The guy from Down Under is up and about

MANILA, Philippines - What becomes of those talents who make it in a reality show?

Some of them attain fame and success venturing into other fields also related to show business.

Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) graduates Jason Gainza and Melai Cantiveros are now comedians regularly seen in Banana Nites. Further, Jason has expanded his comic skills cloning Boy Abunda while Melai sidelines as comic reliever in KrisRealiTV.

Slater Young, an engineer from  Cebu and grand winner of PBB, has yet to find his niche in showbiz. His then motive was to become an actor. Unfortunately, occasional guestings lessen the chances of reaching his goal.

Then there’s James Reid who was first introduced in the Teen Edition of Pinoy Big Brother in 2010. Fans of the 19-year-old Fil-Aussie would be glad to know that he has branched out into music. Viva Records is packaging James as the new singing heartthrob.

Veronique, daughter of Viva Boss Vic del Rosario and head of Viva Talent Agency, observes:  “James has the looks, the drive and the determination to make it big in tin pan alley. More importantly, he is a gifted singer.”

His self-titled CD showcases a couple of originals and a pair of covers, one of which is James’ version of the popular Michael Jackson tune Rock With You.

 In real life, James is an avid listener of R&B and a big fan of music.Among his idols are R&B artist Mario and Chris Brown. He also has a soft spot for pop-rock and alternative rock as evidenced by his inclination to include  Maroon 5 songs and The Script’s The Man Can’t Be Moved in his repertoire whenever he performs live.

Count on James to get his music across with Alam Nya Ba, a newly-penned original.

The carrier cut is about a heartbroken guy. He loves the girl so much that even though it hurts, he wishes  the girl well and hopes that the next guy she loves will treat her well.

“It is not based on my own personal account but from a buddy back Down Under,” James clarifies.

Why choose music over acting?

“Music gives me more flexibility in expressing myself artistically. However, should an acting offer come along, I don’t mind giving it a try,” he said.

A music video for Alam Ba Nya has been completed and will be played in music channels prior to the album launch.

You Make My Body Move, Gone, Loving Arms and his own composition Game Changer make the CD worth listening to.