Eric Tai facts for kids

Eric Tai (born August 23, 1984) is an actor and TV personality from New Zealand. He lives and works in the Philippines. Eric is also a professional Arena of Valor esports player. He used to play rugby union for the Alabang Eagles team. He also played for the Philippines national rugby union team. Many people know him as "Eruption" from the TV show It's Showtime, where he was a host.

Early Life and Background

Eric Tai was born in New Zealand. He grew up in Australia. His family comes from Tonga and the Philippines. When he was young, Eric loved video games. His first game console was an Atari. In high school, he played many sports. These included rugby, cricket, volleyball, and track and field.

Eric first came to the Philippines as a missionary. He served for two years in Naga, Camarines Sur for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rugby Career Highlights

Eric Tai was a member of the Philippines national rugby union team in 2011. He took a break from the national team for two years. In 2013, he returned to play for his country again. For club rugby, Eric played for a team called the Alabang Eagles.

Entertainment Career Journey

Before moving to the Philippines, Eric was already working in Australia. He was an actor, a model for commercials, and a host.

Television Appearances

Eric first appeared on It's Showtime as a guest judge. He showed off his amazing dance moves. In 2012, he became a full-time host on the show. This is when he started using his famous screen name, Eruption. He was offered roles in other TV shows, but he wanted to focus on It's Showtime.

Eric also played a character named Dan, the Breakinator. This was for a KitKat chocolate commercial. He took a short break from It's Showtime in late 2014. He then returned to the show.

Eric announced he was leaving It's Showtime in early 2016. His last time on the show was in December 2015.

Eric and his wife, Rona Samson, were contestants on The Amazing Race Asia in its fifth season.

In 2018, Eric was part of the action TV series Bagani. He played a giant character. This was his first big TV drama. After that, he played a bodyguard in another TV drama called Ngayon at Kailanman in 2019.

In 2023, Eric and his team won P200,000 on the game show Family Feud. He even challenged the host, Dingdong Dantes, to a dance-off!

Film Roles

Eric appeared in an independent film called Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi. Actress Angelica Panganiban was also in this movie. In 2012, Eric shared that he really wanted to act in an action film.

Hosting Events

Eric Tai hosted the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup 2019 (MSC 2019). This big gaming event happened at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in June 2018.

Modeling Work

In 2016, Eric Tai was on the cover of the first issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine in the Philippines.

Online Media Presence

Eric became very popular on TikTok in October 2022. This happened after he danced on a train in Singapore. He and his dance group then started dancing to the same song in many different places. Other celebrities even joined them! In 2023, he also received a Silver Play Button from YouTube for his channel.

Esports Gaming

In 2023, Eric Tai joined the PBA Esports Bakbakan league. He was chosen as the 4th player by the Magnolia team. This shows his skill in professional gaming.

Music Career

In 2023, Eric Tai released his first song called "Do Your Ting." He worked with Mr. Mainit, DJ Loonyo, and Solomon Starks on this song. He also signed a contract as a recording artist with Ingrooves Music Group. This company is part of Universal Music.

Personal Life and Family

Eric Tai is married to Rona Samson. They got engaged in August 2014 in Albay. They had their first wedding ceremony in March 2015. It took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cubao, Quezon City. They had a second wedding ceremony in May 2016.

In 2015, Rona faced challenges having a child. Doctors told them they might need special help to have a baby. This is one reason why they joined The Amazing Race Asia. They hoped to win prize money to help with their family plans. Eric and Rona welcomed their son, Legend, in 2019. Eric also shared that his esports earnings helped them through this process.

Playing video games is one of Eric's hobbies. His wife, Rona, said that this hobby helped them a lot during The Amazing Race. She mentioned it helped them solve puzzles in the reality show.

Filmography

Television

Film

• Shake Rattle & Roll 14 (2012)
• Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi (independent film; 2012)
• The Last Soldier (2019)