What does it take to be an effective singer? Pure talent, good sleeping and eating habits, and lots and lots of discipline! That’s according to Kapamilya crooner and Tawag ng Tanghalan judge-mentor Erik Santos.

In an episode of Kapamilya Chat, Erik shared his vocal techniques and habits that apparently require a big amount of self-control. First, he’s extra careful with his food intake, avoiding spicy and sour food that might trigger his acid reflux. The restrictions come with age because as he becomes older, the harder it gets to fight vocal muscle irritations.

Just recently, his reflux attacked and disrupted his voice during a live guesting. The good thing is he already mastered the tricks to control possible on-stage mishaps, thanks to his 18-year experience in showbiz, “Maghahanap ka ng ibang placement ng voice para ‘di mamaos ang lalamunan mo but it’s hard kasi hindi siya normal na pagkanta mo.”

But on days when he has no performances, Erik also gives in to his cravings. He just makes sure to sleep 7 to 8 hours and hydrate himself all the time, “Nakakatuyo ng lalamunan lalo na ‘pag malamig ang venue.”

Before he steps on stage, Erik warms up the vocal muscles by doing quick lip trills to create the “brrr” sound, “May tendency siyang ma-injure kung ibabanat mo agad siya, kung kakanta ka agad nang mataas. Lalo na ngayon, hindi na tayo bumabata, so we need vocal exercises to sustain what we have.”

Like athletes that need warming up before the game, singers also need to loosen up the vocal cords and clear the throat before performing.

Erik surprises his fans with a Christmas gift – his new single “Paskong Kayakap Ka.” Check it out and watch his performances on ASAP Natin ‘To.