Erik Santos recalls auditioning on GMA Network, producing DIY album in high school

Before he became one of the Philippines’ best-known singers, Erik Santos also had a fair share of rejections, whether in auditions or competitions.

On Thursday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the Pop Ballad Royalty recalled that one of his first auditions was on GMA Network.

“Lingid sa kaalaman po ng iba, marami rin po akong mga auditions na sinalihan,” Erik said. “Isa sa mga unang auditions ko was here in GMA. ‘Yun po ‘yung hindi alam ng mga tao.”

Eric said that he can still remember that moment, including the people he met. During his audition, he was asked to sing and also act.

“Sa first call, tinawagan nila ako, pero nung mga sumunod na, hindi na,” he said.

In the same interview, Erik shared that it had long been his dream to become a singer.

So, when he was in high school, Erik found a way to DIY his own album.

“Gusto ko nang mapanood sa TV. Gusto ko na ‘yung mga napapanood ‘yung mga concert artists, gusto kong maranasan ‘yon. So, ginawan ko ng paraan ‘yung sarili ko para magkaroon ng sarili kong album,” he said.

Through a multiplex recorder, he recorded himself singing songs by known artists and had his photo taken at a studio to use as his album cover.

“Ta’s ire-replicate ko siya, ipamimigay ko siya sa classmates ko, lalagyan ko ng message,” agreeing that he really manifested his way to achieving his dreams.

Erik is best known for the classic OPM ballads “I’ll Never Go,” “Kung Akin Ang Mundo,” “Say You’ll Never Go,” and “Pagbigyang Muli.”

He is set to share the stage with Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose for a concert. Titled Love Bound, the event is happening on March 2 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. It will be directed by John Prats.

The pair also recently collaborated for a cover of “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You.”

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News