Marco Sison on Grandson Andrei’s Death: “They say everything happens for a reason — but what is it?”

Marco Sison continues to grieve over the untimely death of his 17-year-old grandson, Andrei Sison, who passed away on March 24, 2023. The veteran singer opened up during the mediacon of The Class of OPM held on April 10, 2023, at Gerry’s Grill in Quezon City.

“They always say ‘everything happens for a reason.’ But what is it?” Marco questioned, his voice heavy with emotion.

He added, “So I said, ‘That’s something I have to find out.’ I’ll wait — in the coming days, months, or even years — for the reason to reveal itself.”

Marco described Andrei as “such a good boy” — someone who didn’t have vices and was obedient even during the pandemic. “Even just to buy candy from the store, he wouldn’t go out if his dad said no,” he shared.

“People say that when someone is too good, the Lord takes them early. But no, for me, there has to be a deeper reason why this happened.”

A Strange Incident from the Past

Marco recalled a peculiar event when Andrei was only 18 months old. “He fell from the third floor of their condo,” he said, “but he came out of it with just a scratch. His father, Alain, was panicking, and I told him to rush Andrei to the hospital. But it turned out, nothing serious happened.”

Was it a guardian angel that protected him then?

“Maybe. He was practically still a baby. And now, even with all the protection — seatbelt, airbag, everything — he’s gone. Just like that.”

The Tragic News

Marco recounted the moment he received the tragic news from his son, Alain.

“When you hear something like that, it’s like everything goes silent,” he said. “You don’t even know if it’s real. But would a father joke about something like that?”

He admitted he believed it immediately, but was left with questions: “Why did it happen?”

“That’s the thing — they say ‘everything happens for a reason,’ right? So I’ll be waiting to understand that reason. Right now, we don’t know what it is.”

Coping as a Family

Marco said Andrei hasn’t made his presence felt since the tragedy, but he’s more concerned about his son.

“I called Alain during Holy Week to check on him. He sounds a bit better now. His voice is clearer,” Marco said. “Unlike during the wake, when he seemed dazed — like he didn’t recognize anyone.”

“As a father, I’m more worried about Alain. That’s what hurts me — the loss. Because Andrei… he was such a good kid.”

Their Bond as Grandfather and Grandson

Marco fondly recalled his playful banter with Andrei over Messenger.

“When he started growing up, he’d ask for a cell phone. And it had to be expensive!” he laughed. “And he always used to say he was more handsome than me.”

“I’d tell him, ‘You don’t have the right to say that because I’m the original! All of you come from me!’”

Was Marco a doting grandfather?

“Not exactly. But when they’d come over, we had a good relationship — more like teasing each other. He was slow to grow tall, but lately, he started getting taller.”

He joked, “If you noticed, Andrei had big ears. I used to tell him, ‘Your ears grow faster than your height!’ That was always our joke.”

Marco said the last time they spoke, he had lent Andrei a car.

“He asked if he could paint it white, and I said yes. Because he was going to be the one using it. But that was it. After that, he got busier — always in workshops. I’d just check in through his dad, asking how he was doing, hearing that he was learning to sing…”

Did they ever get the chance to sing together?

“No, never. Because whenever I was at their house during an occasion, he’d just go upstairs and stay there.”

He again described his grandson: “So obedient. So kind. No vices. Even during the pandemic, he wouldn’t go out if told not to.”

“They say when someone is too good, the Lord takes them early. But for me, there has to be a deeper reason why this happened.”

Is Marco Sison a Good Person?

Would Marco consider himself a good man?

“I think so, yeah. Not to brag, but I think I am,” he answered.

“Then why did this happen, right? Was there a purpose? Maybe his purpose here was already fulfilled.”

“But for me — what’s the reason? Why was he taken in that way? There has to be a really good reason. But I’m not questioning Him,” he said, pointing upward.

Any Unspoken Words for Andrei?

If he could tell Andrei something he didn’t get to say while he was still alive, what would it be?

“I don’t think there’s anything left unsaid,” Marco answered. “We always supported each other. We didn’t see each other often, but when we did, it was joyful.”

“We were alike — we lived colorful lives but accepted each other completely. No jealousy. That’s not allowed in our family.”

Marco Sison is set to perform with Dulce, Rey Valera, and remaining APO Hiking Society members Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo in the Class of OPM concert on May 3 at The Theatre at Solaire.

Guest performers include Andrea Gutierrez, Elisha, and VR Caballero. The event is a fundraiser by Soroptimist International of the Americas Philippines Region.