Erik Santos supports cancer patients

OPM singer Erik Santos has partnered with Anchor of Hope & Strength, a non-profit organization that supports cancer patients.

He made this move after losing both his parents to lung cancer in less than a year. 

Anchor of Hope & Strength was funded in 2016 by Dr. Charity Viado-Gorospe, who is the oncologist of Santos’ mother. Originally a bible study group, the organization that helps cancer patients deal with their suffering has now two ministries — the bible ministry and the support ministry.

Cornerstone Entertainment shared several photos of the singer during the press conference of his partnership with Anchor of Hope & Strength on September 21 at Episode Bar + Kitchen in Quezon City.

In an Instagram post, the singer described the partnership as something that will “truly give our dear cancer warriors more hope and strength in the midst of their adversity.”

His agency, meanwhile, shared a video of the Pop Ballad Royalty on X, where he could be seen getting emotional after watching “a heartfelt video featuring warriors from Anchor of Hope & Strength.”

“Gusto ko lang sabihin sa inyong lahat na hindi po kayo nag-iisa. You’re not alone in this journey,” he said.

Santos has opened up about losing his parents and starting over in life again in Karen Davila’s vlog in September. 

He shared that his mom was already in the late stage of lung cancer when they learned about the diagnosis in December 2021. He narrated his mother’s journey in fighting lung cancer until she succumbed to it in November 2022.

Following his mom’s passing, he and his family went on a trip to Europe for almost two months as they “needed a new environment.” 

But after their vacation, his dad experienced persistent coughing. He later found out that his father was also diagnosed with lung cancer. The singer announced his father’s passing in August 2023.

Santos said that Anchor of Hope & Strength will be a beneficiary of his upcoming concert titled MilEStone.

20th anniversary

Santos’ concert is in celebration of his 20th anniversary in the local entertainment industry. The musical event will be held at SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 6.

Among the balladeer’s special guests in the show are sought-after singers Yeng Constantino, Sheryn Regis, Darren Espanto, and Angeline Quinto.

During the Thursday press conference, Santos invited everyone to join him in the upcoming concert, where “a very, very special guest” will be introduced.

Prior to the concert, Star Magic surprised Santos for his 20th anniversary and for the early celebration of his birthday next week.

The singer thanked his Star Magic family for its “wonderful surprise.”