By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle
Eric Santos was once an aspiring singer who eventually earned his throne as the Philippines’ Prince of Pop for indeed, ever since he won in the first ever “Star in a Million” talent show, his supremacy as a balladeer rules.
Aftr just one year, he accepted several awards for his performances such as Best New Male Artist (Aliw Awards), Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist (Awit Awards) and Best New Male TV Personality (Star Awards for TV) after winning from the prestigous contest in 2004. From his outstanding rendition of “This is the Moment” he went all the way to recording chart toppers. “Pagbigyang Muli”, “Di Ko Kaya” and “Kung Akin ang Mundo” are a few of lovers’ favorite themes.
Hailed as the certified platinum artist, he captured the hearts of the many by being the voice behind famous show anthems of radio station DWWRR (ABS-CBN’s FM radio station) singing a duet with Heart Evangelista, and the “Search for the Star in a Million” theme with his co-champions Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista and Sarah Geronimo.
He also became the favorite to sing the themes for many top-grossing Filipino films.
The prince was also able to collaborate with industry royalties. Like in the revival of “Parting Time, he worked with R n B Princess Kyla. Total Performer Vina Morales sang with him on “Come what May” while Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, joined him on the hit “Bakit ba Iniibig Ka?”
The former dentistry student went on to star in his own successful concerts like the “Night of the Champions” series with Christian, Mark, Sarah, Frenchie Dy and Rachelle Ann Go; “The Prince of Pop and the Comedy Concert Queen” where he bested his limitation as a balladeer while performing with ace comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas. Recently, his concert with real life sweetheart Rufa Mae Quinto titled “When Erik Met Rufa the Repeat… to the Max!” drew huge crowd during the Valentine concert season.
Erik shared that his passion fro singing comes from the heart. “Ang gusto ko sa isang singer ay mapusong kumanta. Maraming singer na magagaling pero iilan lang iyong who can sing from the heart,” says the young balladeer who looks up to Martin Nievera.
Performing in front of huge crowd cast Erik to euphoria especially when he is out of the country. “Masaya ako when I’m out of the country. Kasi nakakarating ako sa mga gusto kong mapuntahan. Ang sarap mag-perform sa Filipino audience sa abroad,” he said.
Being part of the Philippine entertainment limelight, Erik was aware of the intrigue surrounding him and his group in A.S.A.P, The Champions. One those was the comparison of Christian’s achievements versus his triumphs. Incidentally, Christian was his co-finalist in “Star in Million.”
“ I’ll just do my job, lagi naman ako, sa bawat performance ko, I do my best, “ Erik said.
Having romantic relationship with Rufa Mae is another source of intrique. His detractors are saying that h’se just using the sexy actress to further his career.
“I really have to adjust to showbiz life, kung baga hindi kasi normal. Kapag showbiz kasi may mga taong nakikialam or nai-involve,” Erik lamented.
Although according to Erik, he’s never irritated with the press or people who question their relationship. After all, showbiz success wouldn’t complete be without rumors that can add spice to a star’s flourinshing career.
Tags: Erik Santos, Philippine Music Artists, Star In A Million, Filipino Singers
About Phoebe Dorothy Estelle: Phoebe Dorothy Estelle believes in the power of dreaming and it's smarter to be lucky than lucky to be smart. She's boyish and jolly outside but feminine inside. Has faith to the Divine Providence and an ambivert gal who loves performing arts, anime, interesting stories or people, music,films and ice cream..
September 17th, 2007 at 8:56 am
hi erik alam mo idol na idol kita ,halos lahat ng kanta mo alam ko kac ang lambing ng boses mo sana makita kita mg personal mabasa mo nga ito masaya nako e reply kanaman mc_julius2yahoo.com.ph
September 17th, 2007 at 8:59 am
pagkinakanta ko nga yung kanta mo sa karaoke daming nahaga saakin kac ginagaya ko boses mo