So how is health now after his bout with thyroid cancer in 1997? “I had surgery then underwent radioactive treatment. I fought it for two years and I lost my confidence because I gained so much weight because of my thyroid condition. I didn’t sing for 10 years and I changed my lifestyle completely to prevent the disease from recurring. I’d sleep by 8 PM, wake up at 4 AM to pray and do yoga, jogging, and I became a vegetarian, also giving up sweets and alcohol. In 2012, I was given a clean bill of health, totally cancer free. And I decided to sing again. I formed a group with Renz Verano, Rannie Raymundo and Richard Reynoso, called Hitmen. I also rejoined the New Minstrels and we now have a concert nga on February 13. I will soon form my own big swing band. I thank God for giving me a second chance on life and my career. I learned to be less materialistic and value relationships more. I became closer to my family, my wife Emmy and our two daughters, Gabrielle who’s 15 years old and is a very good singer, and Rafaella, who’s 13 and has started her career as a golfer now training with the Philippine Team at Sta. Rosa.”
Chad is based in Davao and do you know that he is a very good friend of Pres. Duterte? “Mayor pa lang siya ng Davao, magkaibigan na kami and he goes to my gigs. Magkasama kami pati sa firing range. The night before he declared his candidacy, magkasama kami sa Marco Polo Hotel in Davao and I helped in his campaign.”
Why didn’t he aspire to have a government position like the other entertainers who helped Digong? “Ayoko. Baka mawala pa yung friendship namin. Ayoko ring ma-stress kasi big responsibility ang magkaroon ng posisyon sa gobierno at stress ang unang kalaban ng cancer. At least, the president knows that I supported him na wala akong hinintay o kinuhang kapalit from him.”
Expect Chad to sing some of his hit songs like “Ikaw Lang” and “Show Me The Way” in “Happy Together”. Get your tickets at TicketWorld (891-9999), TicketNet, 911-5555 and Viva Live, 687-7236.
