Universal Motion Dancers (UMD) members; Norman Santos. Image: Facebook/ Wowie De Guzman, Chato Maria
Norman Santos, one of the members of the 1990s dance group Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), has died at the age of 52 due to kidney failure.
Santos’ partner, Chato Maria, confirmed his death through a statement released on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Norman Santos on Feb. 3, 2025, after a prolonged fight against kidney failure, necessitating dialysis for over 12 years,” she said.
Chato stated that Santos’ wake and viewing will tentatively be held from Feb. 12 to 16 at St. Peter Memorial Chapel in Tabacuhan, Olongapo City (Del Rosario St).
Santos’ fellow UMD member, actor-dancer Wowie de Guzman, paid tribute to the late dancer via a Facebook post.
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“Utol, mahal na mahal ka namin. Hindi man naging maayos ang pagsasama ng grupo sa huli, at the end of the day magkakapatid tayo,” de Guzman said. “Wala akong ibang hangad kundi kabutihan nating lahat.”
De Guzman also apologized for his shortcomings, saying he would have not been where he is now if it were not for Santos.
“Hindi ko mararating ang kinalalagyan ko ngayon kung hindi dahil sayo. We love you Norman Santos. UMD for life,” de Guzman added.
Aside from Santos and de Guzman, other UDM members include Brian Furlow, Gerry Oliva, Miggy Eugenio Tanchanco, Marco McKinley, Jim Salas, James Salas and Gerard Fainsan, who died in 1997.
Among the group’s iconic performances are their “Dying Inside” dance routine and butterfly dance to “Always” by Erasures.