Iconic rock band Aegis are set to stage their Valentine concert titled Halik sa Ulan on February 1 and 2 at the New Frontier Theater. 

However, the event carries a bittersweet tone as the band will pay tribute to their late member, Mercy Sunot, who recently passed away. 

At a press conference held on Thursday, vocalists Julie Sunot and Ken Sunot—Mercy’s sisters—became emotional as they reflected on her absence. 

“Siguro iba kasi wala si Mercy, pero kailangan namin lalo galingan kasi iba talaga nung kumpleto kami,” Juliet shared tearfully. “Nung time na naplano to, talagang wala si Mercy pero gusto lang namin bumalik siya. Pero talagang umalis na talaga siya. Kailangan lang namin pagpatuloy yung nasimulan namin. Gagalingan po namin.”

Aegis' Mercy Sunot passes away

Ken Sunot echoed her sister’s sentiments, admitting to feeling the pressure of performing without Mercy. “Napre-pressure ako kasi dati, pag andyan si Ate Mercy, si Ate Juliet sasaluhin. Eh ngayon, parang magiging lakasan ng loob ko na din kasi iba yung may dalawang ate. Dati kay Ate Mercy, ‘Ate hindi ko kaya,’ sasabihin niya, ‘kaya natin to, ako bahala.’” 

Despite the emotional weight of the concert, Juliet emphasized that Halik sa Ulan is dedicated to Mercy. “Mahirap po, pero pipilitin namin na parang walang nangyari. Ito naman po ay para sa aming kapatid, para kay Mercy po.” 

Juliet became even more emotional when asked about what she will miss most about her sister. “Marami… hanggang ngayon talaga hindi ako makapaniwala. Sabi ko talaga para sa kapatid po namin itong concert na to. Pero hindi po namin akalain na mawala po si Mercy kaya talagang ang sakit po. Ngayon naging tribute na talaga sa kanya.”

They are also set to release a new song during the concert, dedicated to Mercy.

Addressing speculations about a possible replacement for Mercy, Juliet firmly stated, “Wala po. Iba pa din po kay Mercy. Siguro guest lang po pwede, pero si Mercy po, forever po siya sa Aegis. Wala pong mawawalang name na Mercy.”

Mercy Sunot’s last interview before passing away: 'Laban lang!'

Joining Aegis in their Valentine concert are some of the biggest names in OPM, including Morissette, Jona, Julie Anne San Jose, and Ogie Alcasid.

Additionally, Aegis expressed desire to collaborate with The Voice USA winner Sofronio Vasquez. Stella Galindo, the band’s keyboardist, shared, “Si Sofronio, gusto namin makasama.” 

While Halik sa Ulan will undoubtedly be a heartfelt tribute to Mercy, it also marks Aegis’ continued dedication to their craft and their fans.