Erik Santos displays staying power

With countless fans from all around the globe, recognitions given by several award-giving bodies, sold-out concerts both here and abroad, a Platinum debut album, and now a limited edition album entitled "I'll Never Go," the 22-year- old Erik Santos practically has everything budding singers of his generation could only dream of. From the looks of it, the aptly dubbed Prince of Pop is displaying some sure signs of staying power in the entertainment industry.

Having just arrived from Riyadh a week before his album launching in Davao and Cebu, he will be leaving again as of press time for Los Angeles to do a series of shows. Erik was generous enough to update The FREEMAN on the goings-on in his now busier than ever career during a brief interview in his dressing room (yes ladies, you read it right) before his show started at the SM Cebu Entertainment Plaza. Of course, this writer could not help but pry as well into the other aspects of his life - particularly love life.

The FREEMAN: Why is the limited edition album entitled "I'll Never Go"?

Erik: It has something to do with my elementary days kasi during that time diba sikat yung kantang "I'll Never Go"? It's also my personal choice.

TF: What keeps you busy right now?

Erik: I'm doing a series of shows abroad. And I'm also working now on a full-length album which we hope to release this August. And I will also have a major concert at the Araneta by the end of the year.

TF: Tell us more about your upcoming full-length album.

Erik: Ah 'yon? There are actually many surprises in there! I will have a duet with one of the biggest stars in the local music industry and there would be songs composed by my idol, Martin Nievera... at marami pang iba.

TF: Have you considered acting on screen?

Erik: Late na 'yun kasi singing talaga ang priority ko now. Although there were offers to star in teleseryes before, my manager, Boy Abunda, wanted me to focus on singing.

TF: Okay, I am Boy Abunda and this is my magic mirror, who do you want to see right now?

Erik: (Laughs) Huwag na 'yon.

TF: Describe yourself in three words.

Erik: Simple, hardworking and true.

TF: What is Erik Santos like behind the cameras?

Erik: When I'm on TV, medyo seryoso. But when I'm with friends, masyado akong magulo at makulit, parang 12 years old na bata. Sa house naman, I would wash the dishes kapag nakita kong nakatambak lang ang mga ito.

TF: What kind of pressure does a "Prince of Pop" face?

Erik: If may title ka kasi, you must prove to the people that you really deserve it. That's why I always give my best in all my performances.

TF: What about pressures to look good always? Can share with our readers, how do you take care of your face and body?

Erik: (Laughs) I do not exercise actually. Disiplina lang sa food. Before, I was not vain, simple lang, but now you have to make yourself presentable always.

TF: Are you planning to go back to school?

Erik: I was in my third year in college when I stopped studying nursing. But eventually, I have plans of studying again pero dentistry na. That was actually my first course.

TF: Let's get a bit personal: anybody special as of this moment?

Erik: (Laughs) I'm still single.

TF: Then, who gave you that necklace, with nameplate "Erik," that you're wearing now?

Erik: My tita.

TF: Who are your showbiz crushes?

Erik: Vina Morales and Angelika dela Cruz.

TF: Ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Erik: Actually, I do not plan eh. I take each day as it comes, except sa mga minor stuffs like going to Shangri-La Mactan with my family or friends. But my goal is permanent. Since I love singing, I want to last long in my chosen career.

TF: As your final word, if you were to give words of advice to an aspiring singer, what would that be?

Erik: Pray and just hold on to your dreams. You have to believe in the power of your prayers na someday, you'd be able to make it.