Eric Tai facts for kids

Eric Tai, born on August 23, 1984, is an actor from New Zealand. He is also a professional video game player, known as an esports player, especially in Arena of Valor. Before that, he was a rugby union player for the Alabang Eagles and even played for the Philippines national rugby union team. Many people know him as Eruption, his screen name when he was a host on the TV show It's Showtime.

About Eric Tai's Early Life

Eric Tai was born in New Zealand and grew up in Australia. His family comes from Tongan and Filipino backgrounds. When he was young, he loved video games and his first game console was an Atari. In high school, he played many sports like rugby, cricket, volleyball, and track and field.

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

Eric Tai's Rugby Career

Eric Tai was part of the Philippines national rugby union team in 2011. He played for them again in 2013 after a two-year break. In club rugby, which is local team play, Eric was a player for the Alabang Eagles.

Eric Tai's Career in Entertainment

Before he became famous in the Philippines, Eric was already working as an actor, commercial model, and host in Australia.

Television Shows and Appearances

Eric first appeared on It's Showtime as a guest judge, called a hurado. He showed off his dance moves. In 2012, he became a full-time host on the show and started using the name Eruption. He was offered roles in other TV shows on ABS-CBN, but he chose to focus on It's Showtime.

He also played a character named Dan, the Breakinator, in a TV commercial for KitKat chocolate. This was part of McCann Erickson's "Everybody Break Now" ad campaign.

Eric took a short break from It's Showtime in September 2014 after a tour in Canada. He returned to the show in December of the same year.

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

Eric and his wife, Rona Samson, competed together on the fifth season of The Amazing Race Asia.

In 2018, Eric was part of the action-adventure TV series Bagani, where he played a giant character. This was his first big TV drama. In 2019, he acted in another TV drama called Ngayon at Kailanman, playing a bodyguard.

In 2023, Eric and his team won P200,000 when they played on the game show Family Feud. During that episode, he challenged the host, Dingdong Dantes, to a dance challenge.

Film Roles

Eric Tai appeared in an independent film called Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi. This movie also featured actress Angelica Panganiban. In May 2012, Eric shared that he wanted to act in an action film, but he didn't find any chances to do so in the Philippines at that time.

Hosting Events

Eric hosted the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup 2019 (MSC 2019). This big esports event took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum from June 21 to 23, 2018.

Modeling Work

In 2016, Eric Tai was featured on the cover of the very first issue of the Philippine version of Muscle & Fitness magazine.

Online Media Presence

Eric became very popular on TikTok in October 2022 when he posted a video of himself dancing on a train in Singapore. After that, he and his dance group started dancing to the same song in different places. They even got other famous people to join them. In 2023, he also received a Silver Play Button from YouTube, which is an award for channels that reach 100,000 subscribers.

Esports Gaming

In 2023, Eric Tai joined the PBA Esports Bakbakan league. He was chosen as the 4th player drafted by the Magnolia team.

Singing Career

In 2023, Eric Tai released his first song called "Do Your Ting." It was a team-up with Mr. Mainit, DJ Loonyo, and Solomon Starks. That same year, he also signed a contract as a recording artist with Ingrooves Music Group, which is owned by Universal Music.

Eric Tai's Personal Life

Eric Tai is married to Rona Samson. They got engaged in August 2014 when Eric proposed to Rona in Albay. They had their wedding in March 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cubao, Quezon City. They had a second wedding ceremony in May 2016. The couple has one child, a son named Legend, who was born in 2019. Eric has shared that his esports events have helped him financially.

Playing video games is also a hobby for Eric. His wife, Rona, said that this hobby helped them a lot when they were on The Amazing Race. She explained that Eric's gaming skills helped them solve puzzles during the reality show.

Filmography

Television

Film

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