THE Philippine music industry is mourning the passing of Mercy Sunot, the lead vocalist of the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) rock band Aegis. She was 48.
The band confirmed the news through a Facebook post on Monday, November 18, saying that the singer “bravely fought” her battle with cancer.
“Mercy’s voice wasn’t just a part of AEGIS—it was a voice that brought comfort, joy, and strength to so many,” Aegis wrote.
“She has touched countless lives, inspiring fans and lifting spirits with every song she sang. Her passion, warmth, and unforgettable presence on stage will forever be cherished in our hearts,” it added.
Formed in 1995, Aegis is known for its vocalists’ belting power and heart-tugging songs, including “Basang-basa sa Ulan,” “Halik,” “Luha,” and “Sinta.” Aegis comprises Mercy’s siblings, Juliet and Ken, alongside Stella Pabico, Rey Abenoja, Rowena Adriano, and Vilma Goloviogo.
“Let us come together to celebrate the incredible life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind,” the OPM band said.
“Mercy, thank you for the music, the love, and the memories. You will be deeply missed,” it added.
Meanwhile, Juliet and Ken changed their profile photos on Facebook to black-and-white, mourning their sister’s passing.
Before this, the Aegis vocalist updated netizens about her health condition after her lung surgery. She uploaded a TikTok clip, where she was seen with a respiratory device on her nose.
“Biglang nahirapan ako huminga, so, dinala ako sa ICU. Tapos ngayon, may tubig pala, may inflammation yung lungs ko, so, ginagawan na nila ng paraan,” she said.
Sunot shared she was given steroids by the doctors to address the inflammation. She then asked the public for prayers for her recovery.
Condolences
Several Filipino netizens offered their condolences over the singer’s death, with some stressing how Sunot impacted their lives with Aegis’ music.
“AEGIS playlist and their music is my constant companion in my early days here in the United States!” one netizen said on X (formerly Twitter).
Others said that Aegis would no longer be the same without Sunot.
Aegis is set to bring nostalgia to its fans through the “Halik Sa Ulan: A Valentine’s Special” concert on February 1 and 2, 2025 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
