American Idol alumnus David Archuleta looked very happy when he faced local media yesterday, January 13, at the Garden Ballroom of Shangri-La Plaza Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

David, 21, barely had any sleep since he left the United States and arrived in the Philippines early that morning, sleepy but alert. He answered questions from the press with humor and laughter.

This is his fourth visit to the Philippines.

After he placed second in the seventh season of American Idol in 2007, David visited the country three times for concerts and to promote his albums.

His frequent visits has led David to believe that the country's current slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines," is true.

"I could safely say that I always have a blast when I come [here], so [for me], it's always fun when I come to the Philippines,"
he told the entertainment press including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

David added that he always looks forward to meeting Filipinos who are very warm.

"For me, the number one thing about any place is the people. That's what interests me, and what I remember most anywhere I go.

"Especially here, I feel comfortable here. The people are very friendly and they're very supportive."

TV5 MINI-SERIES. David's primary purpose in visiting the Philippines this time around is to fulfill a new obligation with TV5.

He has signed a contract to join the cast of an upcoming mini-series.

Although he declined to say how much he was offered, he admitted that he agreed to do the project because he loves his Filipino fans.

"Even though I may not be a [professional] actor, I thought this would be a really great new experience to try.

"Especially in the Philippines because I feel very comfortable with the people and I feel the fans here are very warm," he explained.

David's mini-series is titled Nandito Ako. He will play an international singer born in the Philippines.