The one sure thing about Sam

He refuses to admit it. But all the signs are there – the autograph seekers, the screaming fans, the swarm of reporters, who knows – even a stalker.

Stardom is a-knocking, or has arrived at Sam Milby’s very doorsteps. But he acts as if he’s dealing with a total stranger.

"Oh no, I don’t feel like I’m already a star. But John Lloyd (Cruz) and Bea (Alonzo, his co-stars in Close To You) are. They’ve made their mark," says the former PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) housemate in all humility.

Be that as it may, Sam’s rise to popularity is nothing short of amazing, given the short time that has lapsed between his appearance in the recently-concluded reality TV show and the present. He has released a self-titled debut album under Star Records which includes Magmahal Muli, a song Sam himself penned inside the Big Brother house. Sam has endorsed a number of products, and his face has become familiar to televiewers who regularly see him on A.S.A.P. (he has his own segment) and ABS-CBN sitcoms. He is in demand for corporate shows.

He has, what he himself describes, a "killer schedule." Yet, he still manages to flash that equally-killer smile through it all.

The 22-year-old Fil-Am is enjoying himself to the hilt, and it shows.

Never mind if his Filipino needs uh, some improvement, which he plans to work on soon by getting a coach who will teach him the ropes of his mother’s native tongue for the next five to six months.

Sam has grown into his new career so much he is bent on staying in the country for a long time, and just spends two to three weeks a year in the US to visit his family there.

"I will miss them," he admits. But this rare chance to make a name for himself is too good to pass up. He sees it as his golden opportunity to "prove myself worthy of everything."

Another sure sign of stardom is the barrage of intrigues. While he admits he wants to take Toni Gonzaga out this coming Valentine’s Day, Sam says they’re still just good friends, period. Thus, he has shelved a candlelight dinner with her for something more casual, less intimate, just right for a casual, friendly date.

"I’m unfamiliar with the Filipino style of courtship," he reasons out. But this is not to say he’s a greenhorn when it comes to winning a girl over.

Yes, he had an American girlfriend back in the US (he did not meet a Filipina there). But they broke up after four years. That makes him fancy-free and perfect fodder for anyone who wants to play Cupid for him.

The guy – thank goodness – would like to take his time, though. After all, his career is coming up roses, and it would be foolish to get distracted by romance, as yet.

Born and raised in the US though he may be, Sam admits feeling shy when face to face with Toni, but not to the point of getting intimidated and backing out. In fact, he feels so ease with her and freer to express what’s on his mind with Toni, more than any other girl.

Sam will have a lot of time to conquer his shyness as he’s set to work on a couple of more projects for ABS. One of them is a drama series featuring fellow PBB housemates. Then, there’s the inevitable promo schedule for Close To You, which opens Feb. 15 in theaters.

This is just the beginning. No wonder Sam is bent on returning to his roots and learning the culture his Surigao-born mother knows so well.