BWW Interviews: Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos Talk I DO BIDOO BIDOO, Secret Behind their Screen Chemistry & More!

By Precious Lee Cundangan

Manila, Philippines, September 4, 2012 - Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos, young thespians and mainstream entertainment stars, are relative newbies compared to their more experienced co-stars in the new movie musical "I Do Bidoo Bidoo." However, Sam and Tippy's previous musical theater experience, extremely high level of professionalism, and unquestionable talent enable them to hold their own against the pressure from playing the lead roles in the film, which features the immortal songs of the APO Hiking Society, and now plays in cineplexes across the Philippines.

"I was ecstatic about the movie," Tippy shares with BroadwayWorld. "I grew up with the songs of the APO Hiking Society because my mom used to sing their songs, and my dad knew the songs. The APO songs are really famous. Most of them are love songs, and are really romantic - plus they have depth.  Also, I was very much excited about the movie because I wouldn't just be singing the songs, but I would also be performing them on the big screen. It was such a real pleasure working with the film's cast.  I've simply no words to describe the closeness of everybody during the making of this movie."

Sam shares the same thoughts, "When I found out that they were doing a movie using the songs of the APO Hiking Society, I immediately auditioned. When I got the part, I was both overwhelmed and excited with this project. I grew up in a musically-inclined family that sang a lot of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), and I grew up listening to APO songs."

"I've never done anything like this before that I so wanted to do this. I wanted to start immediately. Filming a musical had involved a different process. Sometimes there were complications, but these became challenges and all the more pushed me further with my artistry," he adds.

Sam reveals that the cast painstakingly read through the script, record the music first, rehearse for the dance scenes - and that each aspect of the movie is done with equal amount of time and attention. The film's writer and director, Chris Martinez, meticulously guides the actors into getting into their respective characters.

Making a leap from stage to screen acting is not difficult at all for Sam and Tippy because both have been doing television work as well. Sam currently appears on ABS CBN's afternoon soap "Angelito"; and Tippy dabbles in various television commercials and programs.

Last seen on stage in Repertory Philippines and Stages' production of "Peter Pan," Sam and Tippy's chemistry on stage and screen is definitely evident.

"The chemistry comes from knowing each other for a long time. It has been acquired through the years of working together with Tippy. Playing opposite her wasn't hard, and I enjoyed it," Sam admits. 

"Sam and I are very alike. There are times that we say the same things at the same time," Tippy adds.

Both also share with BroadwayWorld that the APO songs "Panalangin" and "Do Bidoo" best befit their musical journey on screen.

"'Panalangin' would best describe my experience here. I had such an amazing time with all these wonderful people. I pray that we could still be together, and spend more time with each other," says Tippy.

Sam reveals, "For me, it's the title song, 'Do Bidoo.' It's a fun song, and it sums up my experience doing this movie - fun and very positive."

As of this writing, Sam and Tippy's new movie has been drawing crowds and graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Big congratulations, Sam and Tippy!

Photos by Jeffrey Aguiman

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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