Erik Santos/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — Singer Erik Santos has had a tumultuous year, losing both parents to cancer in a span of just nine months. But the singing champion said he has found a new purpose, after devoting all his life to his mother Angelita and father Renato.
He has partnered with a nonprofit organization that supports cancer patients. “They keep on thanking me. But in reality, I want to thank them for giving my life a new purpose,” Santos said while wiping his tears during a press conference held at Episode Bar + Kitchen in Quezon City on Sept. 21.
“Thank you very much. I just want to let you know that you are not alone in this journey,” continued the singer, who lost his mother in November 2022, and his father just last August. Santos said he is rendering his services as a singer and as a celebrity whenever the organization would need him for a fundraising event or any activity.
Santos also shared that it has been the people around him who helped him rise during the lowest moments of his life. “All of my friends are Christians, Catholics, and they always tell me that the Lord will never allow me to have a problem that I cannot handle myself. That has been my anchor,” he said.
And to cope with the moments of loneliness whenever he is just by himself, he said he finds solace on Instagram. “I poured myself into following IG accounts that offer positivity and Bible verses,” Santos declared. He has also been religiously going to Church every Sunday. “I also read my Bible, it’s my ‘devotional.’ Because it helps, especially at times when I feel weak,” he said.
He also has his family to latch on to for additional support. “We face life hand-in-hand, even without our parents physically. So that’s where I draw my inner strength,” said Santos, who is marking his 20th anniversary in show business with a big concert.
Santos will celebrate his milestone in “milEStone” at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 6. Part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the organization to support all its programs that help cancer patients with their medical care and other expenses. “I will also donate my talent fee from the concert to the organization,” the singer added.
He said the upcoming concert is the most important one in his career. “It will be in honor of both my parents, and it will be in honor of those who are suffering from cancer, and to those families who have loved ones who are really battling cancer,” Santos explained.
The singer, however, said also said that it will also be his most difficult performance. “Every important event in my life, my parents were there for me. This time there is a huge void. I really do feel what’s missing in performing before a big crowd. The main people for whom I am doing this will not be there anymore in the venue,” Santos said.
But he also assured his followers that even if it will be hard for him, the concert will still be fun, and those who will watch it will still enjoy. “And you will be inspired by the songs that I will be singing on Oct. 6,” he continued. EDV