Just like most teens his age, LA Santos has experienced both the joys and disappointments of young love. An experience that became the inspiration for his hit song “Tinamaan.”
“Unang kita pa lang nabighani na, Sa lakad mo na parang ‘sang diwata
Ang ‘yong mata’y nagniningning na parang tala; Kinabisado ko bawat sulok ng ‘yong mukha
Oh! Kay sarap mong titigan ‘Di ka na mawala sa isipan
Oh bakit ba biglang nangyari sa’kin ‘to?
Hey miss! My miss! Pinapangarap ka, Tinamaan nga ako sa labis mong ganda
Bakit ba ikaw ang laging nasa isip, panaginip? Miss! My miss! Hindi na maalis
Sa ala-ala, ang ngiti mong matamis! Sobrang tinamaan
“I had a girlfriend before and it lasted for almost two years before we broke up,” LA told a group of entertainment writers last week.
Since the breakup, however, LA says he’s been single, deciding to focus more on his singing career, which has been on the rise no thanks to the real love of his life—his mom Florita.
“I love my mom! Her unconditional love inspired me to dream big for myself, to conquer my fears, and to be the best version of myself. She is my biggest fan. Whenever I look in front of the stage, my mom is there, busy taking pictures and videos. I want to tell her that I love her and I’m thankful for all the sacrifices she has done for me.”
LA says his career is his top priority now, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t seeing anyone. “Meron naman po akong nililigawan, but secret na muna because I don’t want my mom to get upset,” he joked.
LA is a testament to how powerful music is and says music has done a lot of good things to his young life. “I am able to express myself through music. It is said that music is a universal language. There is a song for every emotion, whether you are happy, depressed, in love, heartbroken, angry. It also helps you compose a song because may hugot ka. I get lost when I sing. I let people know who I am and how I feel through the songs I sing. In fact, I am a living example of the healing power of music,” LA shares.
Through music LA says he was able to overcome one of the biggest challenges in his life—autism.
LA (short for Leonard Antonio) was diagnosed with first stage autism when he was only three years old. Flor Santos, his mother, said she was bothered when her son was unable to speak as three years old kids would. She sought medical help and that was how she found out her third child was autistic.
The Star Music recording artist has a self-titled debut album which contains six originals (Tinamaan, Ikaw Kasi, One Greatest Love, Bakit Pag-Ibig, Miss Terror, and Mine) and three covers (Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man, Sarah Geronimo’s Forever Is Not Enough and Angeline Quinto’s Hanggang Kailan).
LA just recently finished a two-night mini concert at The Music Hall @ Metrowalk with the SRATS (the young stars of Asian Artist Agency). Soon, they will be trooping to SM Malls for a series of shows: June 9 (SM Valenzuela), June 10 (SM Pulilan), and June 30 (SM Sangandaan). “It’s fun to work with SRATS. I’m looking forward to our next collaborations.”
LA has found his niche in music and is carving a name for himself. Aside from performing on Ian Veneracion’s first major foray into concerts, LA staged a sold-out major solo concert titled #Petmalu at the Music Museum.
While he is happy to share his passion for music, LA admits there are challenges that he has to face. “Actually, it’s difficult na pagsabayin ang studies and singing career. I am in my senior high at UST. Minsan nagkakasabay ang pag-aaral for an exam and rehearsal for shows. I don’t want to sacrifice iyong isa over the other. I have to balance my priorities and follow a strict schedule if I want to succeed in both my studies and career. At first, it was really hard especially when you have to wake up early for class after coming home late at night because of a commitment. I’m used to this routine now. I don’t regret any single thing. Who am I to complain? I’m grateful to be given these opportunities.”
