MANILA, Philippines – “American Idol” Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta is thrilled to flex his acting muscles via his mini-series in local network TV5.
Prior to his arrival in the country on Jan. 12, the young singer-songwriter took acting lessons in California, apparently in preparation for the project.
“First I was kinda nervous… [because] it was kinda different and all, but then yesterday was a lot more fun, a lot more loose, and I felt a lot more relaxed,” he related in his video blog posted on YouTube, Jan. 11.
Archuleta, who had three Manila visits prior—the last of which was in July 2011 for a solo concert—added that he will stay in the country for a few weeks to shoot the series titled “Nandito Ako (I Am Here).”
“…this is a new experience for me, it’ll be for TV5. I’m excited! It’ll be really cool getting to go there, back to the Philippines! I’m so excited and… hopefully I’ll see some of you guys while I’m there… to the Filipinos,” he enthused.
As reported by TV5′s “Sapul Sa Singko,” the baby-faced Archuleta landed in Manila at around 6:00 a.m. Friday. Throngs of ecstatic fans, as well as his leading ladies Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Caballero, welcomed him at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Landed safely! Hellooo Manila!!! And thanks for the warm welcome!!” Archuleta tweeted.
The American singer—who’s had cameo appearances on US teen shows “Hannah Montana” and “iCarly”—signed his contract with the Kapatid network also on Friday, together with Kapatid top executives Ray Espinosa and Bobby Barreiro.
It was announced at the post-signing press conference that aside from acting in the series, Archuleta will also record the song “Nandito Ako,” which singer-composer Ogie Alcasid popularized.
Curtis-Smith and Caballero apparently couldn’t contain their excitement over working with Archuleta.
“I actually don’t know how to approach you, but a lot [of people] say mabait ka, you’re so nice…” said Caballero in a video clip posted by TV5 on YouTube, Jan. 12.
“This is just a dream come true, and I know this crush ain’t going away,” a blushing Curtis-Smith, meanwhile, said.
Archuleta will push through with his two-year Mormon mission, as he had earlier announced, after he finishes his other commitments.
“There’s always more things to do, and until then I still have a little bit of time before I do head out. I’m gonna be doing some recording, some other appearances, and the Filipino mini-series. I’ll keep you guys posted,” he said in his vLog.
Source: mb.com.ph