Erik's passion for singing started when he was still a kid in Malabon. Erik participated in numerous small-town singing competitions.
Erik became the wildcard entry to the Final 10 of Star in a Million. He had a good start in the contest but got eliminated during the third week of competitions, when it was still a part of the Sunday noontime variety show ASAP. Nevertheless, his second chance came and his rendition of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly", won him the 10th and final slot for the semi-finals round. Eventually he became one of the three grand finalists in the showdown for the title of Star in a Million. "This is the Moment", a song from the musical Jekyll and Hyde, popularized by Martin Nievera, won him the title.
Now, with record-breaking chart-toppers from his Platinum debut album (his first single Pagbigyang Muli has stayed on the #1 spot of WRR's hit chart for more than 20 weeks, along with his other songs filling up the charts simultaneously), sold-out concerts and a demand for corporate shows, accolades from Awit Awards, Star Awards and Aliw Awards, endorsements for a bank (Bank of the Philippine Island's Express Remit), theme songs for radio stations, and even movies, Erik has earned mainstream popularity.
Balik sa bayan
Erik Santos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
sa bayan mo na duyan ng iyong lahi
kahit pa na layo ka kay tagal
nagtiyaga ka, nagtiis, nagtagumpay at ngayon ay nais mong masuklian pag-alaga ng banda sa iyong buhay
pagkakataon mo ng mabalik sa bayan
kapamilya ka ng bayang pilipino
kasama kang nagagalak, umiiyak, nangangarap pagkat bahagi ka ng bayan mo
kabalikat ka sa lahat ng panahon
nakahandang tulong anumang pagkakataon
kapit bisig sa pag-unlad, sa pagsulong at pag-angat
balik sa bayan, balik sa bayan ngayon
repeat stanza 2, 3 & 4
kapamilya ka ng bagong bayani ngayon
tinatanghal dahil bukal sa puso mong inaalay
balik sa bayan, balik sa bayan ngayon
The song Balik sa Bayan by Erik Santos is an ode to the love of one's country and the desire to return to its embrace. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the homeland, replete with images of one's heritage, culture, and familial ties. The opening lines suggest that the sweetness of love for one's country will always remain, no matter how far one may be from it. The song praises the determination and perseverance of Filipinos in their pursuit of success, despite the challenges and obstacles they may face.
The second verse speaks directly to the listener, addressing them as part of the Filipino nation, and emphasizing the shared aspirations and dreams of the people. The third verse underscores the importance of unity and cooperation in the progress and development of the country. The final stanza is a call to action, to return to one's homeland and be part of the continuing legacy of the Filipino people.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the patriotism and resilience of the Filipino people, encouraging them to stay connected to their roots and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their beloved country.
Line by Line Meaning
alam kung kailan may mananatili ang tamis ng iyong pagmamahal
You know when the sweetness of your love will endure
sa bayan mo na duyan ng iyong lahi
In your home country, cradle of your heritage
kahit pa na layo ka kay tagal
Even though you are far away, for so long
nagtiyaga ka, nagtiis, nagtagumpay at ngayon ay nais mong masuklian pag-alaga ng banda sa iyong buhay
You endured, persevered, succeeded and now you want to repay the care in your life
pagkakataon mo ng mabalik sa bayan
This is your chance to return to your home country
kapamilya ka ng bayang pilipino
You are a part of the Filipino nation
kapintig mo ang mga mithi nito
You share its aspirations
kasama kang nagagalak, umiiyak, nangangarap pagkat bahagi ka ng bayan mo
You rejoice, you cry, you dream because you are a part of your nation
kabalikat ka sa lahat ng panahon
You are a partner at all times
nakahandang tulong anumang pagkakataon
Ready to help at any time
kapit bisig sa pag-unlad, sa pagsulong at pag-angat
Link arms in progress, in advancement and in lifting each other up
balik sa bayan, balik sa bayan ngayon
Return to your home country, return to your home country now
kapamilya ka ng bagong bayani ngayon
You are a part of the new heroes today
tinatanghal dahil bukal sa puso mong inaalay
Being recognized because it comes from the bottom of your heart
balik sa bayan, balik sa bayan ngayon
Return to your home country, return to your home country now
Contributed by Abigail Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.