Norman Santos, Member of Universal Motion Dancers, Passes Away
NORMAN SANTOS – A former member of the popular ’90s dance group Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), passed away on February 3, 2025, at the age of 52 after a long battle with kidney failure. He had been undergoing dialysis for over 12 years.
The news of his death was confirmed by his partner, Chato Maria, through a Facebook post on February 4. In her statement, she expressed deep sorrow, saying, “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Norman Santos after a prolonged fight against kidney failure.” Chato also shared that Norman’s wake would likely be held from February 12 to 16, 2025, at the St. Peter Memorial Chapels in Tabacuhan, Olongapo City.
Norman was the second original UMD member to pass away. The first was Gerard Faisan, who died from asthma complications on December 31, 1997, at the age of 23. The other original members of UMD include Wowie de Guzman, Brian Furlow, Marco McKinley, Gerry Oliva, and twins Jim and James Salas. UMD was a beloved all-male dance group that gained immense popularity in the ‘90s for their energetic performances and presence in the entertainment industry.
In addition to being part of UMD, Norman also appeared in movies like Sige… Ihataw Mo (1994) and Ibigay Mo Nang Todong-Todo alongside his UMD colleagues.
The news of Norman’s death has deeply saddened his former UMD bandmates, including Wowie de Guzman. In his heartfelt message, Wowie said, “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 sa yo 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.”