Philippine Volcanoes member Eric Tai joins the long list of athletes who have crossed over into showbiz.

When he’s not busy bringing honor to the country with the rest of his team in the rugby union, he will be seen doing some hosting, acting and modeling jobs here and there.

IT’S SHOWTIME. With his hefty athletic build, reminiscent of the ill-tempered The Hulk, who would have thought that “The Beast” would be joining the Showtime gang?

After his stint as a hurado, in which he gave us some of his dance moves, Eric made a comeback on It’s Showtime.

This time around, he is tasked as the guy who welcomes the hosts at the beginning of the show bearing the alias, “Eruption.”

If viewers think that act doesn't fit, the show reveals this guy actually has a natural flair for humor.

PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the chance for a one-on-one talk with Eric last Saturday night at the Red Bull Launch in Makati Stock Exchange.

“I accepted Showtime dahil, masaya siya eh, it’s one of my favorite shows,” he said.

“So, sa akin naman, it’s a privilege tsaka blessing in disguise talaga na magiging katrabaho ko yung mga  talagang magaling umarte…”

“…yung talagang magaling at mahusay na mag-host. So, it’s something that never comes often.”

This 27 year-old athlete had been an all-around guy in the business when he was still in “Sunburnt Country.”

“Well, dun sa 'min sa Australia , I was doing acting already, and commercial modeling and hosting, as well. So, showbiz dito, it’s the same thing…”

WANTS TO DO ACTION FLICKS. Eric just finished shooting an independent film, along with Angelica Panganiban, titled Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi, which will be shown in July.

With his brawny physique, naturally, action films would be part of his repertoire.

“Well, action talaga ang gusto ko but the Philippines don’t provide that.”