Best Ballad Boy
15 years and counting, singer Erik Santos’ achievements are worth celebrating.
15 years and counting, singer Erik Santos’ achievements are worth celebrating.
EBy REGINA MAE PARUNGAO rik Santos at 35 years old has achieved a lot especially after becoming grand champion on ABS-CBN’s “Star In A Million” in 2004. As he celebrates his 15th year in the industry, Erik looks back on everything with a smile.
“‘Star In a Million’ jump started everything for me. Who would have thought that I would win that contest?” he said at a press conference. “Those 15 years taught me to always be grateful, to forgive, to say sorry, and to respect different kinds of people.”
Erik thinks singing the theme songs of TV soaps helped him remind people that his talent cannot be relegated to the sidelines. He appreciates the undying support of his fans.
“People come and go but being able to share my voice is already a great experience for me. My only wish is to last longer in this industry. So let’s see, hopefully. I’ll pray for it,” he said.
Up ahead
While other artists try to reinvent themselves, Erik is sticking to the genre he does
Some of Erik’s hits are “Pagbigyang Muli,” “Kung Akin Ang Mundo” and "Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka” all slow songs.
“I believe being a balladeer is my branding. I embrace that genre because that’s me, that makes me Erik Santos,” he said.
Erik is set to release an album this year. He will also record a Mandarin version of one of his old songs in Singapore.
How about writing a book, someone suggested, relating that his good friend and colleague Mark Bautista released an autobiography early this year.
Erik is open to the idea but if anything, the book will be something about music.
“If ever I’ll do it, it will be about techniques on how to improve in singing. I think many would relate to that because Filipinos are music lovers,” he explained.
“To be honest, I don’t see myself writing about my personal life. I want everything outside showbiz to remain private. Some say it could be a way to get close with my fans, but for me, there’s already social media for that.”
Performer, director
Erik prepares for the concert “My Greatest Moments” on Sept. 22, 8 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena as produced by Cornerstone Entertainment.
He also co-directs the show with John Prats.
“This is the third time I will be directing a concert. My main reason in doing this is I want to squeeze my creative juices. Ever since, I’m a fan of concerts so more or less I have ideas about the do’s and don’ts of it,” he shared.
How different is “My Greatest Moments” from his past concerts?
“To begin with, I encourage the audience to come on time because they will not be able to understand the ending if they don’t watch the first part,” he hinted. “This concert will be like a musical, a teleserye with my journey as the storyline. Fans should expect a lot of love songs.”
He said the concert will be “two concerts in one night.” As for the audience’s take away, he hopes they will get inspired and be filled with hope.
“My Greatest Moments” has starstudded guests. Joining Erik on stage are Moira dela Torre, Kyla, Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino, Daryl Ong, Angeline Quinto, Jason Dy, Jay-R, Jaya, Vina Morales, Ogie Alcasid, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, among others.
“Some of the grand finalists on ‘Star In A Million” will also perform come concert nights. These people are instrumental in my career so I’m really excited to share the stage, and perform beautiful songs with them,” he said.
I’ve learned how to be grateful, to forgive, to say sorry, and to respect different kinds of people.