Launched as one of the three Filipino "Gwapings" (good-looking youngsters), Eric has created a career path of his own that includes movies, tv sitcoms and interesting dramatic roles in telemovies. The most "alien" looking among the Bench models, Eric's sharp features is a photographer's delight.
Having a great zest for life, he enjoys everything that ranged from any extreme sports to those small but delightful things such as racing tamia cars or competing in a dance mix contest. A natural comedian, he never fails to bring to life any show -- or any party he's in.
But with a punk style and devil may care image, one would definitely be surprised how bullish he becomes when it comes to drugs and other vices that plague the youth. For him, this is a very serious matter, especially now that millions of young people become established smokers even at the age of 11 year old.
While growing-up in California, he was a member of the West Bay Filipino Multi-Service Center that campaigned againt tobacco products. The organization helped sending addicted youth groups to schools to conduct tobacco prevention workshops. They also sponsored an anti-smoking mural in the outer Mission in Daly City.
One of their goals was to eliminate the Joe Camel ads that targeted youth. "We tried to ban the whole Joe Camel character [several years ago]," Eric said. "The whole thing was geared toward young people because it was a cartoon. It's way too easy to have kids relate to that."
He added that some of the youth he sees smoke because of peer pressure. "They get a new pair of Jordans that match with the shirt, the pants, the socks, the hat — cigarettes are an accessory." Eric is very concerned that organizations that protect the welfare of the youth are now losing fundings. He knows that now, the youth are more susceptible than ever.
Although now living as a bachelor in the Philippines, he is already the proud father of a nice young boy named Frederick Paul whom he fondly calles Tres. He says he doesn't see his son often but he does loves him more than anyone or anything in the world.
Once asked in a television talk show on his opinion on the sensitive issue about early marriages, he honestly said he is against it if the couple is unprepared or unsure about each other. He says marriage is a lifetime commitment so one should not dive into it if one is not ready to commit, even if there is already a child.
When Eric believes in something, he really lives by it. When he sees something wrong he doesn't hesitate to fight it. Not surprisingly, Eric was one of those who led the people power march that outsted President Joseph Estrada from power. Estrada, who is charged with corruption, was a legendary actor before becoming a politician so it remains quite a surprise that a fellow actor like Eric would help in pulling him down.
People do hope that today's youth would follow Eric's example. He is unlike some of his contemporaries in the movie industry who have wasted parts of their lives falling into drugs. It is definitely worth living life to the fullest, but one should still be rational enough to know his limits.