[2][3] In 2003, Santos joined Star in a Million singing competition on ABS-CBN, and became part of the "Wild Card" entry to the Final 10 of the show.

Nevertheless, his second chance came, and his rendition of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" won him the tenth and final slot for the semi-finals round.

It was a tumultuous couple of months for Santos after Star in a Million, what with the media frenzy and instantaneous popular success.

Ginnie Faustino-Galgana of Titik Pilipino gave the album four out of five stars, stating "Fall in love with this voice.

His tremolo comes and goes and makes you think he so sincerely in singing his own words [...] It's like listening to an old friend or having someone to share your heartache with".

She further described the lyrical similarities of the songs "Pagbigyang Muli", "Di Ko Kaya", "I Believe" and "Hanggang sa Huli", wherein they are all about reconciliation, everlasting love and faith in a relationship.

The album sold at a rapid pace of almost 3,000 units per week, a feat that was hard to accomplish by the age of rampant music piracy.

Star Records' marketing manager Nixon Sy stated, "Erik's album sales is really overwhelming.

His number one hit single "Pagbigyang Muli" rose above over the airwaves and music video channels since it was released.

[7] Santos shed off his clothes and wholesome poster boy image in the music video for his second single "Di Ko Kaya".