Hashtag Magazine 1 | Page 47

Prior his stint on television, Sam was involved in theatre arts at age five, playing the role of the young Jose Rizal in the play titled, “Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal?” This paved him to try his mettle in stage performance. He was spotted by a known talent management agency, which encouraged him to try various workshops. One leading to another, Sam said this started his career in performing arts. Four years after, he took on the role of Edmund Pevensie in the local stage adaptation of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,” which was followed by several plays,namely: “Peter Pan and the Time Machine” and “Mr. Noah’s Big Boat.” The TV commercials soon came and shows for children like “Hirayamanawari” and “Sineskwela” followed suit. Joining Little Big Star was Sam’s major break in the industry. His excellent performance and him being a crowd favourite added sterling points to his winning. Successfully, he emerged the “Brightest Star” in the Big Division, competing with Charice Pempengco and with other aspiring young singers. In film, his first major acting role was Boy Bawang in “Super Inggo.” He was also the youngest male recipient of “Nickolodeon’s Pinoy Wannabe Award” in 2006. Even Candy Mag could not resist his charm, it named him as “Candy Cutie” for four consecutive years. At his early teenage years, juggled his stints on TV, theatre and his role as “Ambassador of the youth.” Later, Sam became part of the boy group, “Giggerboys” in “ASAP,” with the likes of Enchong Dee, Robi Domingo, Aaron Villaflor, Dino Imperial, Chris Guttierez, and the late AJ Perez as young male potentials. It was during same year that Sam was chosen to be the first Filipino artist to collaborate with DreamWorks. Sam’s list of achievements could go on and his is a genuineundertaking of hard work, patience and stability. (continued on page 55)