Sam Milby: The Rockoustic Heartthrob
Updated: 10/29/2008
Views: 421693
Actor-singer Sam Milby
finally realized his dream by staging a solo concert last October 25 at the
Aliw Theater in Pasay City. The concert titled The Rockoustic Heartthrob showcased Sam's virtuosity as he
delivered pop, rock and even ballads. Joining Sam for the
special event were Yeng Constantino, Pokwang, John Prats, Toni Gonzaga and
Piolo Pascual.

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Samuel
Lloyd Lacia Milby, better known as Sam Milby, was born in Troy, Ohio, on
May 23, 1984. Unlike other Fil-Ams, Sam did not grow up in the company of many
Pinoys owing to his family's location in the States. But he did visit
the Philippines a couple of times in the past.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam's
a big fan of rock music, thus it's his preferred genre when it comes
to his singing career. During the concert, Sam dished out most of his favorite "alternative"
tunes dating back to his much younger years while living abroad.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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March
2005 marked Sam's most significant return visit to Manila. This time, the shy Fil-Am was determined to pursue his luck in modeling
and show business. He stayed with a relative in Bulacan to save on rental while shuttling back and forth to Manila to heed audition calls.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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"You
guys have no idea what a dream come true it was," Sam said, pertaining to his successful
three-year showbiz career. "Before PBB
[Pinoy Big Brother] I only wanted to
be a singer and, given a chance, have an album... it's really a dream come true."
To date, Sam has issued two albums under Star Records: Sam Milby (2006) and A Little
Too Perfect (2007).
Photography: Noel Orsal
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ABS-CBN
primetime program Pinoy Big Brother
turned out to be Sam's ticket to fame. He was not part of the original 12 contestants
but an emergency forced one of the housemates to leave the show. Sam auditioned for the vacated slot and was chosen over other aspirants.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
often admitted that he is naturally shy. His reserved demeanor was
evident when he joined PBB, prompting his co-housemates to label him a
snub. Days before the concert, Sam confessed that he was feeling nervous: "Mahirap
kasi first time ko ito and I'm the shy type," he told ABS-CBN News. "I'm a
stage-fright person, pero I hope to overcome my fear and have fun. May pressure
din kasi first solo concert, dapat maganda yung first."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Singing
a familiar tune, Sam plucked and strummed "Close To You." The romantic ditty was first used in a toothpaste ad where Sam
appeared with singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis. The same song
was used by Star Cinema as the title of a romantic movie top-billed by John
Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. Close to You (2006) was also Sam's
first commercial film a year after joining PBB.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam performed some of the
songs he enjoyed listening to in his younger years as a die-hard music fan, and even up to now, like the
Beach Boys' popular relaxing 1988 hit, "Kokomo."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
publicly announced that he's a big fan of Pinoy
Dream Academy winner Yeng Constantino. Just like Sam, Yeng's foray into
showbiz was made possible by a reality show program. And like the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate, Yeng also composes songs, aside from singing professionally.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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During
his PBB stint, Sam brandished the songsmith in him when he auditioned an
original composition. With the help of fellow housemate
Say Alonzo, Sam was able to complete the song "Magmahal Muli" and play it in full.
Since Say couldn't join him onstage that evening, Yeng Constantino pitched in to
perform the song with Sam.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
and Yeng performed a rock version of the John Denver hit composition, "Leaving On
A Jet Plane."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Comedienne
Pokwang kept the entire Aliw Theater in stitches from the moment she
emerged after Sam and Yeng's number. Pokwang told a tale about how Sam frequently tried to win her heart through a series of dates that ended
comically.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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"Ako
naman talaga ang niligawan niyan ni Samuel, e," Pokwang claimed jokingly. "Pinagbigyan ko lang yan sila Toni [Gonzaga] at Anne [Curtis]."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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When
Sam came from behind to snuggle Pokwang, the comedienne naughtily pleaded, "Ano
ba ‘yan Samuel? Huwag naman dito, nakakahiya naman sa kanila."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Pokwang never let up in her flirting
game, to the delight of all the people inside the venue, before doing an Aegis number.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Pokwang
and Sam took turns in singing the power jukebox ballad "Halik" popularized by
Aegis. To Pokwang's credit, she proved that she could deliver the high notes
with ease and without losing her comic flair.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Pokwang
just wouldn't allow herself to exit without fanfare. Before doing the
number, the crowd chanted "Kiss, kiss, kiss...!" Pokwang turned to Sam and playfully said, "Uy, hindi na ako ‘yong nag-ano
niyan ha, sila na ‘yan."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Aside
from hosting and acting, Toni Gonzaga is also a good singer. With Sam listening
intently, Toni performed her hit tune, "We Belong," taken from her album Falling in Love.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
and Toni took turns in singing telenovela theme songs like "Only You," "Maging
Sino Ka Man," "Crazy For You," "Catch Me I'm Falling," and "You Are The One,"
among others.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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When
Sam endearingly praised Toni's outfit that evening, the bubbly host replied, "E, baka naman kasi isipin mo hindi ko pinaghahandaan ‘tong concert mo."
Toni said she intentionally chose a gown that would show off her nice legs. But when she caught Sam looking at her shapely limbs, she teased, "Baka mahumaling ka na naman diyan."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Toni
and Sam appeared together in the movies You
Are The One (2006), You Got Me (2007), and My Big Love (2008). Toni said that when she reported for the
shooting of her current movie with comedian Vhong Navarro titled My Only You, "Nanibago ako."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Complementing the concert's rock theme, John Prats led some of ABS-CBN young
stars for an energetic dance number. In this photo with John are Gerald
Anderson (left) and Enchong Dee (right).
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Putting
a rock twist on some well-known love ballads, Sam rendered Lionel
Richie's "Hello," Boyz 2 Men's "End of the Road" and "Where Do Broken Hearts
Go."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
paid tribute to the songs popularized by some of the American Idol finalists.
Some of these songs were Elliott Yamin's "Wait For You," Kelly Clarkson's "Because
of You" and David Cook's cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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For
the final American Idol song tribute,
Sam was joined by Anne Curtis in singing "Always Be My Baby." The song was
first popularized by Mariah Carey albeit delivered in her distinct pop-R&B
style. American Idol Season 7 winner
David Cook adopted the song and arranged it in a much slower tempo which made
the lyrics stand out and sound more heartfelt. Sam and Anne performed Cook's
version.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Contrary
to rumors that they're an item, Sam and Anne had repeatedly stressed that they're only
friends, though admitting that they go out on dates. A few weeks before the
concert, Sam mentioned that he and Anne no longer go out and that they're concentrating on their respective busy careers.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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For
her message, Anne told Sam: "Congratulations and I'm very, very happy for you.
I'm very, very, very proud of you... I wish you all the best."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Overwhelmed
by the attention she received from the concert boy and the audience, Anne said "Concert
mo ‘to!" when Sam handed her a bouquet.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam's
last guest for the evening was matinee idol superstar Piolo Pascual. Not one to
miss the special occasion, Piolo had to squeeze the concert into his hectic schedule.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Taking
center stage, Piolo performed Edwin McCain's haunting love ballad, "I'll Be."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
commended Piolo for maintaining a down-to-earth attitude despite his
achievements in the entertainment industry. The two then went on to perform
Kamikazee's "Narda."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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It
can be recalled that Sam and Piolo sued entertainment columnist Lolit Solis for libel last year. Both actors accused Lolit of maligning
their reputation in her column. The case was settled after Lolit issued a public retraction. Also present that evening was Sam and Piolo's lawyer, Atty. Joji Alonzo.
Photography: Noel Orsal
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Sam
did a medley of the following songs to cap his first solo concert: Seal's "Kiss
From A Rose," Mr. Big's "To Be With You," Jon Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You,"
Meatloaf's "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)." Sam returned immediately
to render an encore, a speed up version of Vanessa Williams' "Save The Best For
Last."
Photography: Noel Orsal
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