Bigger, bolder year for Cornerstone Talents

MANILA, Philippines - Sam Milby made a bold move when he decided to put his Philippine showbiz career to a halt for a few months to pursue his dreams to penetrate Hollywood. Currently, the Rockoustic Heartthrob is busy auditioning to land his first major break in the world’s biggest entertainment industry.

“I am certain that this risk, no matter how big the consequences are, is something that is worth-taking. I think this is the perfect time for me to do it,” says the actor-singer, considered the flagship artist of Cornerstone Talent Management. “I am really thankful that my Kapamilya have prepared a slew of projects to welcome me in a few months. I am overly thankful that their confidence and love have never failed me.”

During his stay in the US, Sam graced Angeline Quinto’s dream tour as special guest in Anchorage, Reno and Juneau. He is also set to be part of Teleserye Bida US Tour.

Sam is slated to do a major series and a movie with some of the biggest Kapamilya stars starting this June.

Just like Sam, the rest of the Cornerstone Talents are also ready to take bigger risks this year, and they are ready to conquer bigger territories.

Big Band Crooner Richard Poon has started working on a string of career-defining projects — a brand-new album, another major concert in PICC and a Philippine tour this year with his band.

“Hopefully, I get to go around Asia,” Richard enthuses. “I am currently practicing my Chinese in preparation for that tour.”

Richard remains to be one of the country’s most sought-after artists for corporate shows. His albums under MCA Music are still gaining good sales and eyeing for record awards very soon.

Prince of Pop Erik Santos, on the other hand, is pursuing his dream of becoming a better performer. This new goal was set after his highly-successful PowERIKons series of sold-out shows at the Music Museum.

“I really want to be like Martin Nievera,” claims Erik, one of Kapamilya Network’s resident singers of teleserye theme songs. “I am willing to work hard on that goal.”

After the huge success of his first single under Star Records Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka, which stayed on the radio charts for over two months, Erik is very excited now with his sophomore single Bakit Mahal Pa Rin Kita.

Yeng Constantino, the 2012 MYX Music Awards Favorite Female Artists, is also working on a bolder, new sound and look for her next album, which marks her growth as a performer and songwriter.

After the success of Pag-Ibig, the song she wrote for her sold-out concert at the Music Museum last Feb. 3 titled Okay Lang Maging Single Sa Valentines and which zoomed to the top spot of the MYX charts, Yeng is set to release her new album mid-year under Star Records. Her Yeng Versions Live just hit the platinum record status.

Joyce Bernal is now busy as the director and producer of the much-awaited sequel of Spring Films’ Kimmy Dora. She is also slated to direct Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, the upcoming soap of Anne Curtis, Robin Padilla and Kris Aquino.

Direk Joyce is also looking forward for the pre-production meetings of the newest Toni Gonzaga-Vhong Navarro movie under Star Cinema.

International YouTube star Marie Digby is currently working on international projects, but will be back mid-year to pursue her career in the country. Marie released her first single in Manila Your Love with a second version, a duet with Sam. Star Records and MCA Music are up for the second wave of her album promo when she gets back. They are eyeing on releasing a remake of the Kuh Ledesma classic I Think I’m In Love as Marie’s sophomore single.

Newest 17-year-old OPM sweetheart Emmanuelle has just released her self-titled debut album under Universal Records, where she exhibits her songwriting prowess and sweet voice. Her very first single Happy, which she personally wrote when she was 14, is now enjoying favorable airplay.

Young, sexy balladeer Markki Stroem found his music niche in alternative jazz. Received warmly in his sold-out Music Museum concert Make Me Sweat with The G-Force, his song and music video Steal Your Soul proved how the audience is starting to embrace his sound and style. He is still part of ASAP Rocks’ Boys R Boys and slated to release his debut solo album this year under a major label.

He is part of the new Primetime Bida soap Wako Wako.

After their successful Asian tour, acoustic pop duo and YouTube sensations Krissy and Ericka impressed audiences with the carrier single of their sophomore album 12:51 under MCA Music. Their follow-up album is currently being sold in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

Another duo, real-life brothers The Lamars, after being trained by a few TV stints via Idol and numerous guestings is ASAP, is also being heard by followers through a self-titled album under MCA Music. Their debut single Kung Pwede Lang was written by Urbandub and they are now releasing their second single Love You More, which they wrote themselves.

Jaco Benin, who stars in a new coffee commercial, will be releasing his second single Salamin after his hit remake of Moonstar 88’s Torete.

Kimmy Dora’s Elena, Moi Bien’s busy schedule includes shoot for Kimmy Dora 2 and an upcoming film under Regal Films titled Ded Na Ded.

Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited housemates Slater Young and Carlo Romero are also part of the Cornerstone roster of talents.

“This year, Cornerstone Talents will tread bolder paths in their respective careers,” says Cornerstone Talents head Erickson Raymundo. “The landscape of the local entertainment industry is changing and we really hope our talents will be at the forefront of this revolution.”