Kapamilya artist Marlo Mortel revealed the heartbreaking story of his Mom’s battle against cancer as the inspiration behind his cover of SB19’s MAPA.
During the media conference for his new single under PolyEast Records, Bituin, Mortel recalled his Mom’s fight against cancer.
“I could really relate to the song because of what happened to my Mom. It was a hard time sa amin, sa family, friends kasi we really saw how she really fought hard.
“How stressed she was and hindi lang namin matanggap that she would actually leave us soon. So parang what happened is nagpahinga na lang talaga siya, kasi ayun ‘yung kailangan niya eh.
“As in pagod na pagod na pagod na rin siya eh. Although she wants to keep on fighting pero cancer kasi its a different thing.”
Mortel also shared the line from the song that struck a chord with him.
“With those lines sa MAPA na, ‘Mama pahinga ka na,’ I could really relate.
“Before singing that sa cover ko, kinakanta ko na s’ya sa Kumu ko minsan and medyo at ease na ako s’ya kantahin. Hindi na ‘yung super talagang sensitive, but I did feel the song while singing it. Kasi, kung mapapansin ninyo its very raw.”
Mortel’s mom passed away in 2018, four years after her cancer diagnosis in 2014.
He also addressed the fans who praised his rendition of SB19’s song.
“Pero, I’m happy doon sa response nila. Ang daming na-touch doon sa song because ginawa ko naman ‘yun for them to also pay tribute to their parents.”
MAPA is one of SB19’s single, which is available in their extended play tracklist, Pagsibol. The song serves as a tribute to the group’s parents.
SB19 made history after becoming the first Pinoy act to receive a nomination from the Billboard Music Awards.
As for Mortel, he pursued his career in music after his stint on teleseryes.
His latest addition to his musical repertoire is the song, Bituin, which he dedicated to his friend. Mortel’s new single under PolyEast Records is currently available on all streaming platforms.
