Erik: More ‘InTENse’ at 10

MANILA, Philippines - A sterling music career hitting the 10-year mark is no doubt a major achievement for a performing artist in this age of reality TV shows and YouTube sensations.

Erik Santos is among the few, and the latest to reach the milestone as he celebrates his decade-long run in the local music scene with a major concert dubbed InTENse: A Decade with the Prince of Pop. The show, produced by Cornerstone Concerts, is scheduled on Nov. 9, 8 p.m. at the PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City.

“I promise to give a concert that is not typical. You’re gonna hear me sing teleserye and movie themes na ibang-iba ang areglo. This is going to be a summary of my career,” shared the balladeer who first wowed Filipino audiences with his rendition of This Is The Moment when he joined and won ABS-CBN’s Star In A Million search in 2003.

Erik’s album of the same title went platinum after three months as his string of platinum-selling albums began, keeping him aloft in the ladder of success. He has been a mainstay of ASAP since his win.

The concert, to be directed by Johnny Manahan with Homer Flores as musical director, is featuring an-all female special guest line-up comprising of Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez. To such stellar cast, Erik noted, “Apart from being a strong concept, I believe major part sila lahat ng aking 10 years in the biz.”

Also noted for being the King of Teleserye Themesongs, Erik has recorded some of the most unforgettable soap themes of this generation. He has also collaborated on record with the likes of Regine, Kyla and Christian Bautista, and famously did a collection of Jim Brickman-penned covers.

His scores of recognition include Star Awards for Music’s Pop Male Recording Artist of the Year (2010), Aliw Awards Best Male Performance in a Concert (2007), MYX Music Awards Favorite Male Artist (2006-09) and Pinoy Music Chart’s Artist of the Year (2006).

Erik expressed, “All I can offer is my musicality, the way nag-mature ang music ko. Basically, I know my market and alam ko paano mag-e-enjoy ang mga nanonood sa akin.”

For a time, he hosted Star Power with Sharon Cuneta and then acted in Maalaala Mo Kaya and on stage with Rachelle Ann Go for the musical Little Mermaid.

Admittedly hands-on during rehearsals for his upcoming concert, he is leaving no stone unturned to make sure he gives his audience perhaps his best concert to date. His words of assurance: “Sobra akong blessed to have stayed this long so I’m giving you my best as one way of giving back.”