Lipsynching a no-no for Erik: Every audience deserves the best

From left: Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera

It’s always a delight to chill with Erik Santos along with our common friends, Pops Fernandez and Vina Morales. Coolness is in everything he does.

The balladeer is all set to serenade us in time for Valentine’s Day. Catch him with Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid in “#paMORE” on Feb. 10, 8 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Whatever state your heart is in, the “fourmidable” quartet has a song that’s exactly for you. So, whether Cupid hits or misses, “#paMORE’s” got you covered.

Here’s my chat with Erik:

What are your rituals before a concert? I vocalize before a runthrough. I swap stories with the entire team so I will feel at ease, knowing we are solid onstage and off.

What’s your take on lipsynching? It’s OK to lipsynch if it’s necessary—like, if you have a number with some nonsingers on TV. But in live performances, it’s a no-no! If you can’t sing because you’re sick, just don’t sing at all. I believe every audience deserves the best. You will never satisfy their ears with lipsynching.

Do you still get jitters before a show? Always. So, I pray a lot. I jump, shake my arms and inhale-exhale a lot to soothe my nerves. But, I embrace being jittery, because that means I am not overconfident. It means I still have room to improve.

What was your most embarrassing moment onstage? When I sang for the culmination night of the Beijing Olympics in China. When I exited, I slipped onstage because of the low-lying fog.

What’s the craziest thing you did for love? I had a show in Hong Kong and Singapore then. I bought an expensive ring for my love which was worth my full talent fee for the entire tour. Those were my hibang days (laughs).

What’s the cheesiest thing you did for someone you love? I always sing … either when I’m driving or over the phone.

How do you heal when you get brokenhearted? I don’t think I will ever get used to it. I just wait for it to pass because, for me, time heals a broken heart.

Please share some off-cam moments with Mart, Reg and Ogie? For me, they’re three of the most gracious, generous and sincere artists I’ve ever worked with. And honestly, I still get starstruck, especially when I perform with them.

With Ogie: When I had a concert with him and Ai-Ai delas Alas last year, he played Lego during breaks … while the concert was ongoing. Simpleng chismoso si Kuya Ogie (laughs). No dull moment with him.

With Regine: We totally get each other’s jokes. She’s super funny. But she can also turn serious when she gives me advice about life and career.

With Martin: He’s fun to be with, childlike, and makulit in a cute way during shoots abroad. I learn a lot from our talks on serious topics.

What song would you rather not sing? “Please Don’t Ask Me,” because it makes me very emotional.

If your life story would be made into a song, what would the title be? “This is the Moment”—because I’m living my dream.