MANILA, Philippines – Being able to stay in show business for almost 10 years is something which singer Erik Santos considers an achievement.
Santos, who will be celebrating his 10th anniversary in the music industry next year, said he feels fortunate that people still patronize his music even though many new artists have joined the music scene.
 |
| Singer Erik Santos |
“Nakaabot ako ng 10 years na andito pa rin ako. Iba ‘yun eh. Pag nakilala ka ng tao, ang hirap i-sustain, lalo dito sa atin, iba ang sistema ng showbiz. Kaya sabi ko 'pag nag-usap kami ni Christian (Bautista) napaka-grateful namin na nakasampa kami sa music industry at 'pag naglabas kami ng album, tinatangkilik ng tao at 'pag nag-concert kami, pinupuntahan ng mga tao,” he said.
Santos also gave credit to the ABS-CBN management for handling his career well.
“People come and go, siguro maswerte lang kami ni Christian kasi sabay kami nagsimula. Maswerte kami kasi parang na-establish kami nang mabuti ng ABS-CBN na balladeers of this generation. I’m so grateful na hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin ako,” he said.
But unlike Bautista, Santos said he has no plans to pursue an acting career.
“Totoo, iba talaga ang exposure 'pag nasa teleserye ka, kaya lang makikipagsabayan ka ba kay Piolo (Pascual) kay John Lloyd (Cruz)? Eh ‘di dun ka na lang sa mage-excel ka, which is singing. Iyon ang stand ko,” he said.
Santos said singing is really his passion and that he does not want to do other things where he doesn't excel.
“Feeling ko 'pag nag-acting ako half-baked kasi hindi naman iyon ang career path ko. Doon na lang ako sa singing, dito ako mage-excel, so dito ako kumikita, dito ako masaya, dun ako magfo-focus and doon din ako kukuha ng idea kung paano ko mare-reestablish ang career ko,” he said.
Santos cited singers Basil Valdez, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera, who have also stuck with singing.
“That’s what they do best and feeling ko 'yun ang strength ko, mag-offer nang mag-offer ng kanta masaya o malungkot. Iyon ang direksyon ng career ko. ‘Yun pa rin,” he said.