Japs Sergio


John Paul "Japs" Ricafranca Sergio is the former bassist/vocalist/guitarist of the Filipino band Rivermaya and the current guitarist/vocalist for the band Peso Movement.

Career

Sergio joined the band in April 2001 as a session member when he took over the role of Nathan Azarcon, who left the band in February 2001. When Kakoy Legaspi and Mike Elgar joined in May 2001, Sergio was officially absorbed and the band began recording for "Tuloy ang Ligaya". Their first performance under their new lineup was at NU Pocket Concerts in Alabang Town Center on June 2, 2001. Known to many as Japs, Japsuki, and JP, is actually a drummer. Furthermore, he is also one of the founders of the band Daydream Cycle and is the guitarist and co-songwriter of the said band.
He went on hiatus some time in 2011 in Rivermaya as he was focusing with Daydream Cycle. On December 19, 2011, Sergio released his project solo album titled "Monologue Whispers" under the mononym Japsuki. On November 2012, Sergio posted on his official Facebook page that he is no longer with Rivermaya. Currently, he is the frontman of the band Peso Movement along Francis Reyes, Macky Macaventa and Kurt Floreska. Sergio labels the group's genre as "dirty rock".
In 2016, Sergio temporarily returned to Rivermaya taking over Norby David after he left the band the same year. He toured on some live shows until original bassist Nathan Azarcon permanently filled in the position.
He co-produced the 13th studio album Sa Kabila ng Lahat, which was released on September 15, 2017.

Personal life

His older brother Andrew Ryan Steve "Dok" Sergio, is the bassist of his other band, Daydream Cycle and Pupil.
Sergio attended Manresa School in BF Homes Parañaque City from preparatory school until high school. Sergio graduated from De La Salle University–College of Saint Benilde in 2000 with a degree in AB Human Resources Management.

Discography

With Rivermaya