Acting has to take a backseat for singer-actress Champagne Morales because of a new found passion.

“The direction [I am taking now] is [toward] hosting,” said Champagne in a recent interview with Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online at the fund-raising concert of Crusade Against White Collar Crimes at Topgear Resto and Bar in Roxas Blvd. 

Champagne said she is now being managed by Viva Entertainment.

“They gave me a show called ‘Celebrity Homes and Business.’ It’s being aired on Viva Channel everyday on CIGNAL TV. Aside from that, the show is aired through Cable Link.”

The lifestyle show has been airing for six months now. Among the homes and businesses featured were those of Bianca Gonzales, Precious Lara Quigaman, Anthony Pangilinan, Mickey Perz of “Pinoy Big Brother,” Arnel Ignacio, Giselle Sanchez, Pokwang, Chokoleit, Jason Abalos, and Randy Santiago.

Clearly, Champagne is on a new career path.

“Yes, that’s actually the direction that Tito Vic (del Rosario) would like me to focus on. I love hosting. I love talking, parang napaka-natural na sa akin.”

But that said, Champagne's love for music will always stay with her.

Champagne made a name for herself after besting out other contestants in the 1998 Metropop Star Search of GMA-7. 

As the competition’s grand champion, she was made a regular singer on “SOP.” As a bonus, she appeared on some shows like “Bubble Gang.”

She also had a semi-regular role on “Anna Karenina,” a soap opera.

Despite these, however, Champagne suddenly decided to take a break from showbiz in order to finish school [AB Psychology course at De La Salle University] and work in the corporate world.

“After college, I worked for People Asia magazine as a writer [and] events manager. I also did sales. I was closing deals for ads. Three years ‘yon. After People Asia, I went to Genesis Management na,” she said.

Champagne will soon work out the concept of her forthcoming album under the Viva label.

“Hindi pa namin napag-uusapan (ang concept). As an artist, parang I take a break muna to be able to gather some inspiration. Siguro maganda rin kung sunud-sunod, pero mas may advantage kapag may break. Hopefully, when I come back, I’d be able to do different types of music,” said she.

In the past, Champagne had released two albums, one self-titled and another dubbed “Rekindle,” a rock-alternative album under Vicor Records.

Seems like she’s not too keen on acting?

“Well, I started out in theater. After I won in Metropop, ‘yung acting konting-konti lang, hindi totally focused sa acting.

“Like now, it’s hosting first, music and maybe a little acting on the side. I think I’m getting older…kasi before, talagang gusto ko lahat, singing, acting, lahat. Parang na-realize ko talaga, ang gusto ko, hosting and singing.”

Her singing, she says, has evolved. “Before, aral na aral ang pagkanta ko, very formal. Now that I’m getting older, hindi na siya masyadong theatrical.. Nagkaroon ako ng alternative rock album so parang nag-iba rin ‘yong direction [ng pagkanta ko],” said she. 

Apart from hosting and singing, Champagne nowadays delves into real estate.

“I work as property consultant for Land Co. Pacific Corp., a leisure property company. It’s very challenging. We’re required to be at the office some days of the week. The great thing about my job is that work hours are flexible.

“I meet with clients. Our projects are Punta Fuego, Playa Calatagan, Hacienda Escudero, and Ponderosa. Real estate has been my passion, too, for three years now,” said she who claims to have so far sold properties worth P12.5 million.