The Fil-American heartthrob who captured legions of fans via "Pinoy Big Brother" admitted he finds himself working hard to learn fast and polish his Tagalog. He said. "I’m getting Sandara Park’s Tagalog teacher to help me learn Tagalog fast."

Brave enough to acknowledge where his weakness lies, Sam knows that not being fluent in the local language may adversely affect his showbiz career.

The perceptive Sam took note of the roles that he has been getting in his movies. "They seem to be in line yet with how I am reallife: A Fil-Am who doesn’t speaks Tagalog very well. I do not want to be limited by my Tagalog deficiency," he said.

Sam appears in his latest movie "You Are The One" with love interest Toni Gonzaga. The two will also sing the theme song of the movie. Aside from the film, sam will next be appearing in the soap opera "Maging Sino Ka Man" with Bea Alonzo and John Loyd Cruz to which he also recorded the theme song for.

In the meantime, Sam’s voice will be lent in the forthcoming Korean telenovela, "My Girl," to air next week.

On top of his movie and TV assignments, Sam is also busy with performances. Some of his scheduled shows will be on May 28, Bagaberde with Freestyle; June 2, Dubai in the show billed "TFC Popstar" with Say Alonzo and Randy Santiago, and June 10, at De Paul College Football Field, Jaro, Iloilo. The last show is entitled "Sam In A Million," and it will have as guests: 2005 Star In A Million finalists Tata Villaruel, Vino Bello, Tony dela Paz and Jay Perillo; stand-up comic Chokolet and PBB Teen Edition housemate Aldred Gatchalian will be special guests.

"I didn’t know I will perform in such a big place," Sam said. "I hope I can sing all the songs I am expected to perform. It makes me nervous just thinking about it!"

Sam said he feels he doesn’t need to ask for more blessings, especially during his recent birthday. "I feel blessed already and very thankful. I don’t have a birthday wish. I couldn’t ask for more. Although I won’t mind investing on my own house someday," he said truthfully.

Sam said he also needs to improve more on hosting. "When I hosted Miss Earth Philippines, grabe I was so nervous sa simula ng show at talagang nanginginig sobra because it was a big hosting job," he expressed with difficulty in Tagalog. "I still have konting stage fright. I tried to hide it but sometimes I can’t. You notice it!"

With regard to Toni, he feels he is in a limbo about his feelings and intentions for the lady. He also thinks Toni may just be too busy with her showbiz commitments. "You can ask her," Sam said.

Sam revealed that his friendship with Toni did not happen suddenly. It was last December, when the first batch of PBB went to Boracay. He revealed that things happened spontaneously.

"We were all gathered around and talking and the next thing I know, I was talking to her already. I guess it started from that time on," he said. "But I was so mahiyain before especially the first time I met her paglabas ko sa Big Brother House."

Sam confessed that he is really pursuing Toni because he is attracted to her. He sees a strong and independent woman in her as a very dedicated person with regards to her work and family.

"She is a woman who makes you feel she does not need anybody. She can stand alone. She never had a boyfriend yet," remarked Sam. "I admire her for being so focused in her career!"

They are still friends, and according to Sam, especially so that they are working together in the movie "You’re The One."He makes it a point to spend quality time with her whenever they are at the set. "We are still getting to know each other, it’s great for me and it’s on the right track. We are not rushing things and we are enjoying our friendship now. It will work into something it’s meant to be," Sam said with confidence.