Sam Concepcion: Charice is an inspiration
Multi-talented young artist Sam Concepcion, the kid whom we used to know as the "Little Big Star" champion who bested Charice Pempengco, is now all grown up, making his name in musicals and youth-oriented shows and continues to create good vibes in the showbiz industry.
In a one-on-one interview with Yahoo! OMG! Philippines after World Vision's ceremony on Friday, March 25, Sam shared his views on being a role model, his thoughts on Charice's fame, the pressures on having a wholesome image and his new upcoming projects.
Sam, together with other Jollibee Yumbassadors, led World Vision's "Flying High" graduation ceremony last Friday, March 25 at the PS Bank Center in Makati City.
In 2008, Sam was chosen as World Vision's Ambassador for Children and has been participating in community visits since then. "I've been to exposure trips and it just gives me a bigger understanding of how hard it is for most Filipino youth. I try the best of my ability to spread the word and do whatever I can to help," Sam shared. Recently, Sam was chosen by Jollibee as one of its Yumbassadors along with youth leader Bam Aquino and Palanca-awardee Miro Capili.
The year has just started and things have been going well for Sam as evident in his numerous projects and endorsements. Sam was personally chosen by international singer Taylor Swift to open her Manila "Speak Now" concert in Araneta last February 19.
"Standing there performing, you could barely hear yourself because of the screaming. It's one of the greatest experiences I had in my life. Taylor's really nice, very accommodating," Sam shared, a self-confessed Taylor fan.
Aside from his weekly stint on ABS-CBN's "ASAP Rocks," Sam is a part of ABS-CBN's new youth-oriented series called "Good Vibes" to air on April. It's a show about high school students which main theme revolves around dance. Other cast members include Enrique Gil, Ivan Dorschner, James Reid and Arron Villaflor.
As many would guess it right, Sam plays the role of a good son and a popular student. "My character is an all-good kind of character, he's a valedictorian, he's the captain of the dance troop and all that, a perfect son. But the struggle of his character is that he was never appreciated," Sam discussed.
Despite his many acting roles, singing still remains to be his passion. He will be starring in a Pater Pan musical adaptation produced by Repertory Philippines and Stages.
Does Sam also want to make it big overseas just like her contemporary Charice Pempengco? "It's always an artist dream to make as many people hear their music. So, it's part of my aspiration to make my music known, to be able to share it and make impact on people's lives." Sam has previously participated in the Asian "Kung Fu Panda" movie soundtrack.
As Sam used to be in the same competition with Charice before, Charice will always be linked to Sam's name as he is always compared or even pitted against her. But, Sam just takes it in stride and always has good words for the female young singer.
"She's an inspiration to local artists. That just goes to show how huge her impact has been, she really has reached something that none of artists in the Filipino music industry has done before. It's ground-breaking, she has already made it, and is still making it," Sam shared.
For some people, Sam may seem too good to be true for having conquered the crazy world of showbiz with a good reputation and wholesome image. "I'm really just a normal kid, doing things that other teenagers do. I just keep myself grounded because there are people who are responsible for that. My family and friends help me see that I'm just like any other people," Sam shared.
Others may also think that Sam's good, wholesome image may hinder him in advancing to more mature, riskier roles. But, he is no way in a hurry to jump into the bandwagon.
"More mature roles will probably come in time as I grow old and mature then. But, at the same time, I don't wanna jump into like playing older roles right away. It just stumps your youth, your growth. I get to do my passion. I dance, sing and act. Being young is an enjoying thing to do," Sam shared.
