Erik Santos opens up about losing both of his parents in less than a year
Erik Santos said that although he is currently “lost” after losing both of his parents in less than a year, he says he doesn’t have any regrets, as he got to spend time with them since he was born until their last breath.
In Karen Davila’s vlog on Thursday, Sept. 7, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter opened up about his parents’ journey before passing away. He shared that his mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2021, wherein they found out that she’s already in the late stage.
“Naging familiar na sa aming magkakapatid, especially to me na nag-aalaga sa pareho kong magulang, ‘yung pagdala sa kanila sa ospital,” he began.
He recalled how difficult it was for him witnessing what his mom went through from being diagnosed and receiving treatments, up to her passing in November 2022.
“Mahirap. Totoo pala ‘yun no, para kang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa. Hindi mo na alam ano ba ‘yung mararamdaman mo, hindi mo alam kung saan ka kukuha ng strength, ng courage na kailangan mo during that time,” he said.
“Ang hirap for me to absorb everything,” he recalled, adding that he couldn’t figure out why his mom got cancer and why they only learned about it in its late stage.
After his mom passed away, Erik said how hard it’s been, especially since he’s a “mama’s boy.”
“Sa aming magkakapatid, I took the responsibility of taking care of both my parents, and that’s my promise to them e, nung habang nabubuhay pa sila,” he said.
He also recalled being “torn” on what should he pray—for his mother to live but with deteriorating health, or letting her go to be with God..
“Ang dinasal ko na lang, give her grace, give her peace, and of course, sa grasya sa aming family na makayanan ‘yunng pagsubok na ‘to, kasi first time ‘to sa family,” he said.
After the tragic event, he said that his family went on a vacation abroad for almost two months since they needed to have a new environment and to also fulfill his dad’s dream to travel to Europe.
After their vacation, his dad got a persistent cough and was later diagnosed with lung cancer as well.
“My father has been a heavy smoker since he was younger,” he said. “So for 50 years, two packs a day.” His father succumbed to the disease in mid-August, just nine months after his mother passed away.
“Nag sink-in lang sa ‘kin lahat nung makita ko ‘yung urn ng magulang ko magkatabi na,” he said.
He said that he lost his interest in starting his own family and that he somehow got “lost,” not knowing what his purpose in life was, especially since he dedicated his whole life to taking care of his parents.
Erik admitted that his faith was shaken. “As a Christian parang, ‘Saan ako dadalhin nito?’ Bawat paggising mo, napakahirap. Bawat pagtulog mo, ang hirap. Ang hirap bumangon, ang hirap mawalan ng purpose."
“Kasi for the longest time, sila ‘yung reason bakit ginagawa ko ang mga ito e,” he added. “It was draining in all aspects.”
Since then, Erik is slowly starting over with the help of the love of support of his friends and family. He also realized how “life is too short.”
“It’s a cliché, but life is too short. We have to spread love, habang nabubuhay tayo, iwasan na natin ‘yung pagbaon ng grudges, iwasan na natin yung pagkakaroon ng kasamaan ng loob sa ibang tao,” he said.
And while he wanted to spend more time with his parents, Erik stressed that he doesn’t have regrets.
“If you would ask me kung may regrets po ako, wala po akong regrets. Kasi I took care of them, I have given them mas sobra pa po sa pangangailangan nila I may say,” he said.
“Nasamahan ko po sila from the beginning of my life hanggang sa last breath nila,” he continued. “I was there.”
Erik is set to have his anniversary concert to celebrate his 20th year in showbiz in October and to give tributes to his parents.