Back to recording in 2026 is Richard Reynoso, the 90s hitmaker behind songs like "Hindi Ko Kaya," "Paminsan-minsan," "Maalaala Mo Pa Rin," "Kung Alam Ko Lang," and the recently revisited viral hit, "Ale, Nasa Langit na ba Ako?"

The veteran singer, also currently a board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), signed up with Ramon Chuaying-led Poly East Records on June 18, signaling his return to studio recording after an absence of more than a decade.

Richard was formerly signed to Alpha Records and Viva Music.

Under Viva, he recorded mostly movie theme songs. He did get to act in some of those movies, assigned mostly supporting roles.

However, it was under Alpha that Richard scored his biggest hits, courtesy of the de Vera family and now US-based composer Aaron Paul del Rosario and the late Bodjie Dasig.

When the hit songs started coming, Richard reached a crossroad. He took it as a sign that he should focus on singing, not acting.

“I have some very funny episodes about acting. There are times when I die just when the story is unfolding,” he laughs.

Richard is quite upbeat about going back to the studio, excited at the prospect of coming up with more hit songs.

Veteran record producer Chito Ilagan is toying with the idea of doing some OPM covers from the label’s library, which Richard considers promising.

Also in the pipeline are a few original compositions and an inspirational song. After his recent bout with cancer and a near-death experience with Covid-19, Richard has become doubly spiritual.

“I thank God for saving my voice after having been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After the surgery in 2021, my doctor told me something remarkable. The nerve affecting the voice — the one they were most careful about — was left completely untouched. He said it was clearly visible and protected during the operation, which he described as a very rare occurrence.”

In keeping with his renewed vigor in performing, Richard is bracing for a concert on September 26 at Teatrino in Greenhills, a production of Mhae Sarena’s Echo Jam. Titled ‘RR: Timeless Forty-tude,’ the concert is a celebration of his 40th anniversary in show business.