The iconic OPM group Aegis has set the record straight regarding rumors that ‘The Voice Kids’ champion Lyca Gairanod will replace their late lead vocalist, Mercy Sunot.
During a press conference for their upcoming pre-Valentine’s concert ‘Halik Sa Ulan’, Mercy’s siblings and bandmates Juliet and Ken Sunot addressed questions surrounding the future of the group after Mercy’s passing in late 2024 due to breast and lung cancer.
Juliet, visibly emotional, emphasized that Mercy’s role in Aegis remains irreplaceable.
“Wala po. Iba pa rin po kay Mercy. Guest lang siguro pwede, pero si Mercy po, forever po siya sa Aegis. Wala pong mawawalang name na Mercy,” Juliet firmly stated.
This clarification comes after online speculation that Lyca Gairanod might join the band following the announcement of their concert.
The ‘Halik Sa Ulan’ concert, set for February 1 and 2 at the New Frontier Theater, will serve as a tribute to Mercy.
Juliet shared the emotional process of preparing for their first major show without her sister.
“Siguro iba kasi wala si Mercy, pero kailangan namin lalo galingan kasi iba talaga noong kumpleto kami,” Juliet said. “When we planned this concert, Mercy wasn’t with us anymore, but we wished she could be. We have no choice but to continue what we started. We will do our best.”
Ken, who has taken on a more prominent role, admitted the challenge of performing without Mercy.
“It’s really different now. Before, when I felt unsure, Ate Mercy would always say, ‘Kaya natin ’to, ako bahala,” Ken shared.
Juliet tearfully recounted how surreal it still feels to lose her sister.
“Marami. Hanggang ngayon talaga, hindi ako makapaniwala… Sabi ko talaga, para sa kapatid namin itong concert na ’to. Pero hindi po namin akalain na mawawala siya… Ngayon, tribute na talaga para sa kanya,” Juliet said, adding that they will release a new song during the concert as a tribute to Mercy.
‘Halik Sa Ulan: A Valentine’s Special’ promises an unforgettable night with special performances from powerhouse artists Morissette Amon, Jona Viray, Julie Anne San Jose, and Ogie Alcasid.
Tickets for the concert are now available through TicketNet. Fans can expect an emotional evening filled with Aegis’ timeless hits and a heartfelt celebration of Mercy Sunot’s enduring legacy.
