Tippy Dos Santos marks first Christmas without her late mom

Tippy Dos Santos with her family during happier times. | Image: Instagram/@tippydossantos8

Tippy Dos Santos looked back on the last Christmas she spent with her late mother Happy as she is set to spend her first Christmas without her, saying that losing the latter is still as painful as the first day.

Dos Santos shared a photo with her parents and brother which was taken on Dec. 23, 2023 few days before Happy and her husband figured in a vehicular accident in South Korea on Dec. 27.

“December 24, 2023. Our first breakfast in the home we chose (you not so subtly coerced us to buy) so that we could be three streets away from you and dad,” Dos Santos began her caption.

The singer-actress expressed the lingering grief of losing her mother, describing how a single shared meal became a lasting memory despite their plans for many more.

“Who knew that although we had plans of spending many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners together, this would be the only meal we would be able to prepare for you. Who knew that even as we near a year since losing you, the heart ache of living life without you still hurts just as bad as the first day,” she said.

“We miss you, Mom. Wish we could have spent more December 24s together,” concluded Dos Santos.

In December 2023, the singer’s parents, Happy and John, were involved in a vehicular accident during a vacation in South Korea. John was able to recover from his sustained injuries, while Happy slipped into a coma before passing.

Over the past year, Dos Santos has been paying tribute to her mom on social media. In January, the singer penned a heartfelt message for Happy’s first birthday since her death.

Meanwhile, Dos Santos first appeared on Ruffa & Ai in 2009 and rose to fame after  she collaborated with singers Sam Concepcion and Quest to interpret the song “Dati” composed by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana, which won the grand prize at the 2nd Philippine Popular Music Festival.