VP/Xclusives | Eric Ejercito: When the spotlight hits

In a stage where millions of passionate and talented performers stand, one holds the slightest chance to shine the brightest and show the world his best. The limelight beams in elusive chances that one must give his all when it comes. But for Eric Ejercito, every instant in and out of the center stage prepared him for the moment when the spotlight hits.

As an artist, Eric takes up his own space in life’s vast stretch of stage and makes the most out of every ‘lights, camera, action!’ that destiny has to offer him. Eric wanted to keep his hunger and fire for arts burning, and so from being a digital filmmaking major, he leaped into the vibrant world of the entertainment industry. He began exploring the art of acting more and even delved into the music-making scene and performing, proving his unstoppable desire to share to the world his distinct love for arts.

His experiences and successful works throughout his years in the industry convinced the limelight to turn itself towards him whose crafts reflect the vibrance of his dreams, visions, and goals as an artist. But before finding the perfect moment for the spotlight to shed its light on him, he first found himself at the core of his own passion and artistry.

Finding himself and shining through the vast world of arts

Before Eric Ejercito became one of the most versatile artists that he is today, he once was a child whose interest in arts began as hobbies. Just like anybody, young Eric loved filming moments with now-nostalgic film cameras. He also loved painting and arts in general. In fact, he started doing portraits of people at the age of 11, and little did he know that everything would make more sense after a few years.

I was already into arts at a young age. It all started with hobbies—singing, dancing, acting. I remember back in grade school when we were asked to create a film and storytelling—I was already producing films with old school cameras, not as high-tech as they are now. And looking back, the small steps really led to [what I do now]; I act, direct, and produce.
-Eric Ejercito, sharing how his interest in arts began at a young age

His interest and skills in art in various forms turned from hobbies to skills that he honed even more as he progressed in his journey towards the vision of becoming an artist. He began to become a part of different projects, including that turned him into a writing hand model. His face was never in the frame and the latent fee for this project was way lower compared to his previous ones, but Eric did it anyway because, as he would say, he was “passionate and hungry” to become part of something that matters, and that is art.

On the other hand, every role he landed on was not served on a silver platter onto his table. Just like any aspiring artist, Eric had to go through the complex process of auditioning. And despite the uncertainty that comes with it, he would always look forward to such instances that remind him of his journey and make the possible success taste even sweeter.

Until today, I loved the process—the journey [of auditioning]. The destination’s very rewarding but the process—nakakakaba, nakaka-anxious, and nakaka-pressure, like you have to memorize a 5-page script in 5 minutes. It’s always challenging but I love it kasi it’s priceless, that no one can take it from you; that you earned it.
-Eric on landing on his roles

Finding himself in the vast world of arts also meant finding himself in many challenging circumstances that the process of getting a chance to give life to a character and tell a story required. Eric knew he had to experience every stage of it to deeply understand the depth of success and deliver a more meaningful artistry rooted in hard work and gratitude.

I don’t believe in luck. You have to be in the right place and the right time, and you have to work for it.
-Eric, sharing his principle towards life’s success

Eric Ejercito through the shadows and lights

Although Eric has always loved the challenging process of auditioning for a role, not every journey ended with a sweet success for him. He had to face and go though the shadows of failing while making sure he would not remain behind them. He turned rejections into redirections and self-awareness.

I embrace and accept failures. Although there were many trials, I learned from them. When I fail, that’s where I become aware and able to improve myself better as a person. It’s a never-ending process of failure, trial and error, and that’s where I get to learn more about myself—through the journey.
-Eric on becoming a self-aware artist

Just as Eric believes that failing does not put an end to the journey towards one’s dream, he braved every moment until brighter lights and chances peeked through uncertain circumstances. Now, Eric and his fans feel thrilled as he enters a new era in the OPM scene with his latest single, ‘Find You’ that gives a different flavor of his artistry and musicality from the song itself up to the music video that he can’t wait to share.

The music video is actually a prequel. I first came out with ‘Fearless’ about being independent and strong and mental health awareness. But before I was ‘Fearless’ I was a ‘FOOL’, and before that, I once found love hence, ‘Find you’ that showcases young innocent love.
-Eric, sharing the idea of the music video

His latest single tells a story of how destiny shapes every moment for soulmates, as the song drew inspiration from the film, Serendipity and Your Name (Kimi No Nawa). The Japanese red string concept also influenced the storytelling of this song, making it even more romantic and close to the hearts of many. Eric had put so much love and effort for this release, that he finds the whole process for this project unforgettable.

People I worked with. Sa music video, the leading lady was Arci Muñoz and sa song production, si Thyro Alfaro. They are people who I just know of before and now I got to work with them, and it’s such a humbling experience.
-Eric on the people he worked with in ‘Find You’

Aside from his latest move in the music scene, Eric is soon to be seen in the big screens as he takes on the role of Coco, the local male lead character in the upcoming Korean film, The Guardian, where he worked with Nam Woo-hyun, Park Eun-hye, and Yassi Pressman.

To be alongside these very talented veteran actors both local and international, I learned so much in hindsight, up-close and personal. I observe and just see how they respond and how they carry themselves, how they work professionally, and this tops my credentials for sure. I picked up a lot of learning through the journey and no doubt [this is] an unforgettable experience. One for the books!
-Eric on working on The Guardian

Channeling himself through the characters he portray, be it in films or the personas of his songs, allowed Eric to convey the story it has to tell. Through constantly trying and learning Eric Ejercito made it through the shadow of failing and light of winning.

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Standing in the spotlight

After patiently waiting for a chance encounter with the limelight while working hard, Eric Ejercito now stands in the spotlight. He has now the moment to shine even brighter. His persistence through the challenges and consistent drive to become better attracted the light to be on the spot where he is now, sharing his craft to the world and radiating the same light he gets to inspire others.

My experiences taught me a lot. Just try, because if you don’t, then you’ll never know. I just kept trying and all these experiences just shaped me into being the best version of myself. If you keep on doing you, eventually you’ll get what you want. When you reach that point, you’ll get a spotlight to shine on you, one way or another.
-Eric, sharing what his experiences taught him as an artist

Standing in the spotlight may mean the most to anyone who struggled to be in that position. It is truly rewarding to feel the warmth of the limelight and hearing the applause after a period of hard work and challenges. On the other hand, Eric believes that one has the capacity to shine on his own even when the spotlight turns to another.

For me, the spotlight is just a bonus. What’s more important for me is the shining part. Even if no one’s looking, even if you’re not in the spotlight, you give your 100% and still shine.
-Eric on standing in the spotlight

As he hold onto this belief, Eric continues to find ways to become a better version of himself and serve an even better craft to the world, especially to the people to whom he would to share the spotlight with: his parents who believed in his dreams, producers who trusted him, and Team E, his fans who also became his friends who have shown him their love and support since day one.

While Eric feels the warmth of the spotlight shining on him, he aspires to reflect its glow, shed light to others, and become an inspiration, especially to people who dream to become an artist, share their talent, and show the world their passion for their craft.

You will only not make it, if you quit. Obsession beats talent, I believe you can learn it on the way. When doubting yourself, It’s okay, that’s normal. Allow it, acknowledge, and fail if you have to. Because every time you get back up, you’ll rise stronger and wiser. Just don’t stop and you’ll always come out better. Take it one day at a time.
-Eric to aspiring artists

Spotlight may be a testament of reaching the highest yet point of one’s artistry, but Eric believes that even without its warmth and beam, one can shine from within. His experiences showed that the light becomes even more radiant through holding a burning passion and sharing a vibrant story.

As Eric continues to show the world his best and take his moment in the limelight on the vast stretch of life’s stage, he strives to become even better. Determination, passion, and genuine motivation made Eric Ejercito shine the brightest as the spotlight hits.