Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Tracing Erik Santos' early days in showbiz through his most memorable 'firsts'

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

Since winning the first season of Kapamilya singing competition “Star in a Million” in 2003, Erik Santos has built a career filled with timeless hits, sold-out concerts, and unforgettable performances that have made him one of OPM’s most celebrated balladeers.Two decades into his journey, Erik remains grounded, evident in how he still lights up when talking about the milestones that shaped him. In an interview with Kapamilya Chat, he opened up about his career beginnings and the “firsts” that continue to remind him of how far he’s come.Erik may have countless hits under his belt—hence his title as the King of Teleserye Theme Songs—but if we’re tracing it back to his very first one, we’ll be led to “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2024/11/26/throwback-it-might-be-you-2003-1149" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It Might Be You</a>,”the theme song for John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s drama series of the same title. Interestingly, he recorded it even before winning “Star In A Million,” as part of a compilation album featuring the show&#x27;s contestants. “I Believe I Can Fly” also became closely associated with him, as it was his audition piece in the competition, followed by his winning song “This Is the Moment.” But if we’re talking about his first original hit, that would be “Pagbigyang Muli.” Erik fondly talked about how the song continues to find new life, especially on social media, even though it was released in 2004. He feels proud whenever people use his original songs and is often amazed by how talented netizens are when he sees videos of them singing “Pagbigyang Muli.”When asked about his first collaboration for a track, Erik recalled it was with his fellow “Star In A Million” contestants Sheryn Regis and Marinel Santos. But his first major collab was “Bakit Ba Iniibig Ka” with none other than Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez. The track, composed by Ogie Alcasid, holds a special place in Erik’s heart for the unforgettable experience of working with both icons. Looking back, he remembers struggling to fall asleep the night before the recording because of how excited (and nervous) he was. “Inaaral ko talaga kung ano ’yung maibibigay ko sa recording kasi I wanted it to be perfect. Siyempre, sino ba naman ’yung nabibigyan ng pagkakataong kumanta with the one and only Asia’s Songbird?” he said. Erik’s first out-of-the-country show happened in 2004 in San Francisco, California for an iWantTFC event, where he shared the stage with fellow singing champions Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista, and Mark Bautista. It was a milestone moment, not only because it marked his first international performance, but also because they were representing a new wave of Filipino talent at the time. Erik clearly remembers the experience, especially the challenges brought about by the cold San Francisco weather. They just powered through by drinking lots of water to protect their vocal cords.When it comes to vocal care, the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ASAP</a>” artist admitted he didn’t really have strict rituals back in the day. There were no hard rules—he could even eat chocolates before singing. But he’s more cautious now that he’s older and more conscious of how his body reacts to food. For instance, sweets tend to make his voice phlegmy, so he’s learned to adjust his diet before performances. One vocal warm-up he always does backstage, though, is lip trills.Speaking of singing contests, Erik shared that he didn’t actually join that many before “Star In A Million,” unlike some of his fellow champions who were already seasoned competitors. But during that time, one of the most popular songs was “The Greatest Love of All,” which is why it became one of the first songs he performed in competitions and a piece that still holds nostalgic value for him.

Erik Santos looks back on the unforgettable ‘firsts’ that shaped his 20-year music journey.

Erik Santos looks back on the unforgettable ‘firsts’ that shaped his 20-year music journey.