Erik Santos has definitely gone a long way since he started out in the industry after winning the singing competition Star In A Million back in 2003, now having multiple albums and concerts under his belt.
Another concert is already in the works for Erik. It is slated for 2026 and will be directed by John Prats.
“Ito sobrang sarap katrabaho kasi sobrang perfectionist,” shared John during the 20th anniversary of Cornerstone Entertainment held last October 29 at Okada Manila.
John has been directing concerts for some time now. His experience as a performer himself has given him a unique approach to directing. “Siguro baon ko din ‘yung mga frustrations ko noong ako ‘yung performer. Kasi siyempre, as a performer, ang dami kong pangarap na production numbers na hindi ko alam kung paano ko gagawin.”
“So ang ginagawa ko is that I really talk to the artist,” he shared. “Ano ‘yung dream concert nila, ano ’yung gusto nilang mangyari. From there, naniniwala ako na ako ‘yung isang tool, na instrument ako na matupad ‘yung dream concert nila kasi at the end of the day, it’s their concert. I want them to cherish it at maalala nila habangbuhay.”
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John employs the same approach as he works with Erik on his upcoming concert. “Last week pa lang [Erik said], ‘Direk, may naisip na ako.’ But I’m really excited to work with him because he has so many ideas na ang sarap laruin. It’s a different kind of concert.”
Erik, on his part, appreciates how open John is to collaborate. “Ang maganda sa amin ni Direk, kahit anong oras pwede ko siyang tawagan. So nagkakasundo kami kasi lahat ng ideas ko, nae-execute niya ng tama.”
Like John, Erik is also one of the artists under Cornerstone. Having been in the company for 14 years now, Erik was one of the recipients of Cornerstone’s Pioneer Award. It was given to those who have been with the company for more than 10 years.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Erik shared how he came to join the two-decade old multimedia company. According to him, he had been friends with Cornerstone founder Erickson Raymundo way before he joined. “Maliit pa lang ‘yung company, kaibigan ko na si Erickson. We have this small group. Every Sunday, nagkikita-kita kami, so kahit na hindi ko pa siya manager noon, nagkakasama na kami.”
He appreciated how they pushed him to be the best version of himself. “Sila ‘yung cheerleader mo e. At the same time, sila din ‘yung best critic mo. Generous sila sa kung ano ‘yung strengths ko as an artist, as a singer, at kung ano pa ‘yung dapat kong i-improve.”
READ: Erik Santos marks 22 years in showbiz industry
“Na-push ako to do more concerts,” he added, sharing that he has always co-produced his own concerts. “’Yung character development, sobrang importante kasi nun. ‘Yung talent din, dapat kasi lagi mo siyang ine-enhance. Dapat mas pinagtitibay mo siya. You don’t stop learning. Kahit matagal ka na sa industriya, palaging may room for improvement.”
Though his concert is still in the works, Erik already shared that it is a concept show. “Magugustuhan ito ng mga supporters ko,” he promised.