“Ako mismo, sa sarili ko, na-experience namin magkakapatid ‘yung hindi namin alam kung sino ang magbabantay sa hospital kasi kailangan po namin mag-trabaho, hindi po namin alam kung saan kami huhugot ng lakas everytime na haharap kami sa doktor, ano na naman kaya ang bad news, may good news bang dadating? Sobrang draining po siya in all aspects. Ang pinanghu-hugutan ko dito ay ‘yung faith ko sa Panginoon. Admittedly to be honest, medyo na-shaken ‘yung faith ko especially when we knew the diagnosis of my father that is exactly the same as my mother. Parang sabi ko, ‘they were kind people, bakit sila?’ But at the end of the day, I know that God has his reasons, meron siyang purpose sa lahat ng binibigay na pagsubok sa ating buhay. So, ngayon kung nakikita ninyo akong matatag, I believe it’s the grace of God. It’s the grace of God that keeps me going, sustains me and talagang ang Panginoon may pinapadala siyang mga tao sa buhay mo especially kapag dumating ka dun sa point na lugmok ka na. At ‘yung mga taong ‘to, hindi po kami iniwan ng pamilya ko sa kalagitnaan ng unos na pinagdaanan namin,” singer and now ambassador of Anchor of Hope & Strength
Multi-awarded singer and Pop Ballad Royalty Erik Santos is embarking on a new partnership with Anchor of Hope & Strength – a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients. Having recently lost both his parents due to cancer (less than a year apart), Anchor of Hope & Strength’s cause is one that Erik is wholeheartedly committed to.
“..After all that I’ve been through, I feel like I am called to be an advocate for those people with cancer and their families. I took care of my parents and I’ve experienced it first-hand. It’s unimaginable, really painful, and traumatic. How did I survive? It’s actually a wonder. For sure it’s God’s grace but the pain of witnessing your loved ones suffering, not to mention other factors like financial and other aspects, it’s unbearable. Nakakabaliw,” Erik said.
“Now, I’ll be partnering with an organization which is very very close to my heart, the Anchor of Hope & Strength. In every milestone, I make sure to honor and give back to my parents since they are the ones who dreamt with me 20 years ago. And partnering with the Anchor of Hope & Strength organization, I’m sure I’m doing the best way to honor them and that I made them even more proud,” Erik shared.
Anchor of Hope & Strength was founded in 2016 by Dr. Charity Viado-Gorospe (who is notably the oncologist of Erik’s mother in St. Luke’s). Originally a bible study group meant to help cancer patients deal with their suffering, the organization has evolved into a more holistic effort, now having two ministries: the bible ministry and the support ministry.
The partnership was formally announced in a press conference held at the Episode Bar +
Kitchen, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on September 21, 2023.
20th Anniversary Concert
In celebration of Erik’s twenty years in the music industry, the multi platinum singer known for hit songs such as “Kung Akin Ang Mundo,” “Say You’ll Never Go,” and “Ill Never Go” will be holding his 20th Anniversary Concert entitled “milEStone” on October 6, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Watch our coverage from the media conference below: