Erik & his Beijing moments

When Erik Santos represented the Philippines in the Beijing Cultural Olympics Festival, he was overwhelmed by the experience particularly by the rousing reception the Chinese audience gave the performers. He was amazed by the richness of China’s history and culture. Walking in the Great Wall of China according to him was like he was walking in the clouds. He could not imagine how the Chinese could have built such a magnificent structure. He had goose bumps when he entered the Forbidden City. Erik had the time of his life as he sang This Is The Moment and I Believe I Can Fly, two of his biggest hits for the Chinese audience. Read on.

What was your participation in the Beijing Olympics Cultural Festival?

I was invited to sing in the Asian Night of the five-day closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics Cultural Festival by the China Performing Arts Agency through the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China.

How did you feel when you were selected as representative of the country?

I was really happy and excited when I heard about the good news because it was really an honor to represent the Philippines to that prestigious event. It felt great to be invited to sing in the Asian Night. Just performing alongside other Asian superstars was an honor and a privilege.

Where did the Beijing Cultural Olympics happen?

It was held at the Beijing Exhibition Center Theater, one of the biggest concert venues in Beijing. It is located within the Russian architectural styled Exhibition Center in Xizhimen. The venue stages many classic ballets, Chinese folk dance and international modern dance performances, musicals and dramas.

What lessons did you learn from your participation in the Beijing Cultural Olympics?

I learned more about the rich cultures and traditions of our Asian neighbors. It was hard to communicate because of the language barrier but I think a smile was the common language.

You sang This Is the Moment and I Believe I Can Fly. Did Erik Santos show the Chinese that he was having his moment and that he too could fly?

I believe so. From the moment I entered the stage I repeatedly told myself that I will give my best to perform well and make our country proud. I owned the stage during my performance. I was really enjoying my moment that night because I knew that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yes, it was one of my greatest performances.

How would you describe the Chinese audiences?

In spite of the language barrier, Chinese audiences were warm and appreciative. They listened attentively and applauded enthusiastically at every performance. If you perform well, they will really like you.

Your most memorable moment during the event?

When my performance was really applauded and appreciated by the audiences. Masaya ako dahil nag-enjoy ang mga manonood sa performance ko. The songs This Is The Moment and I Believe I Can Fly really expressed my sentiments.

How did you prepare for the Cultural Olympics Festival?

I practiced a lot. I decided that hindi ako dapat magkamali during my performance because I am representing the country. And I prayed so hard that everything will be okay.

How was it performing with other Asian superstars?

I felt very proud that I am a Filipino because Filipino musicians are some of the best performers in the world. Kaya nating makipagsabayan sa international music scene. Other performers were Shinji Tanimura (Japan), Anthony Wong (Hong Kong), Daren Tan (Singapore), Rossa (Indonesia), Huang Weilin (Macau), Rynn Liim (Malaysia), Ho Quynh Huong (Vietnam), Lydia (Thailand), Film (Thailand), Sa Dingding (China) and Gao Mingjun (Taiwan).

What were your impressions on China?

China has a very rich history, culture and tradition. Chinese celebrates various colorful festivals. They have Chinese operas, martial arts and acrobats that amaze foreigners. Shopping for souvenir items like antiques, silk, porcelain, ginseng, jade is enjoyable. In Beijing, there are many tourist attractions like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and Great Wall of China. I am happy that I had the opportunity to visit some of these places. Super sarap din ng kanilang food.

The Chinese are extremely nationalistic people. Similarities between Chinese and Filipinos.

We have to remember that China and the Philippines have different histories, cultures and traditions. I can’t say that Filipinos are not nationalistic because we are. We have the bloodless People Power I that gathered civilians, politicians, the military and religious figures in overthrowing the Marcos government. Magkaiba lang tayo in showing our patriotism to our country. Chinese and Filipinos love to eat.

Did you have a hard time communicating with the Chinese?

Medyo nahirapan akong makipag-communicate because they really use their own language. Only a few talk in English. One of the best solutions was to use the sign language. I learned some Chinese words like Dajia Hao (Hello, everyone), Hsieh hsieh (Thank you), Wo Ai Ni (I love you) and Wan shiang hao (Good evening).

Did you forge friendships with the Chinese?

Yes, especially with the event organizers because they were nice to us.

What are the memorable places that you have visited in China?

I went to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. The Forbidden City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. It is a sprawling compound which houses palaces, courtyards, halls, and gardens. It used to be the home of the emperors.

The Great Wall of China was magnificent! Badaling is the most visited section of the Great Wall. Climbing the steep fortress was a test of endurance pero nawawala lahat ang pagod mo kapag pinagmasdan mo ang buong paligid. It leaves you breathless. Maraming tourists when we went there.

What did you eat in China?

I love the local cuisine like steamed dumplings, spring rolls and wanton noodles. The Peking Roast Duck is a well-known delicacy in Beijing. Teahouses are also common in Beijing. The Chinese tea comes in many varieties like green tea, jasmine tea and oolong tea, among others. They say some Chinese tea can cure body ailments.

If you will return to China, who and what are you going back to?

Definitely, it’s the Great Wall! Ang sarap ng experience climbing its steep steps.