Leah Salterio

Gerald unveils courage on and off stage

January 25, 2025 Leah C. Salterio 117 views
Sheryn
Sheryn Regis
Gerald
From left: Gerald Santos, Sandro Muhlach, Enzo Almario
Erik
Gerald Santos (left) and Erik Santos

THREE Santos music royalties –Erik Santos, Aicelle Santos and Gerald Santos – mounted the stage in the latest solo concert of the latter, aptly titled “Courage,” at the SM North EDSA Skydome.

The highly anticipated event delivered an evening of music, passion and inspiring celebration of resilience delivered just that, as Gerald was joined two other artists who shared his last name – Erik and Aicelle – and the stage with him.

Opening with “Wicked’s” popular track, “Defying Gravity,” Gerald proudly addressed his audience after his opening number.

“It’s a great feeling to start the year with a concert in January,” Gerald said. “This is a special night of music, fun and courage.” Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way” followed.

“Courage” is a bold word that best describes Santos these days. From his meteoric rise as the grand champion of “Pinoy Pop Superstar” 18 years ago to earning global acclaim for his portrayal of Thuy in the European production of “Miss Saigon,” Gerald has proven time and again that he is a force to reckon with in the music scene.

The singer-actor embarks on a new chapter in his life today, blending his powerful artistry with a dauntless message of bravery through the recently launched “Courage Movement.”

Spearheaded by Gerald himself, the movement seeks to inspire individuals to embrace bravery in the face of life’s challenges, echoing Santos’ own journey as an artist and a brave person.

In time with the release of his latest single, “Hubad,” in all digital platforms, Gerald unveiled the Courage Movement to help victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

More than just a concert, “Courage” is a platform to spread hope, strength and resilience can conquer even the toughest battles.

“Courage” is a journey into the soul of an artist who continues to evolve and inspire. Gerald’s repertoire last Friday night reflected his fearless choices, blending heart-stirring ballads with dynamic new tracks that highlight his vocal brilliance and unparalleled artistry.

Although what happened to him 19 years ago took a long time for him to come out in the open and disclose it, Gerald felt there was really a time for everything.

Following the headline-hogging sexual abuse that actor Sandro Muhlach experienced last year, Gerald also bravely went public with the same thing he encountered with a veteran songwriter nearly two decades ago, when he was only 15.

“That was not abrupt when I decided to expose what happened,” Gerald said. “Back in 2022, I also shared it in an interview with (journalist) Butch Francisco. It just so happened there was a big name in the music industry that got involved in the issue.

“Because of what I went through last year, a lot of people told me I was courageous,” Gerald added. “At the same time, I felt naked in public. When I came out in the open about what happened to me nearly two decades ago, I really felt naked in public. Those two words – courageous and naked – perfectly defined me.”

“When I came out in the open last year, I realized how hard it was for the victims of sexual abuse. Other victims approached me, like (singer) Enzo Almario, who experienced sexual abuse in 2008 when he was only 12 years old.”

Enzo also guested in the concert and rendered Ben&Ben’s “Leaves.”

With Sandro and Enzo, Gerald launched “Courage Movement” to support victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

Gerald later shared the stage with young artists Elise and Aster and they rendered “Pantropiko” and “Dilaw.”

Gerald paid tribute to the late One Direction member, Liam Payne, who passed on last year. Santos dished out popular One Direction tunes like “Little Things,” “Story of My Life” and “Night Changes.”

While from Aegis’ Mercy Sunot, who also went to the great beyond last year, Gerald belted out “Halik,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan” and “Luha.”

Of course, Gerald rendered a known “Miss Saigon” ballad, “Why God, Why.” He was a newbie in theater when Gerald’s “Miss Saigon” break came back in 2016. This boy from Navotas went on to play Thuy in the musical that changed his life.

From the United Kingdom, Gerald went on to play more than 600 performances of “Miss Saigon” and went on to Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark.

Two songs that defined Gerald’s’ career as a balladeer were Ted Ito’s “Maghintay Ka Lamang” and Wency Cornejo’s “Hanggang.”

Gerald was reunited with his fellow Santos, Aicelle, with whom he shared the stage in UK’s “Miss Saigon,” where they developed a strong bond as artists and performers.

They carried out Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” and later rejoined onstage for “The Greatest Love of All.” Joined by Enzo, they sang “When You Believe,” originally rendered by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston from “The Prince of Egypt.”

For the first time, Gerald shared the stage with yet another namesake, Erik Santos, with whom he caried out “This Is the Moment,” while Erik later dished out his solo number, “Sagot sa Aking Dasal,” a powerful ballad written for him by Yeng Constantino when he marked his two decades in the music scene two years ago.

Another special guest was Sheryn Regis, with whom Gerald shared the stage in “Shallow,” after which Sheryn belted out her powerful piece, “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw.”

Meanwhile, “Hubad” is the title of Gerald’s latest single, that made him proud to render the “bold” song now available in online music platforms. The sexy single is something new that Gerald wanted to offer to his fans and followers. He wanted to give the public a new sound.

“I’ve been wanting to offer a new song and reinvent myself,” said Gerald. “Perfect ang song na ‘Hubad’ for me. Feb (Cabahug, the composer) was even offering to pay me just to sing the song. But I told her there was no need to do that. I believe in the song.

“Sobra akong nagandahan sa song and may potential siya to become a hit, so we collaborated with the song and co-produced it. I have other songs I recorded which has the same theme. This is just my first in the new sound that I will offer.”

Musical director for “Courage” is Jason Cabatoc, who also arranged “Hubad,” penned by Cebu-based songwriter, Feb Cabahug. She was in the audience Friday night. Gerald’s talent manager, Rommel Ramilo, directed the concert.

Even before ABS-CBN lost its franchise in 2022, Santos already secured a record deal with Star Music. “There had been songs with a similar theme like ‘Hubad’ at that time,” Gerald shared.

An Aliw Award Hall of Famer in the major concert category, Gerald continues to redefine what it means to be entertainer of the year of the highest caliber.

With his magnetic presence, soulful voice and unwavering connection to his audience, Gerald transforms every performance into a masterpiece.

In time with the release of “Hubad” in all digital platforms, Gerald unveiled the Courage Movement to help victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

“What I went through was not a good experience, but it made me a strong person,” said Gerald. “That gave me whatever wisdom I have now. So in time, I developed my strength as a person, not just because of what happened but everything that I went through.

“I’m of age now,” admitted the 33-year-old singer-actor. “Whatever I went through in my personal and professional life, everything affected me. Everything happens for a reason. That’s my destiny.

“But that made me who I am right now. I am even thankful for everything. I’m ready to face whatever challenges will come. I’m stronger now as a person.”

Gerald concluded his “Courage” concert with “From Now On,” from “The Greatest Showman.” No one can be prouder with mounting a full-length concert with a special purpose than him, who unveiled his courage on and off stage.

AUTHOR PROFILE