Sam Concepcion to direct "Face Off" mini-concert feat. Tippy Dos Santos and Morissette Amon

Sam Concepcion will be directing the mini-concert "Face Off" which will feature two young divas Tippy Dos Santos and Morissette Amon.

Before Sam Concepcion flies as Peter Pan on September 29 to October 30, the 18-year-old singer-actor will be directing first the "Face Off" concert this July 2, 5:30 p.m., at the Entertainment Hall of Robinsons Midtown Ermita.

It was the concerts' featured artists themselves, Tippy Dos Sandtos and Morissette Amon, who personally chose Sam Concepcion to direct the show. "This is my way of supporting my friends in this endeavor," says Sam. "I have taping that day, so I agreed to just direct the concert."

This will be Sam's first time to direct a concert and somehow, it will serve as a prelude to Sam's own major concert in 2012 with him as both the featured artist and the director.

The "Face Off" concert will feature two young divas Tippy Dos Santos and Morissette Amon.

STAGES' Tippy Dos Santos has already showcased her amazing vocals and starrific charm in the ABS-CBN youth-oriented show "Shoutout" and the musical drama "iDOL". She already competed internationally and won medals in the 2008 World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in LA.

At her young age, Tippy may well be considered stage veteran having been part of musical productions like "Children's Letters To God" and "Beauty and the Beast", and soon in STAGES' production of "Peter Pan" as Sam Concepcion's leading lady.

Talent5's Morissette Amon meanwhile is familiar to televiewers as the 1st Runner Up in the TV5's talent search "Star Factor" last December. She started singing at a very young age and trooped to various singing contests in her native land, Cebu. She just finished waxing her debut album.

On Youtube, you can find a video of Morissette being compared to America's Got Talent Season 1 winner Bianca Ryan and Pinay international singer Charice.

Who between Tippy and Morissette will be hailed the better performer in "Face Off"?

Presented by STAGES, Talent5, and Hype Cologne, in cooperation with TV5 and ASAP Rocks, "Face Off" will be held this July 2, 5:30 p.m., at the Entertainment Hall of Robinsons Midtown Ermita and will also feature some Talent5 artists as special guests.

Admission is free. See you!


Posted by Gian Carlo Vizcarra for Mykiru Isyusero

Sam Concepcion "Peter Pan" publicity photos released!

Sam Concepcion plays the title role in STAGES and Repertory Philippines’ Peter Pan, which will be staged for a month, from September 29 to October 30, 2011, at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

Check out Sam Concepcion's publicity photos as Peter Pan:

To be directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jaime Del Mundo, Peter Pan also stars Michael Williams as Captain Hook, Tippy Dos Santos as Wendy and Cara Barredo also as Wendy (alternate). Sam's older brother Kevin Concepcion will be the alternate Peter Pan.

For interested blockbuyers and sponsors, please contact STAGES at (02)818-1111.


Posted by Gian Carlo Vizcarra for Mykiru Isyusero

Sam Concepcion and Coleen Garcia: Pool Hotties!

Sam Concepcion and Coleen Garcia were caught so sweet together, sharing an intimate moment by the pool.

The two sizzled in the sun as they shot a scene as Marc Pedroza and Monique Castillejo for ABS-CBN's teen-oriented program "Good Vibes".

Sam was shirtless while Coleen was wearing a 2-piece swimwear, and as seen on these pictures, the two apparently enjoyed shooting their moment together.

They're looking so good together, aren't they?

Coleen Garcia is also most familiar to viewers as Matina in the Nestea TVC Series with Neil Coleta as Nicos.

Photos courtesy of Make Up ala DRAMA QUEEN (Eman De Leon, Manila, Philippines) Facebook Page, also shared on Facebook by Sam Concepcion, posted on Twitter by Coleen Garcia

Albie Casiño OUT of Kathryn-Julia movie?

Albie Casiño is reportedly OUT of the new Star Cinema movie which stars Mara Clara's Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes.But according to Star Cinema, Albie Casiño, who's well-loved by the viewers as Christian on Mara Clara, will still be Kathryn's leading man in the new movie, as reported tonight on TV Patrol amidst rumors that Albie has been removed from the cast already.

Reportedly, Albie Casiño was removed from the cast because of his recent controversy with ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann who Albie described on Formspring as a cheater. (Read: "Andi is a cheater - Albie Casiño via Formspring")

KathBie (Kathryn-Albie) fans will be the "unhappiest" to hear if it's true, but thanks, it's not true at all.

It would be a bad idea to remove Albie from the movie. His loveteam with Kathryn also contributed to why Mara Clara became a top-rating soap on primetime TV and definitely it will continue in the movies.

The said movie, which is directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng replacing Cathy Garcia-Molina, will be Albie's first movie.

AJ Perez, who died last month in a vehicular accident, was supposed to be Julia Montes' leading in the movie. He's fellow Gigger Boys member Sam Concepcion is reportedly taking over the role.

Sam Concepcion and Enrique Gil shirtless hot pictorial

Sam Concepcion and Enrique Gil, the rival Pedroza brothers on ABS-CBN's Good Vibes, agreed to do a shirtless pictorial together.

And it was not a plain shirtless photo shoot, coz Sam and Enrique were kinda daring as they showed a bit of their undies. It's like they're telling you, "It's all yours baby!"

Look!

Love it!

Were you prepared for that?


Photos courtesy of Gian Carlo Vizcarra and Tim Medrano for STAGES

Sam Concepcion as Peter Pan - First Look!

Sam Concepcion is all set and ready to fly for the STAGES and Repertory Philippines' production of "Peter Pan" on September 29 - October 30, 2011 at the Meralco Theater.

First Look: Sam Concepcion as Peter Pan

The Philippine staging of "Peter Pan" will serve as Sam Concepcion's big comeback in the musical theater after headlining the successful run of High School Musical, where he played the lead role of Troy Bolton, in 2007.

“I am excited to perform in a musical once again. After all, it has been around three years,” ecstatically shared Sam. “I am looking forward to all the flying scenes and performing all the wonderful songs from the musical.”

Peter Pan, the spectacular musical by Stiles and Drewe and the late Willis Hall, relives Sir James Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who never grew up.

Sam adds that this production, to be directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jaime Del Mundo, will not just be an enjoyable experience, but also an inspiring one.

Peter Pan also marks a milestone because it is the first time that STAGES and Repertory Philippines is co-producing a show.

For interested blockbuyers and sponsors, please contact STAGES at (02) 818-1111 loc. 225.


Posted by Gian Carlo Vizcarra

AJ Perez in 'Cinco' | Rico Yan remembered in AJ 's death

AJ Perez made a total of 10 movies, most of which were box-office hits starring the country's biggest stars.

He was part of Judy Ann Santos-Ryan Agoncillo starrers "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" and its sequel "Sakal, Sakal, Saklolo", worked with the MegaStar Sharon Cuneta and the Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas in "BFF (Best Friends Forever), then starred in "Bahay Kubo" with Maricel Soriano and again with Ai-Ai, Toni Gonzaga, Sam Milby and ex-President Joseph Estrada in "Ang Tanging Pamilya".

In 2010, AJ did 3 movies: "Babe I Love You", "Cinco" and "Mamarazzi".

And probably, the 5-episode movie "Cinco" was his most memorable film, where he played a lead role in BRASO episode, as new fraternity recruits along with Sam Concepcion and Robi Domingo.

Here's a short clip from the movie:

It's kinda saddening that AJ had to die this early. He had a bright future in showbiz. On Star Magic 2011 Catalogue, they described AJ as the one who is next line.

True enough, coz he was already being groomed by ASB-CBN as its next big star, when he played leading man to Jessy Mendiola in "Sabel" and more projects were line up for him.

We will surely miss you AJ.

***

Meanwhile, a lot of people took notice of the many similarities between AJ Perez and Rico Yan, who died in 2002, or how AJ's death reminds us of Rico Yan especially when that picture, which was posted long ago by AJ himself in his Facebook profile, circulated hours after he died.

First, they were both Kapamilya actors.

Secondly, they both endorsed Molecules shirts.

Third, they both died in Holy Week. Rico died on Good Friday, while AJ died on Palm Sunday.

Fourth, They were both asleep when they died.

Fifth, AJ and Rico were both LaSallista.

Sixth, AJ's wake is being held at La Salle Greenhills, where Rico Yan's wake was also held.

Seventh, AJ will also be buried at Manila Memorial Park where Rico was also buried.

I just wanna add some more. Both AJ and Rico were well-bred. Or should I mention that they're both cute and charming?

Rico Yan was also DepEd's Youth Spokesperson while AJ was supposed to be chosen as DepEd spokesperson, as revealed on Twitter by Ogie Diaz. "Dapat pala, si AJ Perez ay gagawing spokesperson ng DepEd at siya ring choice ng Star Magic for DepEd", he said.

These pics also bring some creepy feeling to me. Same poses!

Video courtesy of Star Cinema, Uploaded on Youtube by bubblyMD / Photos courtesy of FashionPulis.com, allstarspics.net, fan-pix.net, asianpopcorn.com

Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion topbill 'Good Vibes'

Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion are both Stages and Star Magic Talents who are set to lead a cast of teens in ABS-CBN's newest teen drama GOOD VIBES.

While Enrique Gil strides between sets also for 'Mula sa Puso', this marks Sam Concepcion's first coming of age teen drama.

Catch these two teen stars when Good Vibes premieres this Sunday afternoon, April 3,2011, right after ASAP Rocks.


Posted by Carlo Orosa for Mykiru Isyusero

Bret Jackson's "All I Need Is Love" chosen as theme song of Good Vibes

Bret Jackson sings the theme song of 'Good Vibes', the upcoming teen-oriented drama on ABS-CBN.

Entitled 'All I Need Is Love', the song is actually Bret's debut single released last year and was once the most downloaded sing on Star Record's downloading site.

Watch video:

Good Vibes is all set to air this April on ABS-CBN's weekend afternoon block.

It stars Sam Concepcion, Enrique Gil, Arron Villaflor, Chikara Nawa, Heidi Riego, Coleen Garcia and PBB Teens James Reid, Devon Seron, Yen Santos, Kazel Kinouchi and Ivan Dorschner.


Video upload courtesy of nicobunso

Poll Results: Hottest Hunks for February 2011

'Alakdana' star and Bench model Paulo Avelino has topped our Hottest Hunks Poll for February 2011, beating the likes of James Younghusband and Neil Etheridge of the Azkals, cager Simon Atkins and our 2007 Hottest Hunk Will Devaughn.

Voters probably loved Paulo's hot photos for Bench. Who wouldn't love those pics?

This Kapuso star is definitely getting hotter and hotter.

Here's the Top 10 Hottest Hunks for February 2011, based on your votes:

1. Paulo Avelino 9.37%
2. James Younghusband 8.35%
2. Sam Concepcion 8.35%
4. Rocco Nacino 8.18%
5. JM De Guzman 7.33%
6. Simon Atkins 6.98%
7. Erwan Heussaff 6.30%
8. Piero Vergara 5.62%
9. Will Devaughn 5.45%
10. Neil Etheridge 5.11%

All these 10 hunks now qualify for our 2011 Hottest Hunks Poll this October joining other monthly qualifiers.

So far, we now have 30 hunks who already qualified for the annual poll.

'Good Vibes' premieres this April | Meet the cast...

'Good Vibes' is sure to air this April on ABS-CBN. Are you excited?

This teen-oriented dance drama has been in-production since 3rd quarter of 2010 and finally, it's airing next month.

PBB Teen Clash of 2010 3rd Big Winner Fretzie Bercede was initially casted for 'Good Vibes' and even did pictorial for the show, but she
backed out and was replaced by Kazel Kinouchi, also from PBB Teens.

Meet the main cast of Good Vibes aka the Good Vibes crew and be familiarized with their names in the show:

(From L-R): Chikara Nawa as Wowie Ogiya, Sam Concepcion as Marc Pedroza,
Ivan Dorschner as Gabriel 'Gab' Weiss, Enrique Gil as Troy Cabrera
(back), Arron Villaflor as Franco Mendoza and James Reid as Spencer Ziff


(From L-R): Yen Santos as Arah Gonzales, Heidi Riego as Jamie, Devon Seron as Maribeth Tamayo, Linn Oeymo as Geleen Weiss, Coleen Ortega as Monique Castillejo and Kazel Kinouchi as Lea.

Good Vibes is directed by Nico Hernandez and Theodore Boborol.

Photos courtesy of Star Studia via Direk Theodore on Twitter

Taylor Swift hugs Sam Concepcion backstage at concert

Taylor Swift made Sam Concepcion the luckiest man on earth last Saturday night at her "Speak Now" concert in Araneta Coliseum.

Aside from doing the front-act for Taylor Swift, Sam also got a sweet hug from the beautiful country singer.

As seen in the photo, Sam Concepcion probably thought Taylor's gonna kiss him 'coz he's already closing his eyes. But a great hug from her definitely felt better than a kiss.

According to Sam's manager Carlo Orosa, Taylor congratulated Sam for an awesome performance. "Sam you were awesome, great... thank you!", she said.

Sam was at his happiest mood ever since then. "I totally did
not expect for her to hug me, she seemed excited and so I got very excited too," he said.

Here's a video of Sam singing "Firework" at Taylor Swift's concert:


The Grammy-winning and top-selling country singer on her part definitely enjoyed her tour here in Manila. After her sold-out concert, she posted this on Twitter telling her followers how the Filipino fans made her smile:

Photo courtesy of Carlo Orosa / Video courtesy of tweetyandfriends

Sam Concepcion is havin' a great 2011 | Sam in Jollibee TVC, will join Taylor Swift's Asian Tour, topbills "Good Vibes", what else is next?

Sam Concepcion is kicking off the year 2011 so right with lots of good things coming his way.

First off, last January, Sam Concepcion's major commercial ad has started airing on TV where Sam leads the so-called "Yumbassadors". The said TVC of Sam is for the fast-food brand
Jollibee and is themed ""I am Pinoy, I am Young, I Yum" promoting Filipino values, the youth spirit and of course the Jollibee Yum-burger.

And secondly, just this month, Sam was personally chosen by Taylor Swift to open her Manila "Speak Now" concert this February 19.

The international top-selling American country singer has actually picked Sam to do front act for her whole Asian tour, not only in the Philippines, but also in Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

It's indeed a big achievement for Sam and definitely makes us all proud.

Sam is still regularly hosting and performing for 2 shows (Shoutout,
ASAP Rocks) and as an actor, he's leading the cast of "Good Vibes" (a dance-oriented show for teens on ABS-CBN), being part of "Mara Clara" Book 2 and his return on the stage as "Peterpan" this September.

Truly, a wonderful year has just started for Sam and there's more to come. Thumbs up for you Sam!

Ooops! I forgot to include his MMK episode just a while ago where Sam
was paired with the Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga.

Did you watch? Though his scenes were just brief, but I was impressed with his scene where he confessed his true feelings for Toni. Sam was great there.

He can very well play as a leading man already. He delivered! And with that, two-thumbs up for you Sam!

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN

Celebs attend grand launch of Inside Showbiz Magazine

Last night, January 20, 2011, was the grand launch of Inside Showbiz
magazine at the new KYSS Restaurant and Lounge Bar in Makati City.

This blog, Mykiru Isyusero, was invited to attend the launch, where a good number of celebrities showed up including Sen. Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, Jr. and Hayden Kho, Jr.

Yeah, Sen. Bong and Hayden were both there, but the latter came so late. (The two had a word war on TV late 2010 still in connection with
the 2009 video scandal.)

Check out EXCLUSIVE pics of some celebs who graced the launch:

Hayden Kho Jr


Sen. Bong Revilla and wife, Cong. Lani Mercado


Christian Bautista


Miriam Quiambao


Sam Concepcion


Sarah Lahbati and Steven Silva


Albert Martinez

Not in pictures but also in attendance were Annabelle Rama, Lance Raymundo, Bodie and Janine Cruz, Enzo Pineda, Joey Mead, Arnee Hidalgo, former Akbayan rep Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel and more.

Formerly S Magazine, Inside Showbiz is an entertainment publication of Mega Publishing Group.

Its maiden issue is currently out in newsstands with the handsome Richard Gutierrez on the cover.

Special thanks to Jory Rivera for the photos

"Shoutout" loveteam? Sam Concepcion & Ivan Dorschner, so sweet and tight!

Teen cutie Sam Concepcion spotted giving another cutie Ivan Dorschner an extra sweet and tight hug. And obviously Ivan liked it!

It reminds me of a scene from "Titanic" and "Brokeback Mountain".
Sobrang cheesy!

Is SamVan the next loveteam to rival TriVan, BretZie, JamLi or JaeVon? Pwede!

But seriously...

The photo was taken during their pictorial for "Shoutout" early this week.

Sam is one of Shoutout's daily hosts while Ivan will be part of the
Friends-Thurs group.

Catch Sam and Ivan on "Shoutout" every weekday afternoon, starting Monday, November 29, right after Down With Love.

Photo courtesy of Sam Concepcion

Sam Concepcion stars in his first indie film "Pinoy Scout"

Teen star Sam Concepcion topbills an indie film about the boys scout
in the Philippines.

Entitled "Pinoy Scout", the movie is directed by Neal 'Buboy' Tan and marks Sam's entry to indie cinema.

Also in the film are Ms. Boots Anson-Roa, Abby Cruz, Marco Mañalac (also his first), JP Mesde, Gino Ilustre, Poly Sanchez and "real"
scouts Eugene Lester Lin, Oliver John Christian Liu, Hanns Christian Chua, Ashcan Gyllen Gallos, Neil Caronan, Niko Sanchez Lok, Clyde Augene Ang and Julius Czar Advincula.

Watch official trailer:

Photo and video courtesy of Rocky Ko

Sam Concepcion is Peter Pan

Now 18-year-old Sam Concepcion is set to play the lovable Peter Pan in 2011.

I remember back in 2008, there was this petition thread at
PinoyEXchange.com wanting Sam to portray Peter Pan if ever there would be
a Philippine TV remake, which obviously didn't happen.

But in 2011, it will definitely happen. Sam will be Peter Pan, not on TV though, but on stage. Okay na rin di ba?

Repertory Philippines and Stages Productions, who gave us "Equus" last July, will be staging Peter Pan and is already slated to happen in September 2011.

"Peter Pan" will mark Sam's comeback as a theater actor/performer. The
last time he's part of a stage production was in 2009 for Trumpets' N.O.A.H.

Sam, who actually grew up on stage, was already part of a local staging of "Peter Pan" at the age of 11 in 2004 but he was not Peter Pan there.

Sam Concepcion turns 18!

It's October 17 today and it's the 18th birthday of teen heartthrob Sam Concepcion.

That just means, Sam has been charming us for 5 years already because he was 13 when he joined and won Little Big Sar on ABS-CBN.

It was there that I first admired and adored Sam, and become his fan until now that he's already 18.

And you know what? The first ever mall show that I went to was a show of Sam Concepcion and Christian Bautista at the EDSA Shangri-la Plaza back in 2006.

Probably some of you have noticed that Sam has been in this blog's chatbox
background above since July. It was actually my own way of doing a countdown for his 18th birthday. And thanks to the Samsters who
appreciated it!

Here are three of those background pictures: (credits to Sam's FB)

Happy Birthday Sam! I'm wishing you all the best, the happiness and
the success that you deserve!