Tsismis: Latest gossip from the Pinoy world

Sam Concepcion was the singer who beat fast-rising international pop sensation Charice Pempengco in a singing contest called Little Big Star in 2005.

While Pempengco has conquered the international stage and is on her way to becoming a big pop star in the US, Concepcion has yet to fulfil his promise. But this talented singer-actor is in no hurry. "I have no complaints about how my career has progressed — it's been a rewarding and exciting experience, and I believe I will have my time to shine."

There is no doubt the teenager oozes talent and good looks, but he has so far not been given the break he deserves. Concepcion, however, showed the world what he's capable of when he performed as an opening act for Taylor Swift, when the Grammy-winner performed in Manila recently.

He tweeted right away how he was relieved from the pressure, and thanked everyone for their support. "It was a nerve-wracking experience but all worth it."

Serious projects

Perhaps after sharing the stage with Swift and showing everyone he's got what it takes to become a big star, Concepcion will be given more serious projects. He recently did a cameo on the top-rating prime time series Mara Clara. He also appeared in an episode of the drama anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya, and earned rave reviews for his portrayal of a young man who falls in love with a much older woman.

"This year, I hope to get involved in a number of projects that will hopefully have a big impact on my career," Concepcion said. "I am also slated to do some concerts with A-Pop, so it's going be a busy year."

A-Pop is an all-boys singing group, featuring Concepcion with Nel Gomez, Young JV and Jaco Benin. The group started out informally, performing every Sunday on ABS CBN's ASAP, but their first few performances were a hit with the audience, so the management decided to formally launch the group.

Does he ever think of what might have been, especially with Pempengco now fast becoming an international star? "She has her own destiny, and I have mine. I'm very happy for what she has achieved and what she can be, she deserves all the good things happening in her life. I will have my own place under the sun."

With his talent, he'll find it for sure, even if he does it one step at a time.

Jericho tastes international love

Jericho Rosales confirmed he has completed filming an international movie, which also stars Briana Evigan (of Step Up 2: The Streets fame) and Dean Cain (of the TV series Lois & Clark).

Titled Subject: I Love You, the film was shot entirely in Manila and is based on the life of the Filipino programmer who unleashed the I Love You virus and scared the world in 2002.

Recalling his experience, Echo, as the actor is more popularly known, said he loved how the whole movie was done professionally, and was ecstatic he had a chance to do an international movie. The film is slated for a theatre release later this year.

Marian does it in historic style

Production is set to start rolling for GMA 7's most expensive TV series yet. Amaya, a historical epic, starring GMA's prized talent and prime time TV queen Marian Rivera, has completed casting only recently.

It took a while to select the perfect leading man for Rivera. "Finally matutuloy na kami (We're going to push through finally). It's my biggest project yet, and I'm excited I was given the chance to do this landmark TV project," said Rivera, whose last prime time soap, Endless Love, aired four months ago.

I've got talent too — Paulo

Struggling actor Paulo Avelino has finally achieved leading man status with the fantasy series Alakdana. He has been mostly playing secondary roles, but the minute he got buffed up he exuded a different, more irresistible aura that proved effective.

Avelino got noticed by his studio's producers who cast him in his first lead role. Now, he just signed up a big commercial endorsement for a clothing brand, whose underwear brand everyone in Manila seems to love to wear and show off.

Of his new-found fame, Avelino said, "I thought about going a little bit more mature and sexy for a while, and decided it was about time. I went for it, I got noticed, and now I have an opportunity to show them there's one other thing I've got — talent."

Kris feels the heat

One of the brightest young stars in the business, Kris Bernal just proved she's got what it takes to be on top.

She completed her first solo TV series with flying colours, with the programme consistently rating as one of the most-watched shows. Because of her success, she was immediately given a project opposite her former screen partner, Aljur Abrenica.

"I'm happy that I have a project right away, but I'm also pressured to do so well and contribute to the success of the programme," Bernal said.

Playlist: Christine Reyes

Song on repeat mode: Ngayon at Kailanman by Vina Morales (original by Basil Valdez). That's the soundtrack of my recently completed series. It's very memorable to me.

One to make me cry: Rainbow by South Border. Very sentimental... the song's message is moving.

This one makes me move: Sexy, Naughty, Bitchy Me by Tata Young. I like the song's rhythm, it's cool.

At karaoke i would sing: Ikaw by Regine Velasquez. It's a beautiful love song, and I'd sing it any time.

Track i'd skip right now: Nothing in particular.