Julia Christine Botin

Gerald Santos launches advocacy in 'Courage' concert

Article (news)

Leah C. Salterio

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737945931748IMG_8738.JPG" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Balladeer Gerald Santos mounted a successful solo concert, &quot;Courage,&quot; Friday night at the SM North EDSA Sky Dome</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- Prince of Ballad Gerald Santos undoubtedly impressed his audience Friday night when he mounted the stage in his latest solo concert aptly titled “Courage,” at the SM Skydome.</p><p>The highly anticipated event that promised an evening of music, passion and inspiring celebration of resilience delivered just that, as Santos was joined two other artists who shared his last name – Erik Santos and Aicelle Santos – and the stage with him.</p><p>Opening with “Defying Gravity,” the popular track from &quot;Wicked,&quot; Santos proudly addressed his audience after his opening number.</p><p>“It’s a great feeling to start the year with a concert in January,” he said.  “This is a special night of music, fun and courage.” </p><p>“Courage” is a bold word that best describes Santos these days. From his 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,” Santos has proven time and again that he is a force to reckon with in the music scene.</p><p>The singer-actor also embarked on a new chapter in his life today, blending his powerful artistry with a dauntless message of bravery through the recently launched Courage Movement.</p><p>Spearheaded by Santos 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.</p><p>In time with the release of his latest single, “Hubad,” in all digital platforms, Santos unveiled the Courage Movement to help victims of sexual abuse and harassment.</p><p>More than just a concert, “Courage” became a platform to spread hope, strength and resilience can conquer even the toughest battles.</p><p>Although what happened to him 19 years ago took a long time for him to come out in the open and disclose it, Santos felt there was really a time for everything.</p><p>Following the headline-hogging sexual abuse that actor Sandro Muhlach experienced last year, Santos also bravely went public with his experience with a veteran songwriter nearly two decades ago, when he was only 15.</p><p>“That was not abrupt when I decided to expose what happened,” Santos 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.</p><p>“Because of what I went through last year, a lot of people told me I was courageous,” Santos 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.”</p><p>“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.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737945995274IMG_8740.JPG" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/><span class="fr-inner">The singer-actor wants to reinvent himself</span></span></span></div><p>Almario also guested in the concert and rendered Ben&amp;Ben’s “Leaves.”</p><p>With Muhlach and Almario, Santos launched Courage Movement to support victims of sexual abuse and harassment.  </p><p>“What I went through was not a good experience, but it made me a strong person,” said Santos. “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.”</p><p>“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.</p><p>“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.”</p><div><strong>&#x27;Miss Saigon&#x27;</strong></div><p>Of course, Santos rendered the “Miss Saigon” ballad, “Why God, Why.” He was a newbie in theater when his “Miss Saigon” break came in 2016. This boy from Navotas went on to play Thuy in the musical that changed his life.</p><p>From the United Kingdom, Santos went on to play more than 600 performances of “Miss Saigon” and went on to Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark.</p><p>Santos was reunited with Aicelle Santos, with whom he shared the stage in UK’s “Miss Saigon,” where they developed a strong bond as artists and performers.</p><p>They carried out Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” and later rejoined onstage for “The Greatest Love of All.” </p><p>With Almario, they also sang “When You Believe,” originally rendered by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston from “The Prince of Egypt.”</p><p>For the first time, Santos shared the stage with yet another namesake, Erik Santos, with whom he sang “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.</p><p>Another special guest was Sheryn Regis, with whom Santos shared the stage in “Shallow,” after which Regis belted out her powerful piece, “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw.” </p><div><strong>New single</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, his current &quot;bold&quot; single “Hubad” is something new that Santos wanted to offer to his fans and followers. </p><p>“I’ve been wanting to offer a new song and reinvent myself,” said Santos, who won the grand prize in the second season of “Pinoy Pop Superstar” in 2005.</p><p> “Perfect ang song na ‘Hubad’ for me... 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.”</p><p>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. Santos’ talent manager, Rommel Ramilo, directed the concert.</p><p>Santos concluded his “Courage” concert with “From Now On,” from “The Greatest Showman.”  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/music/2025/1/24/gerald-santos-brings-courage-to-the-stage-with-star-studded-concert-and-movement-launch-1801" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GERALD SANTOS Brings &quot;Courage&quot; to the Stage with Star-Studded Concert and Movement Launch</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KNvUc_Awtmg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tYRJrDlPQTQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FfmyRSbTtOQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Courage Movement seeks to inspire individuals to embrace bravery in the face of life’s challenges, echoing Gerald Santos’ own journey as an artist and a brave person.</p>

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