Former Universal Motion Dancers (UMD) member Norman Santos has passed away at the age of 52 after a long battle with kidney disease.
Santos’ partner, Chato Maria, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 4.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Norman Santos on February 3, 2025, after a prolonged fight against kidney failure, necessitating dialysis for over 12 years,” Chato wrote.
She also shared that a wake for Norman is tentatively scheduled from February 12 to 16, 2025, at St. Peter Memorial Chapels in Tabacuhan, Olongapo City.
Norman’s fellow member, Wowie De Guzman paid tribute to the former with a heartfelt post on Facebook that came with an emotional message and a series of photos of them together.
“UTOL….mahal na mahal ka namin. Hindi man naging maayos ang pagsasama ng grupo sa huli..at the end of the day magkakapatid tayo. Wala akong ibang hangad kundi kabutihan nating lahat..pasensya ka na sa mga pagkukulang ko sayo Man..mahal na mahal ka namin…hindi ko mararating ang kinalalagyan ko ngayon kung hindi dahil sayo…we love you Norman Santos UMD for Life…kitakits tayo nila Gerald sa finals ng buhay ko🙌,” De Guzman’s message read.
Santos is the second original UMD member to pass away. The first was Gerard Faisan, who succumbed to asthma on December 31, 1997, at the age of 23.
UMD, an all-male dance group, rose to fame in the 1990s. The group’s original lineup included Gerard, Norman, Wowie, Brian Furlow, Marco McKinley, Gerry Oliva, and twins Jim and James Salas.
