For popular and successful singer-recording artist Erik Santos, success isn’t complete without education. And this is why, no matter how hectic his schedule is, he finds time to go to school. School for him is the Centro Escolar University where he currently is in his senior year in BS Psychology.

“Para sa akin kasi, hindi kumpleto at fulfilling ang success without education, pag hindi ka nakatapos ng kolehiyo.” Erik’s initial course was dentistry (he finished two years) but then he decided to shift to BS Psyhology. And since these two courses are related, “my subjects sa Dentistry were credited to my new course,” Erik said over lunch recently at the new IRepublik Rest. along Tomas Morato Ave. This impressive restaurant which specializes in authentic as well as innovative Ilocano dishes used to be Heaven N’ Eggs, one of the many successful restaurants of Raymond Magdaloyo. Among his other restaurants are Red Crab, Crustacea, Claw Daddy, and Heaven ‘N Eggs.

Going back to Erik, he goes to school every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after lunch. He added that what he needs now to graduate is to finish his thesis and OJT (on the job training). When he is done with show business, maybe he could work as a guidance counselor, he said.

An album with Jim Brickman

Erik, who’s been dubbed “Prince of Pop” for having established his singing mettle in the pop genre in his six years in the music scene, now finds himself in the league of Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Sharon Cuneta, Ariel Rivera and Agot Isidro in that he has collaborated with world-class composer and singer Jim Brickman for an album.

This is another feather to Erik’s already colorful cap. He arrived recently from US where he recorded the album which Brickman himself produced and which was recorded in the Jim Brickman Studio in Los Angeles, California. The album will be released locally by Star Records. The 10-track album, now highly anticipated by fans of Erik, includes revivals and original compositions penned by Brickman.

Enthused Erik of the opportunity to record with Brickman. “I was jubilant and super excited when I heard the good news. I used to sing Mr. Jim Brickman’s songs during my school events and I never imagined that I will one day be working with him. It’s a dream-come-true to collaborate with him. He is my idol! All his songs, like ‘Valentine,’ ‘The Gift,’ ‘Angel Eyes’ and ‘Simple Things’ are inspiring and timeless. I am lucky to have this once in a lifetime chance.”

Erik recalled that he was very excited on his first recording day at Brickman’s studio. He has only good words for the singer-composer: “I have a great time working with Jim Brickman and Tom Ameen. Thanks to Jim for being so nice. I had a blast recording with him.”

With this latest album of his, Erik again soars high in the musical arena. He is reaping the fruits of his hard work, patience and determination to create an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. His singing prowess is now recognized even abroad such as when he was invited to sing alongside other Asian superstars 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.

In such a short time, Erik has emerged as one of the country’s most successful young hitmakers but he remains simple, kind and down-to-earth. “Actually, I am still in awe at all my blessings. God has been good to me and my family. That is why I want to share and give back to the fans who continuously support me. They have waited for my new album, and finally the long wait is over.”

Erik Santos is a Backroom artist. For more information about him, e-mail queries to backroomtalents@pldtdsl.net.

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Stars add glitz and heat for Nestea Fit Beach Volley

From the pigeonhole:

The country’s hottest celebrities and top bands recently took Boracay by storm when they graced summer’s biggest event, Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09.

6cyclemind and Sandwich headlined the jam-packed victory party held at Paraiso Bar, which had the crowd extremely excited as two of the music industry’s most popular bands performed their popular hits. 6cyclemind rendered their hits “Magsasaya Ang Lahat,” “Sige” and covers of hit songs like “Somebody” and “You’re Turning Me On” while Sandwich sent the crowd raving with their songs “Sugod,” “Alkohol” and “Insomnia,” among others. Driven Manila’s DJ David Ardiente then kept everyone dancing till the early hours of the morning as he dished out infectious beats. Also performing were Art Start and Thea Star during the welcome dinner held at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.

Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09 also featured the much-anticipated celebrity matches, which gave the celebrities a chance to show that they’re more than just a bunch of beautiful faces with gorgeous bodies. Those who took part included sizzling TV personalities Rhian Ramos, Iza Calzado, Polo Ravales, Paolo Contis and Sam Oh; “Survivor Philippines” Sole Survivor JC Tiuseco and “Survivor Philippines” castaways Kaye Alipio, Nikki Dacullo, Jace Flores, Kiko Rustia and Rob Sy.

The celebrities also set the catwalk ablaze via a fashion show by Boracay-based designer PJ Arañador held at Plazoleta. The fashion show was soon followed by a party headlined by Driven Manila DJ’s Miko Syquia, who got everyone moving and grooving to his catchy and hip-grinding beats.

The Boracay event marks the culmination of the Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09. Aside from exciting parties, the event also featured exhilarating beach volley games from the country’s top collegiate beach volley teams.

Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09 is sponsored by Ipanema, Speedo, Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu, L’Oréal Paris Elsève, Nautilus by PJ Arañador, Mikasa, D’Mall D’Boracay, Tagum Beach Volleydrome at Rotary Park, Hey! Jude Resort, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Crystal Sand Beach Resort, Slimmer’s World and Reyes Haircutters Boracay. To view all of the action, visit www.nestea.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for June 16, go Ms. Eva Estrada-Kalaw, Mrs. Julie Benedicto, Dean Ophelia A. Dimalanta, Keno, California-based Jackie Regala, Cesar Canchela, Nolie A. Pili, Jackie Maniquis, Texas-based Rizza Tayag-Pili, Dr. Felipe A. Estrella, Jr., Jesse Cruz, Geraldine So-Gazo, Romel Sanchez, Jodell Stasic of Star Magic, Gerhard Acao, and Jodi Sta Maria-Lacson… Happy wedding anniversary to MB’s editor-in-chief Cris and Zenaida Icban…