Sam Milby was one of the guests who took part in the opening ceremony of the 6^th Cinema One Originals filmfest that took place last night, November 10, at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong City.

The matinee idol is the lead star of the indie film Third World Happy, which is scheduled to have its premiere gala tonight, November 11, also at Shangri-La Mall.

In the film, Sam is cast as a painter named Wesley who has yet to move on from the death of his parents. 

He says of this film, "Third World Happy is all conversational and it's about dealing with your past and following your dreams.

"Very touched nga ako kasi sabi ng writer-director [EJ Salcedo] na habang sinusulat niya ang movie na ito, ako lang ang naiisip niya for the role."

This is Sam's second indie film after starring in the action-suspense Cul De Sac (2008).

Aside from Third World Happy and Ishmael, the other finalists of the Cinema One Originals filmfest are Tsardyer, Dagim, Astro Mayabang, Layang Bilanggo, and Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria.

These films are currently being shown at Shangri-La Mall until November 16. (CLICK HERE to view screening schedule.)

Other celebrities who graced the event last night were Ishmael stars Mark Gil, Ronnie Lazaro, Pen Medina, and newcomer Ria Garcia; John "Sweet" Lapus and Arron Villaflor of Astro Mayabang; Martin del Rosario of the horror flick Dagim.

Mon Confiado of Tsardyer spoke in behalf of Direk Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez because he was still finishing the film, which is scheduled to have its premiere this Friday, November 12. 

After Cinema One Originals director for programming Ronald Arguelles gave the opening toast, guests then proceeded to the Premiere Theater to watch the gala screening of Ishmael.

Veteran actors Pen Medina and Joel Torre were also spotted at the premiere gala of the film Ishmael last night.

Even though Cherie Gil was not a cast member of any of Cinema One entry, she graced the occasion to support her brother Mark Gil.

Written and directed by Richard Somes, Ishmael is a gruesome action flick about a religious cult leader (played by Mark Gil) whose dominion over a town ends because of the killings perpetrated by ex-convict Ishmael (Ronnie Lazaro).


MOVIE WITH KC CONCEPCION. When asked about his upcoming projects, Sam revealed that he will be paired with Star Magic's newest addition: KC Concepcion.

"Kasama ko si KC, siguro starting January. It will be directed by Direk Cathy [Garcia-Molina]."


Did Sam think about courting KC in the past?

He admitted, "Wala naman but I had a crush on her before during [our days] in Church. We were in the same group and we became good friends. Pero walang romantic feelings."

ON GERALD ANDERSON AND BEA ALONZO. Sam was part of the recent concert-tour of Heartthrobs, which had London as its final stop.

This particular trip became controversial because PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) recently reported that Gerald Anderson and Bea Alonzo decided to end their relationship in London this past weekend (November 6-7). (CLICK HERE to read related article.)

When asked about the news during the opening ceremony, he answered, "Siyempre, it's none of my business naman. It's not my place to say anything."