Bugoy Drilon with his late friend, content creator Hansen Nichols. Image: Instagram/@bugoydrilon
“Pinoy Dream Academy” alum Bugoy Drilon is heartbroken as he mourned the death of his fellow contestant and content creator Hansen Nichols who died of stage four lung cancer.
Drilon took to his Instagram account on Saturday, Jan. 13 to share a photo of himself with Nichols, while describing the content creator as a “core friend” whom he shared a “one of a kind” bond with.
“I love you so much and I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are such a beautiful soul,” he said in the caption of his post. “I promise you that I will always be there by your side. You always understand me, you always think of people first more than yourself that everyone is always okay.”
Brilon then thanked Nichols for “always believing” in him, and that he “fought very well” in his cancer battle.
“You did your best to stay with us. You are a great warrior! I miss you so much I miss your laugh, hugs and your wisdom! You are truly an inspiration. I am happy that you are surrounded by love, up to your last breath,” he added.
The “Paano Na Kaya” singer also promised Nichols that he will “still conquer the world,” while sharing that he wrote songs inspired by his life.
“You have touched the lives of so many people including mine. And this is a testament of how beautiful you are as a person. We will still conquer the world. I cannot wait for the people to hear the songs I made for you because I cannot wait to tell the world how beautiful you are and how much I love you,” he said.
Drilon’s tribute to Nichols caught the attention of celebrities and content creators such as Gary Valenciano, Mark Bautista, Marlo Mortel, and Kimpoy Feliciano, as seen in the comments.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@bugoydrilon
“Pinoy Dream Academy” season two winner Laarni Lozada also paid tribute to Nichols on her Facebook page.
“Despite beating thyroid cancer in the past, he unfortunately lost his battle with stage 4 lung cancer. My thoughts and condolences are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Hansen. You fought courageously, and I am proud of you,” she wrote.
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Laarni Lozada
Nichols competed in the second season of the now-defunct singing competition and was eliminated shortly before the grand finalists were announced on the Grand Dream Night.
He was a survivor of stage four thyroid cancer upon entering “Pinoy Dream Academy” but was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer years later. He, however, didn’t disclose the exact year the disease was detected.
Nichols’ final YouTube vlog was uploaded last Dec. 30 of last year, where he spoke about his cancer “taking a turn for the worse.”