Mercy Sunot of Aegis performs at the 1MusicX Abu Dhabi on November 9, 2018. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Beloved Aegis band member Mercy Sunot died on Monday (November 18) after battling cancer, her bandmates announced. She was 48. The announcement was made on the band’s official Facebook page, confirming her death with a heartfelt tribute to her legacy in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Mercy, one of the beloved vocalists of Aegis Band. She bravely fought her battle with cancer but has now found peace and rest,” read the band’s statement. Sunot was celebrated for her powerful voice that gave life to Aegis classics like Sinta, Luha, and Basang-basa sa Ulan. Her vocal prowess resonated with millions, earning her a permanent spot in the annals of Filipino music. “She has touched countless lives, inspiring fans and lifting spirits with every song she sang,” the band added. Sunot’s sister and fellow bandmate, Stephanie Ken, marked the loss with a poignant gesture, changing her social media profile picture to a black image with a lit candle. Fans have also expressed their grief, recalling the emotional connection her music created. Sunot died at the Stanford Hospital and Clinics in San Francisco, California where she has received cancer treatment. On her birthday on November 6, she took to social media to tell fans about her lonely, "solo flight" while receiving treatment for breast and lung cancer in the US. Just days before her passing, Sunot reached out to fans on social media, asking for prayers following a lung surgery. Her resilience and hope, even in her final days, were a testament to her character. Her absence will be deeply felt in the music world, with her legacy living on in the hearts of fans. Aegis, a group that has long celebrated the richness of OPM, last performed in the UAE during the 2018 1MusicX Abu Dhabi concert. The band is scheduled to have their comeback concert on February 1 and 2, 2025 at New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, Philippines. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page