Erik Santos in a sing-off with idols in #paMORE

MANILA, Philippines -  Artists can’t afford to be complacent. They are poised to bring their A-game every time. Erik Santos knows this, especially on Feb. 10 when he will share the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena stage with Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icons, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, for the pre-Valentine show titled #paMORE.

According to concert organizers, M-O-R-E stands for Martin, Ogie, Regine and Erik. “I’m beyond grateful and thankful,” said Erik in a recent media call for the Starmedia Entertainment-I-Music Entertainment musical venture. “It’s something I prayed for — to share the stage with people I look up to. Not everyone is given this opportunity.”

One can’t fault Erik for feeling that way. Although the moniker, Philippines’ Prince of Pop, is attached to his name, he is pitted, in a way, against The Concert King, The Songwriter and Asia’s Songbird in a “sing-off.” Erik, a real trooper that he is, considers the show a manna from heaven — and one that he wouldn’t pass up. “It’s a dream come true for me,” added Erik, who also enjoys the King of Teleserye Themes title.

“I’m honest with them whenever I feel intimidated,” shared Erik. “It’s different when you’re just talking to them. It’s different when you’re performing with them. Those are two different feelings (and two different experiences).” In the same breath, Erik recalled his guest appearance in Regine’s 30th anniversary showcase. “The last time I performed with her, I was really trembling and I didn’t know why. Parang hindi na ako nasanay to perform with them. There’s this feeling of excitement (and anticipation) to perform with them.”

Erik was part of Regine and Martin’s successful Royals and got to sing side by side with Martin and Ogie in TV shows and concerts.

“What I’m thinking of, I’m praying for in this concert is that I won’t get intimidated,” said Erik. “If I do, I tend to be quiet — baka panoorin ko na lang sila.” Those are  kind words from Erik, also a veteran in live performances, who will definitely cross the bridge come showtime. He will bring his years of recording experience to hold his own, vocal-wise and performance-wise.

“I’m always happy to work with a new artist,” said Regine. “Actually, Erik is no longer a new artist.”

For Ogie, he added, “We said yes. He is a colleague. He is someone we have worked with in several shows.”

In a chat prior to the group interview, Ogie said that he could sing with anyone and Erik has proven that his followers love him.

Given the landscape for promoting one’s music these days, Martin said, “This is an era or year when there’s no more ranking or billing problem because of social media… Everyone seems to be equal now… Ang uso ngayon ay pantay na lahat.”

With that vocal mix of tenor, mid, bass and soprano and the artists’ persona in the ballad genre, #paMore promises music enthusiasts a mouthful serving of great music, laughter and love. Expect timeless hits from artists such as the Platters, the Jackson 5, The Stylistics, Earth Wind and Fire and Bread as shared by the Songwriter of the group. “Songs that Pinoys loved through the years and you can still hear them being played on the radio,” said Ogie. These are paired with current chart-toppers. Much of their personality will be showcased. They will perform songs they listen to. As one can guess, Martin, Ogie, Regine and Erik will treat concertgoers to solo, duo and group performances and the vocal harmony the four can create. Referencing the show’s title, they will offer more than what one can think of. 

According to Erik, he is the type of person who doesn’t plan and just takes things as they come. However, he wishes to last like Martin, Regine and Ogie in a business where, you know, “people just come and go.” That’s his ultimate goal as an artist.

At the rate his career is going, Erik will stay — for good.

(#paMore is sponsored by SEDA Hotel Vertis North, People’s Journal and People’s Tonight. It is under the stage direction of Paolo Valenciano and musical direction of Louie Ocampo and Raul Mitra. Tickets are available at SM Tickets and priced at P6,500, Platinum; P5,000, VIP A; P3,500, VIP B; P3,000, Patron A; P2,500, Patron B; P3,000, Patron C; P2,000, Lower Box 1; P1,500, Lower Box 2; P650, Upper Box; and P350, Gen Ad. For inquiries, visit www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222.)