Joey Albert looks back on her cancer battle: 'Mahirap, masakit'

Joey Albert not only has inspiring songs, but also an inspiring story: the Filipino singer is a survivor of both cervical and colon cancer.

On "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" on Thursday, she looked back on that journey, saying that she survived it by "putting one foot in front of the other," as well as having hope and faith.

Joey shared that her family has lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of cancer, so she expected that it will happen to her eventually.

"And that's why, every day of my life, every moment of my life, every decision I made, sinubukan ko talaga and sinikap ko gawing decision para sa kabutihan ng pamilya ko, ng mga anak ko, asawa ko, or ng mga naniwala sa 'kin throughout my career. At least alam ko na 'pag may nangyari sa 'kin, maganda na 'yung naiwanan ko," she said.

Joey said the chemotherapy, side effects, uncertainty, and her hair thinning were difficult. However, she was raised by her mother to not show when she is having a challenging time.

"Mahirap, masakit," Joey said.

"It helps you also to carry that burden joyfully kasi, kaya na-i-inspire 'yung ibang tao, natututo din sila na, nakikita nila kung kaya ni Joey, kaya ko rin," she added. "Courage lang."

Joey said she also thought about life's ripple effects and whether what she did in life will influence people in a good way.

She mentioned the sayings "touched by cancer" and "blessed by cancer," because having the sickness made her think and change perspectives.

"I was a people-pleaser kasi ganun 'yung pagpalaki sa 'kin," Joey said. "Nung nagka-cancer na 'ko, parang that's when I realized matuto akong mahalin sarili ko na 'pag wala ako, wala rin naman akong magagawa para sa iba."

"So I learned to conserve my energy, to think about myself, to protect my inner peace. Kung mga tao makakasira lang sa buhay ko or sa inner peace ko, sorry iniiwasan ko nalang sila, inaalis ko na lang sa buhay ko kasi kailangan ganun na pala eh," she added.

Throughout her journey, Joey said she never questioned the Lord.

"Ang tinuro sa 'kin, 'yung mga paghihirap natin, puwede nating gawing mga tulay, stepping stones para ipagdasal ang ibang tao. Kasi 'yun 'yung pinakamahalagang maalay natin sa Panginoon 'yung pain, sacrifice is the most beautiful gift we can offer to God for other people," she said.

Even when she was sick and undergoing chemo, Joey said she would also pray for other people. The experience also taught her to be positive.

In a message to those who are sick and are afraid of death, Joey has this to say.

"Siguro isipin na lang kung sino 'yung nasa kabilang buhay," she said. "In fact, 'yung nagsasabi natatakot ako sa chemo or sa surgery ko, sinasabi ko, may nakahintay. Naghihintay lang si Lord sa surgery room, nandiyan na 'yan Siya."

To avoid the fear, the singer said she looks back at the legacy she left behind.

"Parang, OK na ba 'yung naiwan ko, kasi kung OK na, ready na 'ko."

Joey is known for the songs "Tell Me," "I Remember The Boy," "Million Miles Away," and "Points of View."

She is holding the concert titled Fortyfied: Joey Albert 45 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on July 30. Tickets are available via TicketWorld. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News