Erik Santos – Prince of Pop

MUCH-awarded and certified platinum artist, Erik Santos is ready to take on different fields in the entertainment industry, as he becomes part of the prestigious Star Magic family.

Since coming into the spotlight in 2003, the one and only “Prince of Pop” Erik has been singing one hit after the other and then ventured into writing his own songs. In 2010, Erik first dabbled into acting via an episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” which was even shot in Macau opposite actress Kristel Moreno. And now in 2011, Erik makes his professional acting debut on stage in Atlantis’ version of the hit Broadway musical “The Little Mermaid,” where he will play the role of Prince Eric opposite Rachelle Ann Go as the mermaid-turned-human Ariel.

Erik is very enthusiastic about his first stage role. “Nag-re-rehearse na kami ngayon. I’m very excited kasi this is my first time to do theater so kumbaga ibang experience naman for me.” Erik is very open to expanding his horizons as a performer. He hopes his followers won’t be disappointed when “The Little Mermaid” begins its run on Nov. 18 to Dec. 11 at the Meralco Theater. There will be a celebrity screening produced by Erik on Nov. 25.

However, this doesn’t mean Erik’s going fulltime into theater. In fact, he has also been venturing into other types of genres when it comes to his music especially during his performances in “ASAP Rocks.” Also in his latest album, “Awit Para Sa ‘Yo,” Erik has explored more of his music writing side and he hopes his music become classics like that of his idol, Martin Nievera. Erik is overwhelmed with the huge success of his carrier single “Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka” which continues to dominate the radio airwaves for more than two months now and his music video also charted on MYX for a month. The album tops weekly sales charts in Astro Plus and Odyssey Records weekly. Another hit single titled “Bakit Mahal Pa Rin Kita” also composed by Jonathan Manalo.

Erik is also busy preparing for a repeat of his concert “PowER IKons” on Nov. 30, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum. He will be singing more iconic hits with guests Rachelle Ann Go, Bugoy Drilon and Nikki Gil.

For “Little Mermaid” and “PowER IKons” tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Malaya

The ultra talented Cebuana Vina Morales celebrated her 36th birthday and 25th year in show business in a charity concert at the Republiq Club at Resorts World Manila which was dubbed Silver Party of Vina Morales. Her birthday concert was a huge success with special guests from the industry.

She joined Billy Crawford in doing an amazing rendition of Maroon 5’s “Moves like Jagger.” She was later joined by No Other Woman lead star Derek Ramsay and super talented Erik Santos as they sang 80s hits like “Buttercup”, much to the delight of the audience. Jed Madela who was in the audience was spotted by Vina and was asked to jam with her.

Ciara Sotto in an animal print top and black shorts showed her pole dancing prowess as she wowed the audience with her pole dancing skills. Sam Milby was asked to do “the doggie” dance as women in the audience shrieked in delight. Heartthrob John Lloyd Cruz came up the stage to present Vina with a bouquet of flowers and was asked to take a shot of alcohol by the birthday celebrant. Of course, Shaina Magdayao, Vina’s sister was there to show her support as well and performed a dance number. Pops Fernandez showed why she is the Philippines’ concert queen as she performed in a sexy black laced dress.

Sam Milby later took on the role as DJ as he spun sexy tunes and awesome dance music with dj Wency Lagumbay. I must say that Sam spins well.

I have to say that Vina’s birthday concert was one for the books as this was the first time that a live concert was held at the Republiq. And it was really a charity concert as proceeds went to the National Children’s Hospital with the help of generous sponsors like the Antonios of Century Properties and Vina’s best friend Vavam Berena.

Amidst the brouhaha that happened that night among Ruffa, John Lloyd and Shaina, I must say that Vina’s birthday concert was truly a memorable one and one of the most fun night outs I have been recently. To sis Vina, here’s to more years of a beautiful showbiz career and friendship!

Derek Ramsey and Erik Santos perform with Vina

sunstar.com.ph

The most awaited ABS-CBN Christmas Station which features all the Kapamilya Superstars including our very own Erik Santos.

Atlantis Productions and Metrobank present this latest Disney musical, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” based on the animated film of 1989 with the same title.

Singing champ Rachelle Anne Go plays Ariel, opposite another singing champ, Erik Santos, who plays Prince Eric.

She admits to feeling a lot of pressure, that this being both her and Erik’s musical theater debut.

“Dahil ito ang first time namin at ang gagaling ng aming mga kasamahan, talagang kailangan din naming galingan ni Erik,” she says. “But I really credit our directors, Direk Chari Arespacochaga and Direk Bobby Garcia, ang gagaling nila and they helped us a lot.”

Aside from the excellent direction, Rachelle and Erik get splendid support from theater stalwarts Jinky Llamanzares as Urusula, OJ Mariano as Sebastian, Calvin Millado as King Triton, Lee Viloria as Flounder, Ikey Canoy as Scuttle, Felix Rivera as Flotsam, Jamie Barcelon as Jetsam and Raymond Concepcion as Grimsby.

Directors Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga were in Hawaii last year to take Asian Puppetry workshops which will help them create much of the underwater world. Garcia says, “We are thrilled, once again, to bring another beloved Disney classic to the Philippine Stage. ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’ started the renaissance of Disney’s animation department and has some of the most memorable songs written for an animation classic. We are creating a Little Mermaid unlike any other. It will be an exciting fusion of East meets West elements. Our underwater kingdom will be Asian in theme and our above water world will be Western, representing two different worlds. We will also be using traditional forms of Asian and Western puppetry including Wayang shadow play, bunraku, nang kaloung and western hand and walking puppetry. We can’t wait to open the show!”

Based on one of the most beloved Disney films of all time and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is the sparkling new Disney musical that’s made a splash on Broadway. Some of Disney’s most popular songs are featured in show – including “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, “Under the Sea” – by the songwriting team of 8-time Academy winner Alan Menken and the renowned Howard Ashman. The stage adaptation also features new songs by Menken and Glenn Slater, plus a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright.

One of the biggest musical productions to open in the Philippines this year, the Manila production features over 150 costumes and numerous puppets of all shapes and sizes created by Liz and Benny Batoctoy.

It also features a full orchestra using the original Broadway arrangements.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” has choreography by Cecile Martinez, set design by Lex Marcos, costume design by Erik Pineda, lighting design by Jay Aranda, music direction by Ceejay Javier, puppetry design and execution by Liz and Benny Batoctoy and Sam Fuentes, projection design by G.A. Fallarme and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico.

The show runs at the Meralco Theater from Nov. 18 to Dec. 11

For more, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187 or visit www.atlantisproductionsinc.com

Malaya

Link:

‘Little Mermaid’ gets a tinge of Pinoy touch | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features.

Nagpasampol na sina Erik Santos at Rachel Ann Go sa pagtatambalan nilang “The Little Mermaid.”

Ito ang unang Asian production na pinayagan ng Disney matapos ang Broadway run nito.

Nakakapangilabot naman ang Miss Saigon veteran na si Jinky Llamanzares bilang mangkukulam na si Ursula.

May basbas din ng Disney ang paglalagay ng estilong Pinoy sa costumes ng “Little Mermaid” na simula na sa November 18.

“Filipiniana [-inspired ang costume ko],” kuwento ni Rachelle Ann.

Mario Dumaual, Patrol ng Pilipino

Watch the Special Celebrity Block Screening of Disney’s The Little Mermaid starring Rachelle Ann Go as Ariel and Erik Santos as Prince Eric on November 25, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. You will be watching the show with the special celebrity friends of Erik and Rachelle Ann on this day.

For tickets please call 0917-8553246 (Cynthia) and 998-6788 (Choy) or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Limited seats for this night so buy your tickets now.

Link

The Little Mermaid is almost here

(The Philippine Star)

November 04, 2011

Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos play the lead roles of mermaid Ariel and Prince Eric in Atlantis Productions’ The Little Mermaid.

Only a few days more and we will finally be able to experience the magic of the Disney musical, The Little Mermaid. Atlantis Productions ends its critically-acclaimed 2011 season with this wonderful presentation at the Meralco Theater starting on Nov. 18 and running up to Dec. 11. Atlantis came up with a lot of notable shows this year, among them Next To Normal, Aida and In the Heights. But The Little Mermaid, directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, is shaping up to be the biggest of them all.

First reason is Atlantis’ reputation as a reliable production outfit. One is never disappointed with Atlantis. Going to their shows is just like watching something on Broadway or theWest End. Audiences are assured they will get a good quality production. Then those who recall their Beauty And The Beast a few years back with KC Concepcion in the lead, know that they have the Disney aesthetic down pat. They can expect the same with this one. In fact, Bobby and Chari even took up Asian puppetry workshops inHawaiito help them create many of the sea creatures. The musical will be a blend of Asian and Western themes using a lot of puppetry. The kids will love these.

Next is the cast and The Little Mermaid has a very good one of familiar and also reliable stage performers. Jinky Llamanzares is the evil octopus Ursula; OJ Mariano is Sebastian, the Crab; Calvin Millado is King Triton; Lee Viloria is Flounder; Ikey Canoy is Scuttle; Felix Rivera as Flotsam; Jamie Barcelon is Jetsam; and Raymond Concepcion is Grimsby. And making their stage debuts in the musical are singing champions Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos playing the lead roles of mermaid Ariel and Prince Eric.

While those two lack acting experience, they are turning out to be naturals and Garcia is very happy to have them in his cast. “I have known Erik since he started his career,” he says of his Prince. “Erik has an incredible singing voice that truthfully conveys Prince Eric’s longing and passion.” Garcia is also all praises for Rachelle Ann. “She is a fantastic Ariel. Having worked with her for three weeks now, we can’t imagine anyone else playing the role. She is spunky, adventurous, kind, generous and a dreamer. She also has one of the most beautiful voices we have heard. She is a true Disney Princess. We are sure she will thrill audiences the way she has been thrilling us at rehearsals.”

Joining a list of Tony-nominated actresses who have done Ariel and being the first from thePhilippinesand if I am not mistaken, also inSoutheast Asiamust be daunting for Rachelle Ann. But this girl is a hard worker who rises up to challenges, so I am sure she will be at her best. Besides, she already has the two most important qualities of an Ariel. First, she looks like the Disney Princess. Check out those posters and her photos. She gets to look more and more like Ariel with each new one. And second, she sounds like Ariel. Those who only know Rachelle Ann from her TV performances will be astonished by her voice. Check out her beautiful version of Part Of Your World in her latest album Unbreakable for proof of what I am talking about.

Part Of Your World is but one of several memorable songs in The Little Mermaid. There are also Kiss The Girl and the Best Song Academy Award winner Under The Sea. I am curious to find out what OJ will do with these two. There are also songs we will hear for the first time because they were composed for the stage musical and were not included in the animated film we are familiar with. I am sure Rachelle Ann will also soar with The World Alone, Beyond My Wildest Dreams and If Only. All these will be performed by the cast backed with a full orchestra led by musical director Ceejay Javier.

The Little Mermaid is based on a story by the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen in 1836. It is so well-loved that a statue of The Little Mermaid is one of the famous landmarks in the entrance to the capital city ofCopenhagen. As with most of his other tales, The Red Shoes, The Little Match Girl, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Little Mermaid has a sad ending. She did not get the prince and was turned into foam. It took Disney tooling 150 years later to create Ariel and company and to make it a suitable fairytale for children. And this Disney version is what kids will surely adore when they come to watch at the Meralco Theater. Don’t miss this one.

Feel the Power once again, Erik Santos’ PowER IKons, The Repeat  at Music Museum on November 30, 8pm with special guests, Rachelle Ann Go, Nikki Gil & Bugoy Drilon.

For tickets inquiries and reservations, call Ticketworld (891-9999).

www.ticketworld.com.ph

Here comes the album that we are all waiting for.  Awit Para Sa’Yo, a real OPM treat from the Prince of Pop and the Ultimate Serenader, Erik Santos. Be inspired as you listen to all 14 tracks including the current chart-topper Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka, wonderful covers such as Sana Ikaw, Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka, Di Lang Ikaw, Muling Buksan Ang Puso, and original songs that will surely melt your hearts.

Awit Para Sa’Yo is a must have album. Now available in all record bars near you. Also available for download at www.starrecords.ph.

Experience the love, pain and hope as Erik Santos sings the songs of your life.