 Erik Santos: Perform Like You’re Always in the Grand Finals"
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio
He is, without a doubt, one of the best male singers in local music today. His powerful rendition of “This Is The Moment” still rings in people’s ears three years after the ‘moment’ that he crowned himself champion of the first season of Star in a Million.
Erik Santos used to be just another wannabe who dreamed of making it in the music business. Today, he is a certified multi-platinum recording artist and concert star who realizes the value of hard work and how it helped get him to where he is. More than anything, though, the Prince of Pop says that what helped him get to where he is is that old saying that an artist is only as good as his last performance—so whenever he’s out there, he makes sure he always gives his best. It’s as simple as that. Every song should be a ‘moment’. As he puts it, “Dapat ang performance mo, laging pang grand finals.”
Here, then, is more—pardon the pun—sound advice from local music’s Prince of Pop who willingly shares the secrets of his success.
Did you always dream of being a singer?
Honestly? I didn’t. The truth is, I wanted to be a Pope. I grew up in a Catholic school and was even a member of our Knights of the Altar group. I was also in the church choir, and that sort of started me off on my singing.
When you look back on your Star In A Million win, what goes through your mind?
That song has really become a part of me. I still remember that day: January 3, 2004. I even remember the time: 6:45 PM. When I sang This Is The Moment, my goal was really to win.
Now that you are a singer, how do you feel?
I really am so thankful that I’m one of those given a chance to make his dreams come true. Not everyone has this kind of opportunity given to them. In a way, it makes me feel pressured, also because I work with such talented people [on ASAP, like my fellow ‘Champions’ and singers like Gary Valenciano, ZsaZsa Padilla and Kuh Ledesma].
All of us have had phenomenal careers, and we want to keep it that way, especially me.
How do you intend to go about that, making sure that your career lasts? You know how competitive the music business is.
Yes I do. The name of the game in music is longevity. I want to stay in the business for as long as I can. That’s why I’ve turned down offers to act. Maraming offers to do movies, appear in a teleserye, or episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), but I really want to concentrate on my singing. If I act, mahahati ang attention at oras ko. Maybe eventually I’ll consider acting, but for now I really just want to focus on establishing my name as a singer. That’s also what my manager (Boy Abunda) advised. It’s only been three years since I started. It’s too soon to be turning my attention to other things.
I’ve always believed that to be successful, you have to find what you’re good at, and focus on that first. The other things can come later. There will be time for that. Make your name first.
You’ve been in the business for three years. So far, what would you consider the highlights of your career?
A lot. Ang daming nangyari. I’ve gotten the chance to perform with big stars like Regine (Velasquez), Lea (Salonga), Martin (Nievera), Gary (Valenciano) and Sharon (Cuneta). I’ve done shows here and abroad. I’ve recorded several albums—and thankfully, consistent ang sales. I’ve really been very blessed.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received from the big stars that you’ve worked with?
I’ve learned so much from them. Martin always tells me that there are a lot of good singers, but only a few sing from the heart. He said it’s important to always sing from the heart. Si Sharon naman, always reminds me to keep my feet on the ground dahil ‘yan daw ang magdadala sa akin sa tagumpay. She says no matter what happens, I should remain humble. Si Kuya Gary, who I work with on ASAP, tells me to always seek the guidance of the Lord.
Aside from them, who are the other people who’ve influenced you in your career? Who are your career role models?
Definitely my manager, Tito Boy (Abunda). I admire what he’s made of himself. Imagine, nagsimula sa wala ‘yan, and look at him now. Then there are people like Gary, Regine, Ogie, who started in this business years ago, but up to now, they’re still there because they’re such humble, talented and hardworking people.
If you could give someone advice about building a career in music, what would you tell them?
First of all, never stop trying. If it’s your dream, don’t give up. At kapag kumakanta ka, offer your song to God. And like Martin always tells me, sing from the heart. Make sure your audience can relate to you. That’s what being a performer is about.
Most of all, work hard—and remember to always thank the people who support and help you. Keep in mind that just because you’re on top now, doesn’t mean that you’ll always be there. Di porke sikat ka ngayon, ibig sabhin n’on, laging ganoon. Anytime, puwedeng mawala ‘yan. God can always take it away. You have to work hard to get there, and when you do, you have to work even harder to stay there. Never take anything for granted.
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