MANILA, Philippines — It will be the first time that the legendary (Original Pilipino Music) OPM rock band Aegis will be staging their concert without one of their vocalists Mercy Sunot. She passed away last November in San Francisco, California after battling with cancer.
Dubbed “Aegis: Halik sa Ulan (A Valentine Special),” the group will mount the music gig on Feb. 1 and 2 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
“We have to do good kasi iba talaga yung kumpleto kami. At the time that we planned this, Mercy wasn’t there,” vocalist and Mercy’s sister, Juliet, shared at a presscon. “We wanted her to get better but talagang umalis na talaga siya sa amin ng tuluyan. We have to keep going. We already started this, so gagalingan po namin.”
The band members, who turned emotional while recalling their memories with Mercy, furthered how difficult it was to move on without her.
“While she was having her treatment in the US, we were in tears. When we learned that she’s gone, halos hindi na po kami nakakanta,” shared Juliet. “Yung mga tao na lang po ang kumakanta ng kanta niya. Our sadness wouldn’t go away. But we want this concert to push through even though she’s not around.”
It was Mercy’s dream to hold another concert, furthered Juliet. “Before she underwent operation, she said that she wanted to go home. She wanted to be involved in the concert. Pero wala, eh. She already left us.”
Juliet vowed to continue the music of Aegis in honor of Mercy. “We have to keep going. We are still here. That’s what Mercy wanted, tuloy pa rin po ang Aegis kahit ugod-ugod na kami.”
The last words that they heard from Mercy that stuck in their heads was, “Walang iwanan.”
“Every time we have interviews, she always says, ‘Walang iwanan.’ But she left us,” stated Stella.
The memories that they missed the most from Mercy was her laughter and how she expressed herself through fashion.
As Juliet recalled, “Makulit kasi yun tapos ‘pag nagdamit siya wala po sa amin, eh. Nakatago po talaga kami. Siya hindi. She wants to show who she really is. We also missed the way she laughed. Wagas pong tumawa and she is a loving sister.”
Ken told The STAR, “Si ate ‘pag once na nakatingin sa’yo, ibig sabihin kantahin mo na yun. I’m not used to it. Kaya si ate na yung… Naka-focus ako sa kanya every time we sing Luha.”
“Aegis: Halik sa Ulan: A Valentine Special” will serve as a tribute to their sister and bandmate, aside from celebrating their music. Part of the proceeds from these shows will go to the family of Mercy.
For Day 1, Morissette Amon, rising band Formula 5 and a surprise guest artist will perform with the six-piece collective, composed of Juliet and Ken Sunot (vocalists), Stella Pabico (keyboardist), Vilma Goloviongo (drummer), Weng Adriano (bassist), and Rey Abenoja (lead guitarist).
Ogie Alcasid, Jona, Julie Anne San Jose, and Formula 5 will share the stage with them on Day 2.
Meanwhile, the band members dispelled the rumors of having Lyca Gairanod, who previous performed Aegis song in a talent competition, as part of the group.
“No, Mercy will not be replaced,” clarified Juliet. “Maybe we can have her as a guest. Mercy will forever be with Aegis. Wala pong mawawala na Mercy.”
They named “The Voice US” Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez as one of their dream collaborators whom they’ve met in the US before he won “The Voice.”
“Aegis: Halik sa Ulan (A Valentine Special)” is produced by Cues + Fues Advertising, Inc. and is directed by FLM Creatives and Productions, Inc., headed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril.
It is co-presented by Lagundex and Acetaffein. The event is sponsored by Uratex Monoblock, Power Melo, Boss Max3, Newport World Resorts, and Viva Café. Aegis also extends their gratitude to Geof Lagria Styling & Alex Ruelo Photography.
(Secure your concert tickets now at TicketNet).