay-r/915221 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=LiveOne}}
In 2004, he collaborated with Filipino singer Kyla on the single "Not Your Ordinary Girl" from her album of the same name. The two later released additional duets, including "Back In Time," "Say That You Love Me," "You Are Not Alone," and "Undeniable".{{Citation |title=Kyla and Jay R are Filipino R&B's Greatest Musical Soulmates} |date=13 October 2023 |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/rediscover/kyla-and-jay-r-are-filipino-rbs-greatest-musical-soulmates/ |accessdate=27 December 2024}} That year, he made his film debut in Happy Together and released his second studio album, a self-titled work, in 2005.{{Cite web |date=2009-12-04 |title=Jay R - Jay R OPM Albums - The Online Resource for Filipino Songs |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204175550/http://www.titikpilipino.com/album/?albumid=704 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=web.archive.org}}
In 2006, Jay R founded a recording studio and an independent record label, initially named JAYRS Music and later rebranded as Homeworkz Records.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} He also released a Christmas album, Christmas Away from Home, dedicated to his late uncle Reny. The album was reissued in 2008, with proceeds directed to the GMA Kapuso Foundation.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In early 2010, Jay R released Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics, an album featuring revivals of Original Pilipino Music love songs. He also recorded a song intended for release in Indonesia. He appeared as a performer on the GMA network's musical variety show Party Pilipinas and served as the host of the Philippine adaptation of the dating game show Take Me Out.Bong Godinez (April 26, 2010) "[http://www.pep.ph/guide/5968/Jay-Rs-%3Cem%3ETake-Me-Out-%3C-em%3Edebuts-today,-April-26 Jay-R's Take Me Out debuts today, April 26]", Philippine Entertainment Portal
In 2014, after over a decade with GMA Network, Jay R transferred to ABS-CBN. He debuted on the network as a contestant on the impersonation competition Your Face Sounds Familiar, marking his first appearance on a reality show.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
Early life
Jay R was born on 1 February 1981, in Glendale, California. He was raised in Barangay U.P. Campus and Daan Tubo, Quezon City.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
His father, Gaudencio Sillona Jr., is a pianist and his mother, Amparo Aquino-Sillona, is a singer. As of 2004, his career was managed by his aunt, choreographer Geleen Eugenio.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} He speaks fluent Tagalog and cites Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, and Gary Valenciano as musical influences during his youth.
Music career
= 2003–2005: ''Gameface'' and self-titled album =
In 2003, Sillona signed a contract with Universal Records and released his debut album Gameface, which included two Tagalog songs—"Kaibigan" and "Bakit Pa Ba".{{Cn|date=April 2025}} The music video for his first single, "Design for Luv","{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100131152504/http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/?aid=124 Jay R's Titik Pilipino summarized biography and early career]}}". titikpilipino.com Retrieved February 8, 2010 an R&B, hip-hop track, was filmed in Hollywood with Ray Brown. The second single "Bakit Pa Ba," became the album's most successful track.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
Gameface was re-released in 2004 with two additional songs, later used as singles. The album was both commercially and critically successful, earning Platinum certification by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry."[http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jayr1 Gameface tracks and info, it went Platinum]". CDBaby.com Retrieved August 29, 2010 It was also nominated for multiple awards and won Sillona the Favorite Male Artist award at the 2004 MTV Pilipinas Music Awards and "Best Ballad" at the Awit Awards for "Bakit Pa Ba". In April 2004, he headlined his first solo concert, Gameface the Concert,"[http://www.mb.com.ph/node/161258 Jay R's first major concert at the Music Museum entitled Gameface the Concert] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608222606/http://www.mb.com.ph/node/161258 |date=2011-06-08 }}". Manila Bulletin Retrieved September 3, 2010 at the Music Museum, followed by Gameface Reload in September 2004.
Following the success of his debut, Sillona released Jay R, his self-titled second album, which introduced a more intricate R&B sound. It included a cover of Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" and an alternate version featuring Irish pop singer Samantha Mumba.Antonette R. Valdez, Showbiz, "[https://www.mb.com.ph/node/66771 I won’t run away from my responsibility — Jay-R]", Manila Bulletin, March 19, 2006 The album also featured collaborations with rappers Young Clipp, Jdimes, and longtime collaborators, Jimmy Muna and Kris Lawrence. While the album received positive reviews, including praise from Titik Pilipino,"{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120307234243/http://www.titikpilipino.com/album/reviews.php?albumid=704 Jay R album review on titik pilipino]}}". titikpilipino.com Retrieved 2010-009-03 it did not win any major awards but achieved Gold certification from PARI.
In 2005, Sillona appeared in Footloose: The Musical, alongside Iya Villania.Michael Ancheta (June 4, 2007) "[https://www.pep.ph/guide/713/High-School-Musical-lights-up-Meralco-Theater-on-June-23/1 Footloose musical in 2005 headlined by Jay R and Iya]", Philippine Entertainment PortalSTAGES, News, "{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070626081117/http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=553 Footloose the Musical]}}", Titik Pilipino, August 28, 2005 He contributed as a featured artist, songwriter, and producer on Karylle's album, You Make Me Sing.Ryan Mark (August 14, 2005) "[http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=291584 Bag-ong album ni Karylle 'materiales fuertes']", The Philippine Star
= 2006–2009: Homeworkz Records =
In 2006, Sillona built Homeworkz, a recording studio in his home, and established his label, initially named JAYRS Music. He described the studio as a cost-efficient and convenient space for recording, which he designed himself to resemble a modern bachelor pad.Dennis Ladaw, Homeworkz Records, [http://www3.mb.com.ph/node/240349/hou House Music] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725085757/http://www.mb.com.ph/node/240349/hou|date=July 25, 2010}}, Manila Bulletin, January 26, 2010 In 2008, the label was rebranded as Homeworkz Entertainment Services.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In November 2006, Sillona released his first Christmas album, Christmas Away from Home,{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} featuring classic Christmas songs and two original tracks. A re-release in 2008, titled Holiday of Love, added six new tracks, with proceeds donated to GMA-7's Kapuso Foundation.
Early in 2008, Sillona released Soul in Love, a cover album, featuring R&B and jazz classics that influenced him. The album was well-received, achieving Gold certification in the Philippines and later earning Platinum status.Nerisa Almo (July 9, 2008) "[https://www.pep.ph/news/18231/Jay-R-denies-rumors-about-jumping-to-the-other-network Jay R denies rumors about jumping to the other network]", Philippine Entertainment Portal The album won him the R&B Artist of the Year award at the 2008 Philippine Hip-Hop Awards"{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110510023946/http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/?aid=1043 List of Philippine Hip-Hop Awards 2008 winners]}}". Titik Pilipino Retrieved September 3, 2010 and a nomination for Best Male Soul/R&B Artist at the inaugural Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards in 2009."[http://www.wave891.fm/urbanmusicawards.html List of Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards 2009 nominees and winners] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119094839/http://www.wave891.fm/urbanmusicawards.html |date=2009-11-19 }}". Wave 89.1 Retrieved August 3, 2010 To support the album, Sillona performed in Japan and collaborated with artists including Iya Villania, Kris Aquino, Kris Lawrence, and Billy Crawford.Jocelyn Dimaculangan (October 30, 2008) "[https://www.pep.ph/guide/2838/Iya-Villania-enters-recording-scene-with-Finally Jay R does a duet with Iya for 'Always']", Philippine Entertainment Portal"[https://www.pep.ph/guide/2648/Kris--Aquino-launches-The-Greatest-Love-album Jay R covers Boyz II Men for Kris Aquino]", Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 28, 2008Ricky Calderon (June 23, 2009) "[https://www.pep.ph/guide/4146/Kris-Lawrence-wants-people-to-remember-him-for-Careless-Whisper Jay R contributes on Kris Lawrence album]", Philippine Entertainment Portal
= 2010–2012: ''Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics'' and International exposure =
In early 2010, Sillona released Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics, an all-Tagalog cover album. The album features 13 songs recorded by prominent OPM artists in the 1980s and 1990s. Inquirer Entertainment commended the album for Sillona's vocal ability, stating that his voice "practically breezes through most of the ballads."[20]{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
On September 2, 2010, Sillona signed a three-year contract with Tarra Group Indonesia in Jakarta. As part of this contract, Sillona collaborated with Indonesian pop artist Drimi on "Kau Dan Aku". {{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
= 2014: ''Elevated album'' =
Jay released his Elevated album in 2014, under his label Homeworkz. The single Tonight, featuring Mica Javier, rose to the top of the radio charts at No. 1 and was awarded best R&B song of the year by Wave 89.1 FM and 93.1 Monster FM.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} The album reached Gold status and was awarded by PARI (Philippine Association of the Recording Industry) on ABS-CBN TV show ASAP channel 2.[24]{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In 2016, Jay R was announced as a member of the R&B group ASAP titled ASAP Soul Sessions, along with Jason Dy, Daryl Ong, KZ Tandingan, and Kyla. The group formed on May 15, 2016, and disbanded in late 2017.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
= 2017–present: ''Kamusta Ka album'' =
In late 2017, Homeworkz launched a teaser single entitled Kabilang Dako written by Thyro and Jay R. The song won R&B Song of the Year on Wave 89.1 FM and Wish FM Awards.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In 2018, Jay R signed up with Cornerstone Entertainment.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
Acting career
In 2004, Sillona appeared in a recurring role on GMA-7's drama series Narito Ang Puso Ko. It was followed by a main role on an episode of Love to Love entitled "Duet for Love", where he starred opposite Toni Gonzaga. In December 2004, he made his film debut, a minor role in Regal Films' entry for the year's Metro Manila Film Festival, So Happy Together.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In 2005, he was cast on another episode of Love to Love, entitled "Haunted Lovehouse". He later starred in a feature film, Hari ng Sablay, released on November 30, 2005. Before the year ended, he played the antagonist role of Haring Bagulbol on Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom. The film was Regal's entry for the 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival. It was critically acclaimed, earning ten awards and numerous nominations. In addition, the film was praised due to its impressive use of visual effects.{{By whom|date=February 2025}}{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In 2006, Sillona took a recurring role on Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas. He portrayed Azulan, a leader of the Bahaghari, who fancies Sang'gre Amihan (Iza Calzado). On January 1, 2008, he starred in another Metro Manila Film Festival entry entitled Desperados. In October of the same year, he portrayed Pato, a recurring role in the Filipino adaptation of LaLola. Before 2008 ended, Desperados was followed by its sequel, rushed as Regal's entry at the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} In 2009, he played Vince, a lead role in Dear Friend's episode, "The Three Bachelors", which featured his opposite longtime music partner Kyla.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
Other ventures
In February 2007, Sillona launched a club at Glorietta, called Rock Candy. However, it was destroyed during the 2007 Glorietta Explosion in October 2007.[1]{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} After the disaster, he invested in a Ministop outlet at Wilson Street in Greenhills Shopping Center, instead of reconstructing his club. He stated in an interview that Katya Santos was the one who recommended investing in this kind of business.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
Sillona has done commercials and theme songs for products like Sun Cellular, Tropicana, and Colgate.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} He is also a commercial model for Bench Body, Atlas Shippers International, Techno Marine, Unisilver, Adidas, Skechers, and Calayan Surgicenter.[7][8][9][10]{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
Personal life
On March 1, 2020, Jay R married singer-actress Mica Javier in an outdoor ceremony at the Lind in Boracay, Malay, Aklan.
Discography
{{Main|Jay R discography}}
- Gameface (2003)
- Jay R (2005)
- Christmas Away from Home (2006)
- Soul in Love (2008)
- Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics (2010)
- Elevated (2014)
- Kamusta Ka (2018)
- Pangako with CLR (2020)
- Seryoso (2020)
- Undeniable with Kyla (2020)
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
| Year
! Film ! Role | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Happy Together | Brent |
| rowspan="2"| 2005 | Hari ng Sablay | Adonis |
| Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom | Haring Bagulbol | |
| 2007 | Desperadas | rowspan="2"| Vito |
| 2008 | Desperadas 2 | |
| 2015 | Beauty and the Bestie | Himself |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2010 | SOP | rowspan="3" | Himself | 2003/2010 |
| rowspan="3"| 2004 | MYX shows | Celebrity VJ (March 2004, December 2005, April 2010) | |
| Narito ang Puso Ko | Recurring role | ||
| rowspan="2"| Love to Love | Marvin | Episode "Duet for Love" | |
| 2005 | Bogart | Episode "Haunted Lovehouse" | |
| 2006 | Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas | Azulan | Recurring Role |
| 2008–2009 | LaLola | Pato | Recurring role (2008/2009) |
| 2009 | Dear Friend | Vince Gonzales | Episode "The Three Bachelors" |
| rowspan="3"| 2010 | Party Pilipinas | rowspan="3"| Himself | 2010/2013 |
| Take Me Out | Host | ||
| Channel V Philippines shows | V.I.P. Artist (May 2010) | ||
| rowspan="2"| 2011 | Magic Palayok | Nico | Recurring role |
| Time of My Life | Michael | Guest | |
| 2013 | Sunday All Stars | rowspan="2"| Himself | 2013/2015 |
| 2015 | It's Showtime | Guest Hurado | |
| 2015–present | ASAP | Himself/Performer | 1st Regular Show On ABS-CBN |
| rowspan="2"| 2015 | Your Face Sounds Familiar 1 | Himself, Contestant-Performer | 3rd placer |
| It's Showtime | Himself | Guest Hurado / Contestant on "Ansabe?"/ Guest Performer | |
| 2016 | We Love OPM | Himself/Mentor | Team Hot Spots |
| rowspan="2" | 2020 | SNL | rowspan="2" | Himself/Artist
| | |
| ASAP Natin 'To
| |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Award Giving Body !! Category !! Nominated Work !! Results |
| rowspan="6" |2004
| Most Promising Male Entertainer | style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| rowspan="3" | Awit Awards
| Song of the Year | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="5"| "Bakit Pa Ba" |
| Best Ballad |
| Music Video of the Year |
| rowspan="2" | MTV Pilipinas Music Awards
|Favorite Male Video | {{won}}"MTV Pilipinas Awards winners for Fave Male Artist category". wiki.org Retrieved January 18, 2010 |
| Favorite New Artist in a Video |
| rowspan="3" |2005
| Best Male Major Concert | style="text-align:center;"| Gameface Reload |
| rowspan="2" | Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards
| Male R&B Artist of the Year | style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| R&B Video of the Year
| style="text-align:center;"| "Bakit Pa Ba" |
| rowspan="5" |2006
| rowspan="2" |Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Duet | style="text-align:center;"| "Say That You Love Me" |
| Best R&B
| style="text-align:center;"| "You Make Me Sing" |
| rowspan="3" | MYX Music Awards
|Favorite Male Artist | style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) | {{nom}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2006/05/01/334347/list-1st-myx-music-awards-nominees/|title=List of 1st MYX Music Awards nominees|publisher=PhilStar|author=Baby A. Gil|date=May 1, 2006 |access-date=September 12, 2020}} |
| Favorite Collaboration
| style="text-align:center;"| "Say That You Love Me" |
| Favorite Urban Video
| style="text-align:center;"| "Just the Way You Are" |
| 2007
| Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards | R&B Artist of the Year | style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| rowspan="2" |2008
| Gold Record Award | style="text-align:center;"| Soul in Love | {{won}} |
| Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards
|R&B Artist of the Year | style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| rowspan="9" |2009
| ASAP Platinum Circle Awards | Platinum Circle Award for Certifying Platinum | style="text-align:center;"| Soul in Love | {{won}} |
| Awit Awards
| Best Performance by a Duet | style="text-align:center;"| "Back in Time" |
| rowspan="2" | PMPC Star Awards for Music
|R&B Album of the Year | style="text-align:center;"| Soul in Love |
| R&B Artist of the Year
| style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| RX 93.1
|OPM Song of the Year | style="text-align:center;"| "Back in Time" |
| rowspan="4" | Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards
|Best Male Soul/R&B Artist | style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| Best Remake
| style="text-align:center;"| "Tattooed on My Mind" |
| Best Collaboration
| style="text-align:center;"| "Back in Time" |
| Male Style Icon Award
| style="text-align:center;"| Jay R (himself) |
| rowspan="5" |2010
| rowspan="2" | MYX Music Awards |Favorite Song | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| "Back in Time" | {{won}} |
| Favorite Collaboration
| {{nom}} |
| PMPC Star Awards for Music
|R&B Artist of the Year | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"| Jay R (himself) |
| rowspan="2" | Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards
|Best Male Soul/R&B Artist |
| Male Style Icon Award |
| rowspan="3" |2011
| rowspan="2" |Awit Awards |Best Collaboration | style="text-align:center;"| "Muli" |
| Album of the Year
| style="text-align:center;"| Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics |
| MYX Music Awards
|Favorite Remake | style="text-align:center;"| "Himala" | {{nom}} |
| 2018
| Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year | style="text-align:center;"| "Kabilang Dako" |
See also
Notes
{{reflist|group=fn}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100420103957/http://www.jayrsmusic.com/ Official website]
- {{AllMusic | class = artist | id = mn0000462619 | label = Jay R }}
- {{IMDb name|1830146|Jay R}}
{{Jay R}}
{{Protégé (Philippine TV series)}}
{{I Love OPM}}
{{authority control}}
Category:American expatriates in the Philippines
Category:American musicians of Filipino descent
Category:Filipino male television actors
Category:Filipino male pop singers
Category:Filipino contemporary R&B singers
Category:21st-century Filipino male singers
Category:Filipino singer-songwriters
Category:Filipino male voice actors
Category:GMA Network (company) people
Category:Male actors from Glendale, California
Category:Writers from Glendale, California
Category:American contemporary R&B singers
Category:American soul singers
Category:20th-century American male singers
Category:20th-century American singers
Category:20th-century Filipino male singers
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American male singers
Category:21st-century American singers