Erik Santos Shares Letter to Parents on 20th Anniversary Concert

Erik Santos tears up during his concert as he shares with the audience a letter he wrote for his parents who have passed on after battling cancer.

It has not been easy for singer Erik Santos after he lost his mom last year to cancer. Most recently, he lost his dad to the same condition. During his anniversary concert last Friday, October 6, dubbed MilEStone, Erik decided to share with the audience a letter he had written for his parents if they were alive. In his letter, Erik Santos began by saying thank you to his parents for all the love and support they’ve given to him through the years.

“It was so unconditional in every sense of the word,” he said. “Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung paano ipagtuloy magsimula muli na wala kayong dalawa. In four days, magbibirthday na ako ulit. Ito na yata ang pinakamulungkot ko na birthday.”

He continued by saying that they were around in every milestone he celebrated. Twenty years ago, he his parents were there to support his dreams. He even recalled the time one of them was excited to go to his concert.

“Napakasakit, napakahirap pero ngayon gabi, alam ko na kapiling ko kayong dalawa. Sana nakikita niyo gaano karami yung mga tao nagmamahal, nakiki-celebrate sa akin ngayon.”

At one point, he did not hold his tears back and just broke down and said, “I hope I continue to make you proud. Tuwing nag-coconcert ako, kayo ang una kong hinahanap sa audience para mawala yung kaba at takot ko. Pero ngayon, wala nang nakaupo sa dalawang special seats na naka-reserve para sa inyo.”

Life must go on

Although he is still grieving over the death of his parents, Erik decided to push through with the concert because he knew this would have been what they said if they were alive.

“Nay and Tay, I promise to take care of myself and continue to be strong for our family. I promise to continue your legacy of love, humility, and gratitude. Kung ano po ako ngayon, dahil iyon sa inyong dalawa,” he said.

Erik also added that while they are no longer there with him physically, they will always have “special seats” in his heart.

In August, Erik shared his thoughts about losing his parents almost a year a part. His dad passed away last August 10.

“For now, everything is hazy and painful. Really painful. But I know one day we will find meaning in all this, with you all on our side.”

Erik Santos made his mark in the Philippine industry as the first Grand Champion of the ABS-CBN singing competition Star in a Million Season 1 in 2003. He also has the moniker “King of Pinoy Teleserye Theme Songs.”

Here are more stories to read on grief and loss:

Baby Loss Awareness Week: 9 Celebrities Share Their Grief
How Parents Can Help Kids Process Their Grief – Modern Parenting
The Silent Grief of an Early Miscarriage