Pain propels Erik Santos into philanthropy

Erik Santos

It was a different Erik Santos that faced the press recently at Episode Bar + Kitchen in Quezon City where he was launched as partner of Anchor of Hope & Strength.

While the invite said the singer wanted to also promote his 20th anniversary concert on Oct. 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, he ended up talking mostly about the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients. 

It's advocacy closest to Erik's heart now because both his parents succumbed to cancer this year, just months apart each other.

"Sa mga kumpleto pa ang magulang, spend time with your parents," he said, full of feelings.

He added that no matter if their are differences between children and parents, the former should try to be the first to reach out to the latter and let things slide "since life is short and anyone could be gone in the blink of an eye."

Erik practiced what he preached.

"If you would ask me kung may regrets po ako, wala," he said. "Kasi I took care of them...I was there. I witnessed the death of both my parents."

The singer revealed he would often change his mother's diapers. During his father's final minutes, Erik was able to sing for him. At one point during the interview, he was unable to hold back tears; a clear indication that he is yet to fully recover from his loss, if it's at all possible. 

A changed man, the singer said he wants to help cancer patients and their families as much as he can. He confessed that if in the past, his focus was career and making a living, now he is "recalibrated" to use his talents and his means for those going through what he did.

He considers his upcoming concert the most important in his career, not only because it's a milestone event but it also will be a tribute to his parents. It can be expected that some of the songs will be about them and for them, so it could just be the greatest performance of his life.

"It's unimaginable, really painful and traumatic," he said of the tragedy. "How did I survive? For sure it's God's grace. But the pain of witnessing your loved ones suffer...it's unbearable. Nakakabaliw."

The Cornerstone Entertainment talent added that partnering with Anchor of Hope & Strength is the best way to honor his parents and make them even more proud.

"My parents were my biggest 'fans,'" Erik said. "When she was still alive and she'd watch my shows, my mom was always the first to applaud and stand up, and the last to stop clapping. Minsan nga I tell her (in jest), 'Next number na, Ma.'"

Anchor of Hope & Strength was founded in 2016 by Dr. Charity Viado-Gorospe (the oncologist of Erik's mom at St. Luke's Hospital in BGC). Originally a bible study group meant to help cancer patients deal with their suffering, the organization evolved into two ministries: bible ministry and support ministry.

Erik will volunteer his time and talent to the group, and even use money from his own pocket, he vowed.

The singer's 20th anniversary concert dubbed "milEStone" will feature his hits including "Kung Akin Ang Mundo," "Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka" and "Pagbigyang Muli." He will also sing his latest single "Hanggang Sa Huli," a Moira original with remake Erik dedicates to his parents.

The concert will benefit Anchor of Hope &Strength and Erik will give part of his talent fee to the organization.