Erik Santos: Twice blessed

What was Erik Santos’ wish when he celebrated his birthday three weeks ago? "I could not ask for more. I could only say thank you Lord for giving me all these blessings," Erik said.

The Prince of Pop is twice as blessed. Today, he is one of the biggest names in the music industry. His first album, This is the Moment went double platinum. The second LP Loving You Now just turned gold. Aside from these are the hit concerts here and abroad.

Erik has a very strong following in America. Some fans from the East Coast would fly to the West Coast and vice-versa just to watch him perform. This was evident when Erik guested in Pop Fernandez and Regine Velasquez’s Queens on Fire concert, when he performed back-to-back with Vina Morales, as well as in the Night of Champions concert and in the Star in a Million-The Reunion, held in various American cities.

As one of the most-requested Filipino artists in America, Erik’s albums are top sellers among Filipinos. He has a good mix of followers from men, women, mothers and teenagers who can’t seem to get enough of their idol. Erik’s most recent trip to America became a double celebration of sorts. Initially he went there for a concert, but his fans gave him a big surprise party.

One of the biggest organizations of fans and friends of Erik in America is the Erik Santos Friends Online, which came in full force for his birthday celebration. The on-line friends come from all around the USA, and has members coming from as far as North America, Bahrain and Dubai.

It was founded by a group of Erik’s supporters who met on the Internet and had not seen each other or crossed each other’s paths. Only their unwavering admiration for the singer keeps them together. They have known Erik way back when he was still competing in Star in a Million, then a segment in ASAP, where Erik is now one of the co-hosts.

I got a copy of a compilation of birthday messages from Erik’s friends and fans from the US Here are some of them:

"Your friendship is valued and hope to be friends with you in the years to come. I wish that your heart sings and your imagination dances freely on your birthday," writes Tamers.

Another fan, Melanie Baladad, admonishes, "Get some rest and go party. You are truly a one-of-a-kind person- talented, sweet, and nice. You have accomplished so much in your career and I know that your success will only grow bigger. Always keep positive things in mind. You deserve the best."

Jissan and Mala look forward to seeing their idol.

"Sana pag nakita kita, I can hug you," says Jissan, while Mala, Erik’s fan since his contestant days declares, "I wish to meet you in Canada someday and watch you here live."

But why do they love Erik?

"He is such a wonderful person inside and out. He can live up to his name without stepping on anyone," Gel says. Joanna, on the other hand, tells Erik, "You’re an inspiration to me and you will always brighten my days and nights with your music."

Erik says he promises to continue to work hard and hopefully inspire people with his music. Come Dec. 3, he will share his music with his fans through a free concert at the Marikina Riverbanks. Parlor games and raffle prizes are in store for them. The free concert will feature Ai Ai de las Alas, K and the Boxers and Kim Flores.

Furry Tales

A day-long fund-raising event that will benefit less- fortunate animals called Furry Tales was held recently at SM Megamall. Organized by Powerbooks Specialty Store and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, the gathering featured various activities for pet lovers and kids including games, contests such as My Funny Furry Friend pet photo competition, an animal themed art contest, storytelling, and face painting.

Kids also got to spend time with a number of animals from PAWS. An adoption booth was set up for people to view photos of "orphaned’ dogs and cats who were all up for adoption.

Furry Tales was highlighted by a stylish runway presentation directed by Rich Ilustre, a member of the PAWS board of directors. Special celebrity guests with their pets participated to show support for the animal welfare movement — Cristina Pecson and Hillary Isaac, Juddha Paolo, Mark Gil, Drew Arellano, Bianca Gonzalez, Chase Tinio, Jet Valle, Vince Hizon and Shaan Bermudez and their son Vicente, Corey Wills and Raya Mananquil, Laura Jean, Ma. Isabel Lopez, Francis and Elmo Magalona.

Proceeds of the event will go to the funding of PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC). It will also help facilitate the re-homing of some of these animals through an adoption program patterned after some western shelters.