The King of OPM Themesongs Erik Santos has taken the extra mile after he decided to direct himself in his upcoming April 7 concert at The Theatre in Solaire Resort & Casino (1 Aseana, Entertainment City, Paranaque). The scenario of him performing, writing and directing his own show happens for just the first time in his storied career.
The highly anticipated concert dubbed “Erik Santos Sings The Greatest OPM Classics” is the second “Powerhouse” concept gig from fast-rising local promoter Lucky 7 Koi Productions, Inc. in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino, following Arnel Pineda’s well-attended concert of the same title last October. The series gathers world-class Pinoy talents bannered by a featured act.
Powerhouse 2 is scheduled to start 8PM of the last Friday before this year’s Holy Week. Concert goers are expected to flock the venue prior to taking the long break.
“Even in high school I was often directing school plays,” shares Erik whose recent mentorship of Tres Kantos in the “We Love OPM Celebrity Sing-Offs” provided him extra experience and confidence to sit on the director’s chair of his magnitude. Erik’s group “Tres Kantos” became the first grand celebriteam winner. Erik shares, “Being in the industry for quite some time made me a witness to some major concerts in town and on that note natuto din ako mag-assess with regard to set lists, stage designs, and show segments, basta yung creative input natutunan kong madevelop within myself sa group. I will apply here yung mga natutunan ko din sa kakapanood. Besides, dream ko talaga to direct my own show. I’m glad I’m given this chance.”
But of course, it will take more effort from Erik directing the show and preparing himself to singing classic songs written by mostly iconic Filipino songwriters. He said that the song lineup will include lots of medley of OPM hits that Filipino music lovers have come to love through the years. Thus, it is sensibly a tribute to iconic tunesmiths like George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, and Rey Valera. Plus a showcase of pop and young contemporaries.
Interestingly, Erik’s special guests come from the same vein, being a duo of brilliant songwriters in Yeng Constantino and Ogie Alcasid, both famous singing talents with hit compositions of their own. The Cornerstone and Star Magic gem behind some of the most enduring love songs and covers of recent years has Homer Flores for the show’s musical director, giving him a partner with a superb track record and concert experience.
Erik promises that spectators may find themselves digging the essence of OPM classics through the stage showcase alone. He always looks up to the likes of Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera who often have their say in their concerts, including the technical aspects. It’s no power tripping but just ensuring that everything seen or heart come concert night flows smoothly through the core of his artistry and commitment to connecting with the audience.
Erik recently recorded themesongs for ABS-CBN’s Primetime hit soap “My Dear Heart” with his version of “Sayo Lamang” and “Hanggang” for Kapamilya Gold’s “The Better Half”. Once he recorded for his album “Your Love” and “I’ll Never Go”, two of the OPM smash hits in the 90s.
Erik has respectfully gained numerous hits under his name such as “Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka”, “Kung Akin ang Mundo” and “Pagbigyanng Muli”.
Asked for his take on how one Filipino composition can become a classic, he explains, “Kapag ang isang kanta ay matalino ang pagkakagaya at may narrative na makakarelate ang mga Pilipino, maaaring maging classic iyan. Grabe ang letra ng isang OPM classic. Dapat mo siyang namnamin kapag kakantahin mo siya.”
“Powerhouse 2: Erik Santos Sings The Greatest OPM Classics” is line produced by Cornerstone Concerts.
Ticket prices are as follows:
PHP5,225 Price Zone 1
PHP3,135 Price Zone 2
PHP2,090 Price Zone 3
PHP1,254 Price Zone 4
Call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph
ADVT.