That’s how Erik Santos, declared Star in a Million champion three years ago, sums up his three years in showbiz.
He has done three albums, concerts both here and abroad (US, Australia, etc.) several times, invested in a house for his family and a condo unit for himself and survived the ugliest issues and controversies that usually serve as "initiation rite" for a newcomer entering the lion’s den that is showbiz.
Asked what the worst issue he has gotten enmeshed in so far, Erik says, "That I am gay and that I have two love children."
According to the gay yarn, Erik has a handsome lover from La Salle and was once seen at the mall holding hands with another man.
"The rumor came out in blind items," smiles Erik. "I don’t know who’s spreading it. I wonder up to now where the rumor that I have two love children came from."
Happily and luckily, Erik survived those ugly rumors badly shaken and deeply affected but with his reputation hopefully intact.
"Now, I simply shrug off rumors of that kind," says Erik, a Libran (Oct. 10). "Nothing good will come out of it if you let yourself be dragged down by those rumors."
One of Erik’s "highs" was having performed with Sharon Cuneta during her US concert tour last year.
"It was a dream come true," says Erik.
He’s set to embark on a Summer Musical Caravan around the country with fellow Backroom artists Kyla, Frenchie Dy, K Brosas and the Boxers and Kim Flores. The caravan’s schedule is as follows: March 31 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Parañaque City; April 28 at the Ynares Gymnasium in Antipolo City; April 29 in Pampanga and May 20 in La Salle Bacolod.
Rufa Mae Quinto, another Backroom artist, will appear as special guest in Kyla’s place at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Marbel City on May 12 and at the South Cotabato Gymnasium & Cultural Center also in Marbel City on May 13.
Erik stands 5’8.5", weighs 148 lbs., and wears small-sized shirt and size 10 shoes.
How do you take care of your voice?
"Tulog lang po. Eight hours of sleep per night is good enough."
Are iced drinks really bad for the vocal cords?
"I’m not sure if they are bad but I avoid them. Before singing, I usually take warm water."
How often do you see an EENT specialist?
"Before, almost every month. But since I learned the right technique of using my vocal cords, every now and then na lang."
Some singers refrain from talking before a show. Do you?
"I do, but I take care not to strain my vocal cords. I speak softly and avoid raising my voice."
Do you vocalize?
"Yes, every morning. According to my doctor, it’s bad to do it at once as soon as you wake up. You should do a little warm-up first by humming and maybe talking, again softly, before vocalizing."
How are you preparing for the Backroom artists’ summer caravan?
"Not as hard as I do in a concert. In this caravan, marami kaming performers. In a (solo) concert, you prepare harder and longer because it’s only you performing most of the time."
What kind of diet do you follow?
"I avoid fatty and oily food. I do eat meat but only the lean part, not the fats."
What’s your favorite food?
"Kare-kare."
How much water do you take per day?
"More than 10 glasses."
Coffee?
"Nope."
Soda?
"Nope."
How do you make up for lack of sleep?
"I take power naps."
What’s your favorite sleeping wear?
"Boxer shorts and sando."
Your skin is flawless. Do you apply anything on it?
"Nothing. Just the soap I get from Dr. Vicki Belo’s clinic."
How often do you see your doctor?
"Not very often. Luckily, I’m not sickly."
Your dentist?
"Twice a year, for cleaning."
Your dermatologist?
"Once a month – at Dr. Vicki Belo’s clinic."
Are you a "medicine person" – you know, one who takes antibiotics and other medicines at the slightest sign of an ailment?
"No, I’m not. As much as possible, I don’t take medicine. When I have a headache, I simply sleep and it’s gone."
How do you cope with stress?
"I sleep it off. Or I listen to music, mostly pop and mellow songs. Working out in the gym also helps. I work out as often as I have the time. I want to trim my tummy. I have love handles kasi, eh. My waistline used to be 32"; now, it’s only 30"."
Favorite hideaway?
"My home. I’m not fond of going on gimiks. At home, I relax by watching TV."
How’s your nightlife?
"None. I have to wake up early almost every day for work."
Love life?
"Now? None."
What part of your body is your favorite?
"My eyes. Maganda daw, sabi nila. Teary-eyed daw kasi, eh."
What part of a girl’s body do you look at first?
"The legs. I like them long and fair."
Aside from your abs, what part of your body do you think needs some improvement?’
"I think...my arms. I used to be thin. My arms need firming up and I’m doing it with dumbbells."
What’s your outlook in life?
"I’m a pessimist. I’ve been like that since I was a kid. It’s an outlook I’m trying hard to change."
What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?
"I pray."
And the first thing that you do when you wake up?
"I pray."
Name three men you think have nice bodies.
"Brad Pitt. Sylvester Stallone. Jericho Rosales."
And three women...
"Aubrey Miles. Rachelle Ann Go. Vina Morales."
Using body language, how would you make a girl know that you admire/like her?
"I steal glances at her. I blush! And my eyes turn even more dreamy; I become more teary-eyed."
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)