After losing both parents within a span of one year, with his mother Angelita Santos succumbing to cancer in 2022 and their father Renato passing away the following year, Erik Santos said he will always cherish his memories with them, especially his mother, with whom he got closer during the pandemic.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN during the Delia D. musical gala night, he shared his last precious memories with his mom.
“Madaming memories. Every time na kasama ko yung nanay ko was a special memory for me. But yung pinaka special was nung pandemic kasi dun ko siya nakasama ng everyday na walang trabaho. So mas nagkaroon kami ng time to bond. Tapos nagkaroon kami ng time na maging closer pa. So yun,” he recalled.
With both their parents now gone, Erik admitted he has now taken on the role of his younger sister Hadiyah Santos who officially joined showbiz last year.
“Hindi kami nag-aaway kasi ang haba ng agwat namin eh so ngayon na yung parents namin are already in heaven, parang ako na yung tumatayong guardian niya eh. I know that she’s in good hands. Of course with Star Magic, ABS-CBN, and direk Lauren (Dyogi), alam kong nasa mabubuting kamay siya and sabi ko naman sa kanya, as long as happy ka sa ginagawa mo, gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, then everything else will follow,” he shared.
READ: Erik Santos on losing his mom Angelita to cancer: ‘I will honor you for the rest of my life’
Erik admitted that he has no big restrictions on his sibling's career because he does not want to limit her experiences in the industry. “Alam mo kasi, pag nasa industriya ka, lalo na kung papasukin mo yung mundo ng show business, dapat hindi ka limited sa konting bagay lang. I mean, dapat lahat ini-explore mo. So ako I want her to explore kung ano yung gusto niya and masaya ako kasi she’s being handled also by my handler, si ate Love (Capulong) sa Star Magic,” he explained.
WATCH: Get to know Kapamilya seasoned balladeer Erik Santos through his younger sister Hadiyah
As a supportive big brother, Erik shared why he does not want his sister to receive any special treatment from the industry. “I always, always tell her, kung ano yung dapat simulan, dun siya dapat magsimula. Yun ang tatahakin niya. Kasi mas ma-a-appreciate niya yung magiging achievements niya kung magsisimula siya from the start. For me, walang easy way. Walang ganun eh. Dapat pagdaanan mo lahat para mas ma-appreciate mo (yung success) when you’re there already,” he added.
READ: Erik Santos on celebrating 10 years in showbiz: 'I want to be iconic'
Erik Santos first came into the limelight after emerging as winner of the 2003 reality talent competition Star in a Million. His first album, This Is the Moment, went three times Platinum after being released the year following the contest. He has sung numerous theme songs for TV shows and movies from ABS-CBN like One More Chance, My Binondo Girl, Walang Hanggan, May Bukas Pa, Maging Sino Ka Man, to name a few. This feat has earned him the title of “King of Pinoy Teleserye Theme Songs.”