Filipino-American Shane Ericks of Greenville, South Carolina is all “pork menudo” as she can get. The young lady from Malolos, Bulacan speaks ‘Tagalog’ and professed her love for the Filipino dish “pork menudo.” She also digs Filipino performing artists such as Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino and Christian Bautista.
iOrbit News US correspondent Jonard Aquino caught her belting out The Carpenters’ “Love Me For What I Am”, earning good reviews from the viewer-listeners. Ericks has just released her first cut titled “Your Love Is Enough” – available at iTunes and Amazon. iOrbit News is privileged to have the first interview with Ericks published in Philippine media.
When did you learn to sing?
I learned to sing at a very young age. I’d always sing along to the different kinds of music that my family played every morning. My family knew that I could sing before I really recognized my own talent. They’d always ask me to sing karaoke, especially when visitors are around or when there is an event going on. My family encouraged me to sing, and one day, a neighbor invited me to join the local church choir. I think my voice developed from then on. Our music director would always ask me to take the solo lead for the songs. Then I started singing more in bigger churches with bigger choir, I’d be the youngest soloist in the big choir. I started to realize that people really believed I have something special.
The Carpenters are extremely popular in the Philippines, no wonder you touched the hearts of Filipinos. Are you planning to do a tribute album?
Maybe in the future, yes. I know that so many Filipinos including me love their music, and that’s why I decided to make a cover of one of their songs a few months ago dedicating it to my mother, and at the same time it was meant to bring tribute and honor to the late Karen Carpenter. I enjoy singing their songs. Their timeless and wonderful music, and Karen’s incredible voice are deeply missed, so, I think it’s quite appropriate to introduce it back to this generation, so yes, maybe an album. I would also like to cover other songs that weren’t done by The Carpenters as well.
When did you first hear a Carpenters’ song?
At a very young age, probably before I can even remember. My family loved them. I imagine that they’ve been playing it before I was even born. I listened to it a lot. Although, since when I moved to America nine years ago, I haven’t listened to The Carpenters again until this year. I love that I revisited their music again.
Are you planning to write your own songs?
I have been composing and writing my own songs since I was 11.
Do you have plans to join American Idol in the future?
American Idol’s last season already finished. I’m planning on joining “The Voice” in the near future.
Who is your favorite Filipino singer or singers?
I have many favorite Filipino/Filipina singers. I really like Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino, Christian Bautista, and many more.
You have gained a wide following in the Philippines. Will you do a series of concerts in the coming days?
Yes, I would absolutely love and would be open to do a series of concerts or a tour in the Philippines.
Please greet your Filipino fans all over the world.
I would like to greet my fans and supporters all over the world. I am always so humbled and grateful for the love that you continue to show me. I hope that my music can bring happiness and joy to those who gets the chance to listen to it. You all are my inspiration. –Jonard Aquino