For 20 years old Xiam Lim, entering showbiz was beyond his wildest imagination. His goals when he decided to come back to the Philippines a year ago were simple – attend college and play basketball!

He was able to do both as he enrolled at the University of the East under a Management course while he was training with the basketball varsity team. Standing at 6’2” and with good looks and having an athletic body, he also became a model on the side. What he didn’t expect was becoming an actor.

“At first, it was a shock for me because out of nowhere I was offered this opportunity. Then they gave me workshops. Sobrang saya ko and I have to take it seriously in the industry,” said Xiam proudly.

“Gusto ko lang po sabihin na napakasaya ko po na nandito ako given the opportunity. Masayang-masaya ako dahil maraming artista diyan at kami ang nabigyan ng opportunity.”

According to him, his modeling stint paved the way for Star Magic to notice him. He was invited to meet with Star Magic’s big boss Mr. Johnny Manahan and the rest was history. He became Star Magic’s newest heartthrob and is deemed to have high potential.

He was first seen in “Your Song: My Only Hope” with Nina Jose. And soon fans would see him in “Katorse” which he considers his biggest break to date. He would be paired with Erich Gonzales, EJ Falcon and Enchong Dee in the series.

“I guess malaking pagbabago sa mga tao na bigla akong sumulpot sa showbiz and it’s really a blessing. Look I’m really happy. And I’m really willing to make this work. I’m working hard talaga,” he quipped.

A first time actor, Xiam admitted that “Katorse” is not only his big break but also his biggest challenge as an actor.

“Actually, before pa po we met and discussed what we would do like the kissing scenes or mga love scenes. For me the workshops po sobrang nakatulong with Gina Alajar at the helm. Kailangan talaga namin pag-aralan yung role kasi it’s a big project and the pressure is really on us. The workshop helped increase our confidence. I also think we should polish our acting skills para gumaling talaga and to perform well for this project,” he described.

“Katorse” also paved the way for his first taste of intrigues as he was romantically linked to his leading lady Erich Gonzales.

“Like what I have said before, I like her outlook in life. And that’s why we became close friends... Erich is a really good actress. I get along fine with her and the whole cast sa set. Actually sa lahat. Wala ng hiyaan sa amin,” he revealed.

At the moment, Xiam doesn’t have a girlfriend or even a crush. He is a self-confessed homebody. Still adjusting to his life in the Philippines, he admitted too that most of his close friends are in the States.

“So far I’m enjoying my stay here… I’m a stay at home person. I’m a homebody. I play the piano (Mozart) kasi I’m more musically-inclined. I watch TV lang. I took Symphonic Band for six years, the whole high school and middle school, Symphonic Band po,” he said.

So what is he looking for a girlfriend?

“During this time, marami na ring iba’t-ibang type ng girls. Siguro more on having respect on themselves… wala naman po akong category na pinipili in terms of looks,” he replied.

As to whether he would rather be in a love team or not, Xiam remarked, “I don’t know how it feels to have a love team and ngayon lang po it is my first big break so hindi ko pa po alam ang feel ng both.”

Unfortunately, Xiam’s fans would have to wait for “Katorse’s” airing as it has been delayed. The actor pointed out to the recent typhoons that wrecked havoc to their sets in Batangas for its delay as well as some script revisions.

Xiam was born in San Francisco and he lived there for almost nine years. He moved here because of his family’s belief that living here would teach him Filipino values like saying “opo” and “po” and respecting the elders. He wanted to live in the Philippines to build his foundation!

As for his birthday wish (he celebrated his 20th birthday last July 12), he wished for more projects and a successful acting career!

“I’m just being myself with regards to other people and during work I just do my job and I don’t think of competition. I just want to give my best and work hard,” he stressed.

That said, Xiam Lim is an actor to watch out for because he is a matinee idol ON THE RISE!