Singer-actor Gerald Santos opened up about a missed opportunity to reinvent his music career with ABS-CBN’s Star Music, a plan derailed by the network’s franchise shutdown in 2020.
In our interview, Gerald shared his disappointment about the unrealized project. “There had been songs with a similar theme like ‘Hubad’ at that time,” he said. “They gave me new songs. Unfortunately, the deal with Star Music did not push through. Maybe that was not meant to be at that time.”
Despite the setback, Gerald has found a new path. His upcoming solo concert, ‘Courage’, scheduled for January 24 at the SM North EDSA Sky Dome, marks a bold step in his career.
The ‘Courage’ concert, named after Gerald’s resilience, highlights a fresh repertoire of songs, including ‘Hubad’, which explores themes of vulnerability and reinvention. Co-written with Cebu-based songwriter Feb Cabahug, the single represents a departure from his traditional sound.
“I wanted to offer something new to my fans,” Gerald explained. “Hubad is a beautifully written song that isn’t offensive but rather meaningful and introspective. It’s part of my effort to reinvent myself musically.”
The concert will feature guest performances from Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, and rising talents like Aster and Elish, ensuring a dynamic and diverse show.
Gerald has tied the release of ‘Hubad’ to the launch of the ‘Courage Movement’, an advocacy initiative supporting victims of sexual abuse and harassment. The movement is deeply personal, as Gerald recently revealed his own experience of abuse nearly two decades ago.
“This is my way of helping others find their voice,” Gerald said. “It’s about using my platform to create a safe space for healing and awareness.”
Gerald rose to prominence after winning ‘Pinoy Pop Superstar’ in 2005 and later gained international acclaim as Thuy in the UK production of ‘Miss Saigon’. Despite his success abroad, Gerald has chosen to focus on local projects.
“It’s fulfilling to perform internationally, but I missed being home,” he said. “I’m excited to reconnect with Filipino audiences through my music and advocacy.”
Gerald maintains a long-distance relationship with his New York-based girlfriend, Grace, which he describes as “strong and supportive.” Over the holidays, he visited Grace in New York, balancing personal commitments with his growing career.
Looking ahead, Gerald will showcase his acting prowess in the upcoming film ‘Ayaw Matulog ng Gabi’, directed by Ronald Sanchez.
Gerald Santos, once hailed as the Prince of Ballad, has recently shared his reflections on what could have been a significant turning point in his career with ABS-CBN, which was abruptly halted due to the network’s shutdown. Santos, who gained fame after winning a major singing competition, had been poised for what he described as a “reinvention” before external circumstances intervened, leaving him and many fans wondering about the path not taken.
The shutdown of ABS-CBN, one of the Philippines’ largest networks, in May 2020, came as a shock to many, not least to its employees and artists like Santos. The network’s failure to secure a franchise renewal led to a sudden halt in operations, affecting numerous shows, projects, and, importantly, the careers of many artists. For Santos, this meant an unexpected derailment from what he had hoped would be a new chapter in his artistic journey.
Santos had been looking forward to exploring new facets of his talent with ABS-CBN. Known predominantly for his powerful ballads and theatrical performances, he was on the brink of diversifying his portfolio, potentially delving into acting, hosting, or even exploring different music genres. This reinvention was not just about expanding his artistic range but also about redefining his public image, moving from a competition winner to a versatile entertainer.
The emotional toll of the network’s shutdown on artists like Santos cannot be understated. For many, ABS-CBN was not just a workplace but a home where they grew, both personally and professionally. Santos expressed a sense of loss for the opportunities that vanished overnight, not just for himself but for his colleagues who were all gearing up for new projects, collaborations, and creative endeavors that were suddenly put on hold indefinitely.
The impact of ABS-CBN’s situation also highlights the precarious nature of the entertainment industry, where external political and regulatory decisions can drastically alter the landscape. Santos’s story is a poignant reminder of how artists must navigate not only the competitive nature of show business but also its vulnerability to factors beyond their control. His experience underscores the need for resilience and adaptability in an industry where stability can be fleeting.
Despite the setback, Gerald Santos has not let this define his career. Instead, he has taken this as a moment for reflection and resilience. The singer has since explored other avenues, including digital platforms, independent projects, and international opportunities. This shift has allowed him to connect with his audience in new ways, showcasing his adaptability and determination to continue his artistic journey despite the hurdles.
The conversation around Santos’s missed opportunities with ABS-CBN also opens up a broader dialogue about the support systems for artists in times of industry crises. It raises questions about how networks, or the industry at large, can better safeguard the careers of their talents against such unforeseen events. For Santos, this could have been a time for network-backed projects that could have pushed his career into new territories, but instead, it became a lesson in the impermanence of plans in the entertainment world.
Moreover, Santos’s situation brings to light the personal stories behind the headlines of network shutdowns. While the public debate often focuses on political implications or media ownership, at the heart of these events are individuals like Santos, whose dreams and daily lives are deeply affected. His openness about his experiences serves as a call for empathy and understanding towards those in the creative sector who face such uncertainties.
Looking forward, Gerald Santos remains optimistic. His career, though momentarily sidetracked by the ABS-CBN issue, is a testament to his talent’s enduring appeal. He continues to engage with his fans, perform in concerts, and seek out new projects that align with his evolving artistic vision. His story is not just one of missed opportunities but also of perseverance, reminding aspiring artists that while the industry can be unpredictable, passion and talent can navigate through the toughest of times.
In essence, Gerald Santos’s narrative is one of resilience in the face of adversity. While the chapter with ABS-CBN was cut short, his career story is far from over. It’s a narrative that resonates with many in the entertainment industry, where every closed door might just be making way for new, perhaps unexpected, windows of opportunity to open.
