Jay R
Filipino-American singer (born 1981)
title: "Jay R" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1981-births", "living-people", "american-expatriates-in-the-philippines", "american-musicians-of-filipino-descent", "filipino-male-television-actors", "filipino-male-pop-singers", "filipino-contemporary-r&b-singers", "21st-century-filipino-male-singers", "filipino-songwriters", "filipino-singer-songwriters", "filipino-male-voice-actors", "filipino-male-models", "gma-network-(company)-people", "male-actors-from-glendale,-california", "writers-from-glendale,-california", "abs-cbn-people", "american-contemporary-r&b-singers", "american-soul-singers", "20th-century-american-male-singers", "20th-century-american-singers", "20th-century-filipino-male-singers", "21st-century-american-male-actors", "21st-century-american-male-singers", "21st-century-american-singers", "21st-century-filipino-male-actors", "filipino-male-film-actors"] description: "Filipino-American singer (born 1981)" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_R" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Filipino-American singer (born 1981) ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox musical artist"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Jay R |
| birth_name | Gaudencio Sillona III |
| birth_date | |
| birth_place | Glendale, California, U.S. |
| occupation | {{flat list |
| years_active | 1997–present |
| website | |
| genre | {{flat list |
| label | {{flat list |
| associated_acts | {{flat list |
| spouse | |
| :: |
| name = Jay R | image = | caption = | birth_name = Gaudencio Sillona III | birth_date = | birth_place = Glendale, California, U.S. | occupation = {{flat list|
- Singer
- songwriter
- actor | years_active = 1997–present | website = | genre = {{flat list|
- R&B
- soul
- pop | label = {{flat list|
- Universal
- Homeworkz | associated_acts = {{flat list|
- Kyla
- Kris Lawrence
- Q-York | spouse = | partner =
Gaudencio Sillona III (born February 1, 1981), professionally known as Jay R, is a Filipino-American singer and songwriter. His debut album, Gameface, was released in 2003 under Universal Records. It was certified platinum by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and included the single "Bakit Pa Ba".
Early life
Sillona's father, Gaudencio Sillona Jr., was a pianist, and his mother, Amparo Aquino-Sillona, was a singer. From 2004, his career was managed by his aunt, choreographer Geleen Eugenio. Sillona 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". The music video for his first single, "Design for Luv", an R&B, hip-hop track, was filmed in Hollywood with Ray Brown.
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. 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, at the Music Museum, followed by Gameface Reload in September 2004.
Following the success of his debut, Sillona released self-titled Jay R, his second album, which introduced a more R&B-oriented sound. It included a cover of Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" and an alternate version featuring Irish pop singer Samantha Mumba. The album also featured collaborations with rappers Young Clipp, Jdimes, and longtime collaborators Jimmy Muna and Kris Lawrence. The album received positive reviews, including praise from Titik Pilipino, and achieved a gold certification from PARI.
In 2004, Sillona 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". That year, he made his film debut in Happy Together and released his second studio album, a self-titled work, in 2005.
In 2005, Sillona appeared in Footloose: The Musical, alongside Iya Villania. He contributed as a featured artist, songwriter, and producer on Karylle's album, You Make Me Sing.
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 to resemble a modern bachelor pad.
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. The album won him the R&B Artist of the Year award at the 2008 Philippine Hip-Hop Awards and a nomination for Best Male Soul/R&B Artist at the inaugural Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards in 2009. To support the album, Sillona performed in Japan and collaborated with artists including Iya Villania, Kris Aquino, Kris Lawrence, and Billy Crawford.
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".
He appeared as a performer on 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.
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".
2014: ''Elevated'' album
Sillona released his album Elevated 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. The album was awarded gold status by PARI during the ABS-CBN TV show ASAP on Channel 2.
In 2014, after over a decade with GMA Network, Sillona 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.
In 2016, Sillona was announced as a member of the R&B group 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.
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 at the Wave 89.1 FM and Wish FM Awards.
In 2018, Sillona signed with Cornerstone Entertainment.
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 in 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.
In 2005, he was cast in 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.
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. In 2009, he played Vince, a lead role in ''Dear Friend'''s episode, "The Three Bachelors", which featured his opposite longtime music partner Kyla.
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. After the disaster, instead of reconstructing his club, he invested in a Ministop outlet at Wilson Street in Greenhills Shopping Center. He stated in an interview that Katya Santos was the one who recommended investing in this kind of business.
Sillona has done commercials and theme songs for products like Sun Cellular, Tropicana, and Colgate. He is also a commercial model for Bench Body, Atlas Shippers International, Techno Marine, Unisilver, Adidas, Skechers, and Calayan Surgicenter.
Personal life
On March 1, 2020, Sillona married model and singer-actress Mica Javier in an outdoor ceremony at the Lind in Boracay, Malay, Aklan.
Discography
Main article: 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
::data[format=table]
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Happy Together | Brent |
| 2005 | Hari ng Sablay | Adonis |
| Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom | Haring Bagulbol | |
| 2007 | Desperadas | Vito |
| 2008 | Desperadas 2 | |
| 2015 | Beauty and the Bestie | Himself |
| :: |
Television
::data[format=table]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2010 | SOP | Himself | 2003/2010 |
| 2004 | MYX shows | Celebrity VJ (March 2004, December 2005, April 2010) | |
| Narito ang Puso Ko | Recurring role | ||
| 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" |
| 2010 | Party Pilipinas | Himself | 2010/2013 |
| Take Me Out | Host | ||
| Channel V Philippines shows | V.I.P. Artist (May 2010) | ||
| 2011 | Magic Palayok | Nico | Recurring role |
| Time of My Life | Michael | Guest | |
| 2013 | Sunday All Stars | Himself | 2013/2015 |
| 2015 | It's Showtime | Guest Hurado | |
| 2015–present | ASAP | Himself/Performer | 1st Regular Show On ABS-CBN |
| 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 |
| 2020 | SNL | Himself/Artist | |
| ASAP Natin 'To | |||
| :: |
Awards and nominations
::data[format=table]
| Year | Award giving body | Category | Nominated work | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Aliw Awards | Most Promising Male Entertainer | Jay R (himself) | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717180501/http://www.sarahgeronimo.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1320 | |
| Awit Awards | Song of the Year | "Bakit Pa Ba" | 1=Awit Awards 2004 nominees list}}. titikpilipino.com Retrieved February 18, 2010 | ||
| Best Ballad | 1=Awit Awards 2004 winners list with Jay R grabbing the Best R&B award}}. titikpilipino.com Retrieved February 18, 2010 | ||||
| Music Video of the Year | |||||
| MTV Pilipinas Music Awards | Favorite Male Video | MTV Pilipinas Awards winners for Fave Male Artist category]]". wiki.org Retrieved January 18, 2010 | |||
| Favorite New Artist in a Video | 1=MTV Pilipinas Awards nominees for 2004}}. titikpilipino.com Retrieved February 8, 2010 | ||||
| 2005 | Aliw Awards | Best Male Major Concert | Gameface Reload | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232742/https://garryokecruz.wordpress.com/2005/08/07/18th-aliw-awards-nominees/ | |
| Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards | Male R&B Artist of the Year | Jay R (himself) | 1=List of Philippine Hip-Hop Awards 2005 winners and nominees}}. Titik Pilipino Retrieved September 2, 2010 | ||
| R&B Video of the Year | "Bakit Pa Ba" | ||||
| 2006 | Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Duet | "Say That You Love Me" | ||
| (Jay R and Kyla) | 1=Awit Awards 2006 nominees list}}. titikpilipino.com Retrieved February 18, 2010 | ||||
| Best R&B | "You Make Me Sing" | ||||
| (Karylle; co-produced by Jay R) | |||||
| MYX Music Awards | Favorite Male Artist | Jay R (himself) | author=Baby A. Gil | date=May 1, 2006 | |
| Favorite Collaboration | "Say That You Love Me" | ||||
| (Jay R and Kyla) | |||||
| Favorite Urban Video | "Just the Way You Are" | ||||
| 2007 | Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards | R&B Artist of the Year | Jay R (himself) | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422102048/http://www.ninasoulsiren.com/awards/ | |
| 2008 | ASAP 24K Awards | Gold Record Award | Soul in Love | ||
| Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards | R&B Artist of the Year | Jay R (himself) | |||
| 2009 | ASAP Platinum Circle Awards | Platinum Circle Award for Certifying Platinum | Soul in Love | ||
| Awit Awards | Best Performance by a Duet | "Back in Time" | |||
| (Kyla and Jay R) | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129021453/http://www.awitawards.com.ph/nominees.html | date=January 29, 2010}}. Retrieved February 18, 2010 | |||
| PMPC Star Awards for Music | R&B Album of the Year | Soul in Love | date=October 13, 2009 | title=1st Star Awards for Music to be held at the Skydome, SM North | |
| R&B Artist of the Year | Jay R (himself) | ||||
| RX 93.1 | OPM Song of the Year | "Back in Time" | |||
| (Kyla and Jay R) | |||||
| Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards | Best Male Soul/R&B Artist | Jay R (himself) | |||
| Best Remake | "Tattooed on My Mind" | ||||
| (with D'Sound) | |||||
| Best Collaboration | "Back in Time" | ||||
| (Kyla and Jay R) | |||||
| Male Style Icon Award | Jay R (himself) | ||||
| 2010 | MYX Music Awards | Favorite Song | "Back in Time" | ||
| (Kyla and Jay R) | |||||
| Favorite Collaboration | |||||
| PMPC Star Awards for Music | R&B Artist of the Year | Jay R (himself) | author=William Reyes | date=October 11, 2010 | |
| Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards | Best Male Soul/R&B Artist | title=Wave 89.9 2nd Urban Music Awards | url=http://www.iamgab.me/entertainment/wave-89-9-2nd-urban-music-awards/ | url-status=dead | |
| Male Style Icon Award | |||||
| 2011 | Awit Awards | Best Collaboration | "Muli" | ||
| (Jay R and Nina) | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331091814/http://www.awitawards.com.ph/winners.html | date=March 31, 2012}} retrieved July 24, 2011. | |||
| Album of the Year | Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics | ||||
| MYX Music Awards | Favorite Remake | "Himala" | |||
| 2018 | Wish Music Awards | Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year | "Kabilang Dako" | ||
| 2025 | New Hue Video Music Awards | Collaboration of the Year | "Sining" | ||
| :: |
Notes
References
References
- Ricky 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]]''
- (2003). "Jay R – Gameface".
- (April 14, 2025). "Jay R Biography".
- "Gameface by Jay-R".
- {{usurped
- [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jayr1 "Gameface tracks and info, it went Platinum"] {{Webarchive. link. (February 13, 2009 . CDBaby.com Retrieved August 29, 2010)
- [http://www.mb.com.ph/node/161258 "Jay R's first major concert at the Music Museum entitled Gameface the Concert"] {{webarchive. link. (June 8, 2011 . ''[[Manila Bulletin]]'' Retrieved September 3, 2010)
- 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
- {{usurped
- (October 13, 2023). "Kyla and Jay R are Filipino R&B's Greatest Musical Soulmates".
- (December 4, 2009). "Jay R – Jay R OPM Albums – The Online Resource for Filipino Songs".
- 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"] {{Webarchive. link. (June 26, 2025 , ''Philippine Entertainment Portal'')
- STAGES, News, {{usurped
- Ryan Mark (August 14, 2005) [http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=291584 "Bag-ong album ni Karylle 'materiales fuertes'"], ''[[The Philippine Star]]''
- Dennis Ladaw, Homeworkz Records, [http://www3.mb.com.ph/node/240349/hou "House Music"] {{webarchive. link. (July 25, 2010, ''[[Manila Bulletin]]'', January 26, 2010)
- 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''
- {{usurped
- "List of Wave 89.1 Urban Music Awards 2009 nominees and winners".
- 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, 2008
- Ricky 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''
- 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''
- "Jay R – Cornerstone Entertainment Inc.".
- link. (July 17, 2006 . ''sarahg.com/forum'' Retrieved January 18, 2010)
- {{usurped
- {{usurped
- "[[MTV Pilipinas for Favorite Male Video. MTV Pilipinas Awards winners for Fave Male Artist category]]". ''wiki.org'' Retrieved January 18, 2010
- {{usurped
- [https://garryokecruz.wordpress.com/2005/08/07/18th-aliw-awards-nominees/ Aliw Awards 2005 nominees list"] {{Webarchive. link. (December 28, 2017 . ''garryokecruz.wordpress.com'' Retrieved February 18, 2010)
- {{usurped
- {{usurped
- Baby A. Gil. (May 1, 2006). "List of 1st MYX Music Awards nominees". [[PhilStar]].
- "[http://www.ninasoulsiren.com/awards/ "Phil Hip-Hop Awards 2007 R&B Artist of the Year Award goes to Soul Siren Nina"] {{Webarchive. link. (April 22, 2009. ''NSS.com/awards'' Retrieved February 18, 2010)
- [http://www.awitawards.com.ph/nominees.html "Awit Awards 2009 nominees list"] {{Webarchive. link. (January 29, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2010)
- (October 13, 2009). "1st Star Awards for Music to be held at the Skydome, SM North". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
- "[http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1264383625604_1/ai-null/article.html "RX 93.1 Year End Countdown winners"]. ''stir.ph''retrieved January 31, 2010
- [http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1264729896294_4/ai-null/Jay_Durias_Amber_Marcus_Davis_win_big_in_Urban_Music_Awards.html "Big winners of the 1st Urban Music Awards"]. ''stir.ph''retrieved January 31, 2010
- William Reyes. (October 11, 2010). "Sarah Geronimo, Christian Bautista and Erik Santos win top honors at the 2nd Star Awards for Music". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
- "Wave 89.9 2nd Urban Music Awards". iamgab.me.
- [http://www.awitawards.com.ph/winners.html "Awit Awards 2011 current winners list"] {{webarchive. link. (March 31, 2012 retrieved July 24, 2011.)
- (January 15, 2018). "Full List: 3rd Wish 107.5 Music Awards Winners".
- Cerezo, Anna. (July 27, 2025). "Bini, Maki honored at New Hue Video Music Awards". [[ABS-CBN News]].
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