Erik values true friendship

One of the biggest hit songs in the ’80s was, That’s What Friends Are For performed by real-life superstar friends Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight. The song talks about friends being there for each other through the good times and the bad.

Erik Santos must be humming that song in his head lately. In his forthcoming concert, The Power of One, he once again proves that Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Rachelle Ann Go and Piolo Pascual are friends he can rely on as they take time off from their busy schedules (Regine in the middle of preparing for her wedding and Martin in between holding shows in Europe and US) to perform a song or two with him in the show happening on Sept. 24 and 25 at the Meralco Theater.

Even Rachelle Ann, whom Erik no longer works with on A.S.A.P. XV since she has left ABS-CBN for GMA 7 months back, remains a dear friend to the Prince of Pop. The two go to the same church (Victory Christian Fellowship) and after worship service, they, along with other church-mates, usually have dinner together. It is assumed that they hardly talk about their rival Sunday shows, or if they do, it’s always dispassionately.

These past weeks, the alleged competition between Erik and balladeer Christian Bautista was revived after the latter made strides in Indonesia’s entertainment scene and going sexy for a fashion show. The whispers grew louder after Erik appeared on Maalaala Mo Kaya, which many people saw as a move that’s in response to Christian’s foray into acting.

 But the truth is, Erik counts Christian as one of his closest friends in the industry. They have reached that point when they can comment about each other without thinking ill of it.

Then again, as they say, it’s easy to be generous when the giver has been blessed much. For years now, Erik has been chalking up platinum albums after another and multiple industry awards that affirm that the Prince of Pop is still on top of his game.

 It’s not as if Erik risks about these things — especially not lately. He is too busy preparing for The Power of One, which he says is a concept concert that tells the story of an aspiring singer’s journey to success. Seemingly autobiographical, Erik says this is the reason why the repertoire consists of numbers that will put his vocals to the test.

Erik is especially excited over the show since it is his first time to perform at Meralco Theater. He enthuses that the challenge in performing in a relatively intimate venue is that the performer can’t rely on special effects to carry the show. Indeed, it will be the singer and the song that will earn the applause.

And knowing Erik’s mettle, I wouldn’t be surprised if a standing ovation happens.

Sponsors are Advanced Aesthetics, Good Earth Roasts, Boracay Courtyard Beach Resort, Café La Carmela, Sir Boy BBQ, McDonald’s, Calayan Surgicentre, BPInoy Remittance, PReGROE 4 in One, Gluta White & Firm, Mang Inasal, Celsius Cuisine, Fernandos Bakery, Meralco, UP Delta Lambda Sigma, UniSilver Time, The Bar Apple Vodka, Star Records, Argentina Corned Beef and Argentina Ham Luncheon Meat. Media Partners are A.S.A.P. XV, I-FM and The Philippine STAR.

Tickets are available at SM tickets located at the cinema ticket booths in all SM Malls nationwide. For inquiries and reservations, call SM Tickets at 470-2222 and Ticketworld at 891-9999.

RE/VISION at Arts in the City

An exhibition of vision called RE/VISION opened at the Arts in the City, FVR Park, 26th and 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City last Sept. 14. The exhibit will run until Oct. 10. It features the works of 10 Filipino artists including that of Audie Sison, a Teddy Bear/Soft Sculpture artist based in Holland. He designed and hand made a collectible One Of A Kind Teddy Bear in honor of the late President Corazon Aquino. Sison makes collector teddy bears and sells his hand made work in Europe, Japan, Canada and the US.  

A Tribute...Corazon C. Aquino, the title of the bear in a tableaux, is adorned with mementos and accessories courtesy of the Aquino Family. The bear is made of 100 percent German mohair, Austrian glass eyes, 100 percent wool felt pads, embroidered waxed nose and stuffed with wood wool and polyester fiberfill. It will be up for auction on Oct. 11, anniversary of Ninoy and Cory. Proceeds will go to the Ninoy Aquino Foundation.