The Prince of Pop & the Vixen

The first song Prince of Pop Erik Santos is thinking of including in his upcoming third album is a remake of Alamid’s Your Love. Everyone in the know doesn’t wonder why. Erik, after all, is in love with the bombshell herself, Rufa Mae Quinto.

Erik’s feelings were ignited by a mistake he committed when he guested in the vixen’s recent birthday concert, Bombshell Unleashed.

"I thought Mark Bautista kissed her on the lips during our production number so I did the same," he says. "When I found out na hindi pala, dun na ako nanginig."

Days later, Rufa told the press about the kiss and that she finds Erik cute. Even during rehearsals for the show, she said, Erik had already caught her eye. The study tape of Erik’s number Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder, had not left her player since.

"But I learned all about this from my fans," says Erik. "One day, they came up to me swooning and asking me questions about the real deal about Rufa. I was flattered when I learned of what she said. After all, pantasya ng bayan si Rufa."

But Erik did not stop at just being flattered. Even before he entered showbiz, Erik has had a crush on Rufa. When he was still a Dentistry student, he and his classmates would watch her films and they enjoyed Booba particularly. So finding out about Rufa’s crush on him was a dream-come-true moment.

He called her up. They spoke. Then he called her up again the next day. And the day after that. And then once again. Soon, Erik and Rufa were talking on the phone on a daily basis – sometimes up to five hours straight using the mobile! He also sent her flowers. "I’m getting to know her better," says he. "So far, I have learned that she’s no ‘booba’ at all. Rufa is very intelligent. There’s never a dull moment when we talk. I learn so much from her. And she makes me laugh a lot!"

Just phone pals they’re not. The two have also begun dating. Simple dates such as watching a movie (X-Men III was their first together) or dining out. Or Erik would visit Rufa on the set of the movie she’s currently shooting. Once, it was at 3 a.m. But Erik is not complaining.

"Anytime to be with her, I’ll be there if my schedule permits," he says. "Even I lack sleep, as long as I’m happy, that’s okay. I’m falling in love with Rufa."

The undeniable feeling amuses Erik sometimes. Before Rufa, Erik’s ideal girlfriend was from outside showbiz as to keep the relationship private as much as possible. He also wanted someone conservative and soft-spoken. These are things Rufa is definitely not.

"Which I realize now, when I think about it, is what makes us tick," he says. "I’m the serious type, she’s the funny one. We complement each other. I just hope she feels the same way."

As for them belonging to rival networks, Erik hardly gives a hoot. It’s not because he’s being disloyal, he says. It’s just that, well, how do you tell a heart not to fall in love with someone just because she’s from the other side of the fence?

"And as far as Rufa and I are concerned, it’s a non-issue. Sometimes we even joke about it. I tell her, ‘O natalo namin kayo sa ratings last Sunday’ or if they’re the one leading, she tells me the same thing."

Though they are still in dating mode, Erik already has the approval of fans, friends and family. "Then again, I didn’t expect otherwise," he says. "How can anyone not like Rufa? Apart from being beautiful, sexy, smart and talented, she is a good daughter who looks after her family. It’s one of her most endearing traits in my book."

People need not worry, though, that Erik might neglect his career in the name of love. On the contrary, the inspiration love gives him has made the Prince of Pop a workaholic all the more.

Erik is currently promoting his self-penned new single, Kung Maaalala Mo, from his just-turned Platinum disc, Loving You Now under Star Records. He has performances in malls namely Pavillion Mall on July 16; SM Marilao on June 23 and SM Clark on July 30.

On July 9 at SM Batangas, Erik will launch the BPI Remittance Service which he endorses. On July 18, Erik will have a back-to-back concert with Sheryn Regis at the Summit Center in Zamboanga City. He is also part of Backroom’s musical caravan with Frenchie Dy, Kim Flores, K and The Boxers and, ehem, Rufa Mae Quinto. There’s still ASAP on Sundays and, of course, the new album.

So busy this MYX Favorite Male Artist. And so in love! "Rufa is the first person I think of when I wake up in the morning. She’s also the last one on my mind before I sleep. I’m definitely falling in love."