Singing is therapy.
For teenager LA Santos who dealt with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the act is more than a way of addressing his condition. In fact it enabled him to become a recording artist himself when he debuted last year with a full-length self-titled album manufactured and distributed by Star Music.
The album contains nine tracks, including the acknowledged hit song “Tinamaan,” penned by tunesmith Jonathan Manalo. He also has cover versions of “When I Was Your Man” (Bruno Mars), “Hanggang Kailan” (Angeline Quinto), and “Forever’s Not Enough” (Sarah Geronimo) which he sung with his sister Kanishia.
Gig-wise he sold out a solo concert at the Music Museum aptly titled #Petmalu. He had likewise shared stage with the likes of concert king Martin Nievera and concert revelation Ian Veneracion.
Well, safe to say that this young guy is a mainstream artist and a promising one. That’s no simple feat for someone diagnosed with ADHD at age four.
Much is credited to his mom Florita, the first recipient of Make Your Nanay Proud’s Licerna R. Abunda Award, for taking care of him and doing everything so that music would spell wonders for her boy.
“I get lost when I sing and I am able to express myself in music. I am a living example of the healing power of music,” LA attested.
Talking to a bunch invited to write about him, the boy-next-door talent cheerfully exchanged thoughts where in some instances he delivered properly placed punchlines. It looked like he had developed a kind of charm that should make him interesting beyond his skill and story.
LA spoke, “Sobrang nakaka-proud na na-achieve ko ang pangarap ko.”
He recently did shows with the young stars of Artist Asian Agency (collectively labeled SRATS) at The Music Hall in Metrowalk, Ortigas. He is now doing SM Supermalls shows, with one coming on June 30 at SM Sangandaan.
For all he has done this early in his run, LA clearly dedicates his accomplishment first and foremost to his mom. He outpoured, “Her unconditional love inspired me to dream big for myself and to conquer my fears. Whenever I look my mom is there, busy taking pictures and videos.”
Simply put, Florita is one mother who has all the right to be a stage mom. It is inspiring to see that she is working on it so well.
The other originals in LA’s album are “Miss Terror”, “Mine”, “Ikaw Kasi”, “Bakit Ang Pag-ibig”, and “One Greatest Love.” He said that he will record his own compositions soon.
Still in his senior high, LA happily juggles studies and his passion for music. He shared, “I have to balance my priorities and follow a strict schedule if I want to succeed in both my studies and career. Minsan nagkakasabay ang pag-aaral for an exam and rehearsal for shows. I don’t want to sacrifice itong isa over the other.”
On that note, no doubt music has empowered this young man to becoming extra special.