The chapel fell silent as tears fell freely.

Singer Erik Santos, known for his powerful voice and heartfelt ballads, could barely hold himself together during one of the most painful moments of his life—the final farewell to his beloved mother, Angelita Santos, who succumbed to lung cancer on November 25, 2022.

Erik Santos breaks down before his mother's cremation | PEP.ph

At the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City, emotions ran high as Erik hugged the coffin tightly before her cremation, unable to let go. Those present could feel the crushing weight of grief in the room. The usually composed performer was now a broken son mourning the loss of the woman he called his life’s greatest inspiration.

🙏 Before her cremation on December 1 at 11 a.m., a solemn mass was held, where Erik performed “Ikaw”—a song his mother had always loved. With every lyric, every note trembling with emotion, it was as if he was singing his final message to her.

The Santos family chose cremation so they could bring Angelita’s urn home and spend one last Christmas “together.”

🌹 A wave of love and support poured in from Erik’s closest friends in the music industry, including Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Vina Morales, Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, Darren Espanto, and Christian Bautista, who offered their voices in tribute to the woman who raised a star.

Philanthropist Pinky Tobiano, one of Erik’s dearest friends, made a heartfelt promise: “I will take care of him,”—a vow made directly to Erik’s late mother.

🎂 Just weeks before her passing, during Erik’s surprise 40th birthday celebration in October 2022, the cracks in his heart were already showing. With trembling voice and tears in his eyes, Erik said:

“I didn’t want to celebrate this year… Our spirits are so low. My family is broken. Every day, we cry. We didn’t expect something this painful to happen. My mama has been through so much.”

Erik Santos mourns death of mother Angelita Ramos Santos | PEP.ph

These words now echo louder than ever.

🕯️ As Erik continues to grieve, his story reminds us all that even the strongest voices tremble when the heart is shattered. And sometimes, the loudest cries are heard not on stage—but in the quiet of a goodbye.

Rest in peace, Mommy Angelita. Your son will continue to sing, but now, with a piece of you in every note. 💔