Ice Seguerra experienced an unconventional childhood. Being widely recognized in the country posed unique challenges, as he was embraced by the public as one of their own. During his heyday as a child star, playing on the street with kids his age became a rarity due to his overwhelming popularity.
“I remember, for me to play with other kids in our area, they would close the entire street, and guards were watching at both ends,” Ice recalls.
Needless to say, there were many experiences Ice missed out on, like Christmas caroling. “I started my showbiz career early, so I never had the opportunity to go caroling from house to house. That’s something I wanted to do.”
When the chance finally came, Ice didn’t hesitate. Teaming up with Solmux Advance, an upgraded solution to a popular cough brand from the leading healthcare company Unilab, Inc., Ice went Christmas caroling in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City.
Christmas came early to elderlies Golden Alquiza, Fe Ocheada, Simplicia Cunanan, Erlinda Sese, and Isabel Angeles as Ice came to their homes unannounced bringing in some holiday cheers through music. They were all pleasantly surprised to see the now celebrated singer-songwriter in front of their homes, singing to them no less!
Ice’s first stop was Mang Golden, who has been living alone since his wife left him. Despite being physically handicapped after an accident, Mang Golden continues to work as a parking boy to afford food and medicine. At 63, he deeply misses his family, but seeing Ice on his doorstep brings him joy. “I’m happy that he visited me. It reminded me of my children through him,” he says.
Next on Ice’s list was Fe Ocheada, a stroke patient who supported herself by making rugs. Living with two grandchildren and a niece who is a breast cancer survivor, Fe was delighted to hear Ice sing to her in person. “I used to watch him on TV, and now he brings gifts of fruits and medicine,” the 71-year-old widow happily reflects.
Ice continued his Christmas caroling at the home of Simplicia Cunanan, a 76-year-old stroke patient caring for her 39-year-old son with cerebral palsy. Overwhelmed with joy, she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the ‘Pagdating ng Panahon’ hitmaker outside her house. “I never expected to see Ice when I stepped out. I am so happy.”
Sixty-year-old Erlinda Sese embraced Ice as he walked to her house. Having lost her husband and son in October, she graciously welcomed the singer despite her recent tragedies.
Ice’s final stop was the humble home of Isabel Angeles, a 90-year-old lady who cares for her child with a disability. Her other children are already raising their own families and facing financial struggles. Lola Isabel earns a living by collecting plastics to sell in junk shops.
The evening became truly unforgettable for those visited by Ice and their families, but it was even more meaningful for him. Ice expressed, “I’m happy to visit them because I have a soft spot for the elderly. I see my parents in them, and I wish that now, in their twilight years, they could rest and enjoy life, perhaps just sweeping in front of their houses or gardening.”
Ice shared that this experience gave a new meaning to Christmas caroling for him. “My job is to sing, and when you’re younger, you do it for the money. Now, singing for people and making them happy gives me purpose.”
Despite recovering from cough and colds, aggravated by an asthma attack, Ice considered partnering with Solmux Advance for the activity a blessing. Despite being visibly tired as the activity concluded, Ice expressed, “I am tired, but I am happy because it’s all worth it.”
Ultimately, Ice hopes to make this a yearly activity, recognizing the power of music to bring joy and hope and to bring smiles to people facing challenges.