Erik Santos finally tries his hand in acting

Seven years after he first got an offer to try out acting, Prince of Pop Erik Santos has finally taken the plunge via an episode on "Maalaala Mo Kaya" to air Saturday, July 24. "Ako kasi 'yung tao na ayaw na napre-pressure. Before, I didn't feel I was cut out for this aspect of show business. But because the right material finally came my way, pumayag na din ako," he told Bulletin Entertainment and other members of media in an interview held July 21. In the episode, Erik plays an OFW who applied as a singer but became a housekeeper at Venetian Hotel in Macau. The balladeer relates to his role since he is also "a breadwinner, a singer, at saka matiisin" for real, and because his father worked as an engineer in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia a few years back. It was disclosed during the interview that Erik could've starred in his own episode on "MMK" in 2003 when he was offered to do so right after he won as champion on the first "Search for the Star In A Million" contest. "Andami nang umakting sa mga kasabayan ko since that time so ako naman ngayon," he quipped. The singer prepared for the job by undergoing workshops with ace directors Laurice Guillen and Mae Cruz. He said that especially for the dramatic scenes in which he had to cry, he learned how to recall his sad experiences until it wells up inside, then release. "Nakatulong din na may experiences na ako sa love. Naranasan ko na din naman ang maiwan..." But that's all in the past. These days, Erik has no room for tears given his successes as recording artist and concert performer. His album titled "Erik Santos: The Jim Brickman Song Book" produced by Jim Brickman and released under Star Records continues to receive rave reviews from fans and music critics. He will soon start recording his repackaged Christmas album then another studio album. Erik has shows on August 7 at Pagcor Tagaytay, a BPI nationwide tour, a concert at Meralco Theater on Sept. 24 and 25, and a European tour in October. In the "MMK" episode, Erik co-stars with Paw Diaz, Jojit Lorenzo and leading lady Kristel Moreno. If ever there's a next project, though, Erik wants to be paired up with Maja Salvador whom he considers one of the prettiest and talented young actresses there is. Asked how he rates himself as an actor, Erik said candidly, "I think I did okay -- fulfilled naman ang feeling." Whether people like his portrayal or not, one thing is for sure, according to Erik. "I have newfound respect for actors. Ang hirap pala ng ginagawa nila-may pinaghuhugutan!"

--yahoo.com.ph