We intentionally teased Erik Santos on whom he was singing the song “Paskong Kayakap Ka” to. The song is a wistful Christmas single that he released last week during a hybrid event held at the Academy of Rock. The music video was also unveiled.
“I kind of expected that question,” the singer, who admitted that he’s very much single, said while laughing.
In the song, the pop balladeer who turned 39 last month, vocalizes the longing for the warmth and company of loved ones. It expresses one’s desire to be with the special people in his life to make the Christmas celebration more special. It is accompanied by a soft piano instrumental that sets the song’s nostalgic mood.
“Due to the pandemic, maraming tao tayong nami-miss, people that we wanted to hug and be with. But if you’re asking me if I have someone special to hug this Christmas, just my family,” he said.
“If you’re going deep into the message, akmang akma naman para sa lahat. I think everyone can relate to the song,” the ASAP Natin ‘To mainstay added.
“Paskong Kayakap Ka” was written and composed by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.
“I asked Jonathan to write this song for me in October. And in just three days, he was able to get back to me to inform me that he’s able to come up with a song fit for Christmas that can also capture our longing to be with someone since we’ve become so much apart because of the pandemic,” Santos recalled.
Manalo shared that he got inspired when the singer called him requesting another song.
“We had previously worked together for a Christmas song so working again with him really inspired me, and I wish people who will listen to the song would get the message that we wanted to send across,” Manalo said.
“About the meaning of the song…all of us have wishes, mostly material things. But because of the pandemic, we could hardly do even the simplest things like hugging or being with our loved ones. And these things are actually more important than our material possessions. That’s the message that song wanted to convey,” Manalo further said.
“Paskong Kayakap Ka” is out now on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel and on various digital music platforms.