LA Santos
LA Santos | |
|---|---|
| Born | Leonard Antonio Brioso Santos January 27, 2000 Las Piñas, Philippines |
| Citizenship | Filipino |
| Alma mater | De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2016–present |
Leonard Antonio Brioso Santos (born January 27, 2000) is a Filipino singer and actor. He is best known for his roles in Mars Ravelo's Darna (2022)[1] and In His Mother's Eyes (2023).[2] Santos' accolades include a FAMAS Award,[3] Luna Award,[4] and a PMPC Star Award for Movies.[5][6]
Early life and education
Leonard Antonio Brioso Santos[7] was born on January 27, 2000,[8] in Las Piñas, Philippines. He completed high school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila[7][9] and earned a degree in music production from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.[10] Initially recruited by Star Magic as a musician,[11] Santos later transitioned into acting.[12][13]
Business venture
In 2020, Santos became the founder[14] and CEO of 7K Sounds, a music label launched under ABS-CBN Music. He is also one of the label's recording artists.[15] The label's name refers to the more than 7,000 islands of the Philippines.[16] Through the label, he launched the online show The Search for the Sound of Seven Thousand Christmas Songs, created to feature original compositions from emerging Filipino musicians. Santos also co-hosted the show alongside Gretchen Ho.[17][18]
Personal life
Santos was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)[19] and level 2 autism[20] at age four and did not speak until he was six.[9][21]
In August 2024, he revealed that he was courting co-star Kira Balinger.[22] Later that month, he shared that she had rejected his courtship, though they remained good friends.[23] In 2025, Balinger confirmed in an interview that they had briefly dated.[24]
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| L.A. Santos |
|
[25] |
Singles
| Title | Year | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Hibang" | 2020 | Non-album single | [26][27] |
| "Gitna ng Langit" | 2021 | [28] | |
| "Ano'ng Pangalan Mo?" (with CLR) | [29] |
Soundtrack appearances
| Title | Year | Film/Series | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "'Di Maghihiwalay" | 2022 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | [30] |
| "Patawad Inay" | 2023 | In His Mother's Eyes | |
| "Tayo Lang" | 2024 | Maple Leaf Dreams | [6] |
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Maria | Leo | [31] |
| 2022 | Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told | PO2 Jovalyn Lozano | [32] |
| 2023 | In His Mother's Eyes | Tim | [33][34] |
| 2024 | Maple Leaf Dreams | Macky | [6][35] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2021 | Ang Sa Iyo ay Akin | Alfred Vega | [36] |
| 2022–2023 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | Richard Miscala | [37] |
| 2023 | Love Bites: Boy Next Door | Bjorn | [38] |
| Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin | Dr. Francis Venturina | [39] | |
| 2025 | Sins of the Father | Xenon Agustin | [40] |
Concerts
As headlining artist
| Title | Date | Venue | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #petMalu | April 30, 2018 | Music Museum | First solo concert | [41][42] |
As guest artist
| Title | Headlining artist(s) | Date | Venue | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The New Stylistics Concert | The Stylistics | February 13, 2015 | The Theatre at Solaire | [26][43] |
| Timeless OPM | Rey Valera, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and Rico J. Puno | February 14, 2018 | Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila | [44][45] |
| Christmas With Soul Divas | Patti Austin and Jaya | December 6, 2018 | The Theatre at Solaire | [46][47] |
| Imelda Papin Queen @45 | Imelda Papin | October 26, 2019 | Music Museum | [48][49] |
Accolades
| Award | Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliw Awards | 2017 | Best New Artist | N/a | Nominated | [50][51] |
| 2022 | Best Male Pop Artist | N/a | Won | [52] | |
| The EDDYS | 2024 | Best Original Theme Song (with Jonathan Manalo, FM Reyes) | In His Mother's Eyes ("Patawad, Inay") | Nominated | [53] |
| FAMAS Award | 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | In His Mother's Eyes | Won | [54][3] |
| Best Original Theme Song (with Jonathan Manalo) | In His Mother's Eyes ("Patawad, Inay") | Nominated | [55] | ||
| Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards | 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | In His Mother's Eyes | Won | [56] |
| Luna Award | 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | Won | [4] | |
| PMPC Star Awards for Movies | 2021 | New Movie Actor of the Year | Maria | Nominated | [31] |
| 2024 | Movie Supporting Actor of the Year | In His Mother's Eyes | Won | [5] | |
| Indie Movie Original Theme Song of the Year (with Jonathan Manalo, FM Reyes) | In His Mother's Eyes ("Patawad, Inay") | Nominated | [57] | ||
| 2025 | Movie Loveteam of the Year (shared with Kira Balinger) | Maple Leaf Dreams | Nominated | [58] | |
| PMPC Star Awards for Television | 2023 | Best New Male TV Personality | Ang sa Iyo ay Akin | Won | [59][36] |
| Sinag Maynila Film Festival | 2024 | Best Actor | Maple Leaf Dreams | Nominated | [60] |
References
- ^ "LA Santos, habang buhay bibitbitin ang pagiging parte ng 'Darna'". ABS-CBN. 2023-02-09.
- ^ Hawson, Fred (2023-11-30). "Movie review: LA Santos impresses in 'In His Mother's Eyes'". ABS-CBN.
- ^ a b Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "Kathryn, Piolo, Alfred lead winners at FAMAS 2024". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (2024-08-04). "Maricel Soriano, Roderick Paulate win top acting honors at 40th Luna Awards". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (2024-07-24). "Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, Nora Aunor tie at PMPC Star Awards for Movies". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ a b c "LA Santos gives another remarkable performance in 'Maple Leaf Dreams'". Manila Bulletin. 2024-09-16.
- ^ a b Red, Isah V. (2017-04-18). "LA Santos demythifying autism". Manila Standard. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Dela Cruz, Liezel (2023-03-07). "What 'LA' stands for, plus more trivia bits as LA Santos fills out Celebrity Slambook". ABS-CBN.
- ^ a b Policarpio, Allan (2017-04-17). "Not even ADHD and autism can stop teener from pursuing his passion for music". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "LA Santos, rapper CLR serenade ladies with "Ano'ng Pangalan Mo?" single". ABS-CBN. 2021-08-26.
- ^ Abunda, Boy. "LA Santos to find more OPM talents with online show". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Abunda, Boy. "LA Santos focuses more on learning the ropes of acting". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "Beyond blessed: Singer-actor LA Santos is grateful". Malaya Business Insight. 2022-11-21. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "Christmas comes early in '7K Sounds' digital reality show". Manila Standard. 2020-10-20. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "7K Sounds Artists Big J, Iman and La Santos introduce new singles". Manila Bulletin. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Singer LA Santos reacts to Pinoys blaming the Chinese people for spreading coronavirus". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Abunda, Boy. "LA Santos to find more OPM talents with online show". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Gretchen Ho, LA Santos napiling host ng 'The Search for the Sound of 7K Christmas Songs'". INQUIRER.net. 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Mercado, Josh (2024-09-06). "Diagnosed with ADHD, LA Santos still pursues showbiz career: 'Wag bitawan ang pangarap'". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "LA Santos says entering showbiz helps him overcome ADHD, mild autism". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "Musician LA Santos shares journey of having autism and ADHD - LionhearTV". 2021-11-16. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "LA Santos admits he's still courting Kira Balinger". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "LA Santos admits being rejected by Kira Balinger". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "Kira Balinger admits past relationship with LA Santos - LionhearTV". 2025-06-16. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Lo, Ricky. "Music helped LA Santos recover from ADHD". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ a b BMPlus (2020-09-08). "LA Santos ups the dance frenzy with new single, 'Hibang' | BMPlus". BusinessMirror. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ ilucas (2020-09-16). "LA Santos' soulful new single 'Hibang' will make you want to dance". POP!. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "7K Sounds artists Big J, Iman, and LA Santos introduce new singles". ABS-CBN. 2021-06-24.
- ^ "LA Santos, rapper CLR serenade ladies with "Ano'ng Pangalan Mo?" single". ABS-CBN. 2021-08-26.
- ^ "Star Music releases LA Santos' single 'Di Maghihiwalay'". ABS-CBN. 2022-10-20.
- ^ a b Requintina, Robert (2021-03-18). "PMPC releases official list of nominees for 36th Star Awards for Movies". Manila Bulletin.
- ^ ""Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told" producer, sinagot ang "premiere night" issue". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "LA Santos's own autism made him feel close to his In Her Mother's Eyes role". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (2023-11-24). "LA Santos on portraying teen with autism". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Fernando, Jefferson (2024-08-31). "Kira Balinger and LA Santos reunite in 'Maple Leaf Dreams'". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ a b "LA Santos takes the spotlight, gets nominated as best new male personality in the 35th Star Awards". Manila Bulletin. 2023-01-23.
- ^ Showbiz, Manila Standard (2022-11-30). "Beyond blessed: Singer-actor LA Santos is grateful". Manila Standard. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "New season of "Love Bites" offers different stories of love with ABS-CBN's rising stars". ABS-CBN. 2023-04-24.
- ^ "JC De Vera, Jane Oineza, Tony Labrusca, Ria Atayde to HEAT UP 'Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin'". Tribune. May 20, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ Krishnan, Ganiel (2025-06-08). "Cast of 'Sins of the Father' hypes up series with Cavite motorcade". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Escuadro, Kiko (2018-04-26). "Star Music artist LA Santos gears up for his first solo major concert". ABS-CBN.
- ^ "Newbie singer L.A. Santos not bothered by bashers: "Napa-flatter pa nga po ako kapag may basher ako."". PEP.ph. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Claire, Lenard guest in Stylistics concert". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Constantino, Ronald (2018-01-28). "Golden Era of Pinoy Music". Tempo. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Lastrilla, Gary Ann (2018-01-23). "OPM veterans Rey Valera, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and Rico J. Puno stage a 'timeless' concert". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (2018-11-22). "Patti Austin, Jaya team up for Christmas concert". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "Patti Austin: 'Longevity no longer exists'". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Belen, Walden Sadiri M. "Imelda all about love". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "LA Santos pararangalan sa Leaders Awards Global Excellence". INQUIRER.net. 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ "LIST: Aliw Awards 2017 nominees revealed". ABS-CBN. 2017-11-01.
- ^ "2017 Aliw Awards nominees revealed; Jake Zyrus now competing in male category". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "Gerald Santos takes second Entertainer of the Year trophy in Aliw Awards". ABS-CBN. 2022-12-06.
- ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (2024-06-15). "Kathryn Bernardo, Marian Rivera, among nominees in 7th Eddys". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Tunac, Hermes Joy (2024-05-27). "FAMAS Awards 2024: Here is the complete list of winners". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2024-05-07). "Kathryn Bernardo, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards among FAMAS 2024 nominees". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "KathDen, Eva Darren among Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2024 awardees". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ Acierto, Drew (2024-06-12). "LOOK: List of nominees for the 40th Star Awards for Movies". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-11-01). "41st Star Awards for Movies: Kathryn Bernardo, Marian Rivera among nominees". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-11-02.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2023-01-17). "35th PMPC Star Awards for Television releases list of nominees". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ^ "6th Sinag Maynila frontrunners: Jansen Magpusao or Tony Labrusca for best actor; Rebecca Chuaunsu for best actress". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-09-14.