MANILA, Philippines - It’s “pilot” season in the United States. It’s the time when the US TV networks prep for the new shows to air. Unlike our
teleseryes
, new shows are venues to showcase freshly discovered talent. Actors and actresses are eager to put their talents out there. Filipinos are not exempt and it’s none other than fellow Filipino, our
kababayan
, Sam Milby who’s in New York, grabbing every opportunity to be cast in one of 2012’s pilot TV shows.
We caught up with him between auditions to give you the latest update on his journey to making it big in Hollywood and how he keeps a balance between family, career and his personal life. Without a doubt, with a little help from family and technology, this man can hold it together.
How are you? How’s New York?
SAM MILBY: I’m really loving it here! This city has so much energy with so much diversity and I’m always meeting new people every day. My phonebook for the US is gaining entries. It’s a bit different, of course, with me living alone and doing everything myself but I’m really enjoying the experience especially because I’m learning a lot.
I’m sure there are lots of opportunities here in New York. What are your upcoming projects? How do you see your career progressing?
Well... I came here to pursue a career in New York. So far, it’s been good. I’ve been getting a lot of good feedback. I’ve also been doing a lot of networking since it’s my first year. But I’m thankful for the support back home. I get to talk (via mobile) to my network family and I’m encouraged because I’m secure that despite this move, my career will continue to progress in the Philippines. We’re already planning a teleserye and a movie later this year.
Who do you want to partner up with in your next project? Who’s your next leading lady?
There are a lot of talented actresses in the Philippines! I’m just privileged to be part of the industry. For my next projects... well, from what I’ve been hearing, my next planned project will be with Judy Ann Santos.
Can you describe your typical day? What activities do you usually do during the weekday? Weekend?
Iba-iba lagi. Hey, I’m in a city that never sleeps! And you can check my phone log to prove it. (Laughs) The month of February was mainly for auditions, which is the main part of pilot season. This month has been more on meetings... networking. Last weekend I went to watch Supercross with my mom and dad in Indianapolis, Indiana, which was great. Also, I was a part of the concert tour ni Angeline Quinto last month. By the end of the month, I’ll be joining other fellow Star Magic artists in another tour.
So, given you’re busy schedule, how do you manage to stay in touch with everyone here and in the US?
Communication’s a lot easier nowadays. My Galaxy Y Duos makes the whole world smaller. It’s so convenient because of its Hybrid Dual On feature which enables me to use two SIMs at the same time — one for communicating with my family and friends back in the Philippines and one for work here in New York. I can even call and text on one SIM while surfing or using some of my favorite Android applications like Voxer (which is like a walkie-talkie), Path, Facebook, and of course, Twitter... and now also using Google Voice which allows me to call the Philippines for a lot cheaper. My Galaxy Y Duos really makes communication easier and hassle-free.
Do you see yourself staying here in New York for a while? Do you find any difficulty adapting to life there?
I can definitely see myself staying here. Such an amazing city; and like the song says, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I didn’t have much trouble adapting because I grew up here in the States. And it’s so much easier now to learn about the place since everything’s on the net and even more with all these cool apps available.
Like what?
I ride the subway every day so the app Subway Maps is a big help! There’s also NYC Guide — where I can find great restos. I could show you my whole app collection but you might run out of space. No, but seriously, I would be having a much harder time getting around and buying things if it weren’t for my Galaxy Y Duos.
What are your future plans? When do you plan to visit the Philippines?
Believing and hoping that things will work out here but also still going back to do teleseryes and movies in the Philippines.
Who do you miss the most in the Philippines? Why?
Where do I begin? Even if I can easily communicate with everyone back home, it’s different when you’re together — as in together? There are so many people I miss but if I had to really say one person, I would probably say my production assistant Nene. Just for the fact that she’s been with me every day for the last six years. I don’t really look at her as my PA though at alam niya yun. She’s family now.
Do you miss your fans? Do you have a message for them?
Do I? Of course I miss my fans. I just hope they miss me, too! It’s a great feeling getting on Twitter and seeing that they are still there being very supportive with me chasing my dreams. I would just like to ask them keep praying. Also, not to worry, I’ll be doing a teleserye on ABS-CBN later this year. ‘Wag niyo lang po akong makalimutan.