After 'Voice Kids,' Sam Shoaf pursues career in acting, songwriting

Sam Shoaf promotes his first acting project 'Ang Mutya ng Section E' under Viva One. Josh Mercado

MANILA -- Sam Shoaf, a member of the Hidalgo clan (Arnee and Jeffrey), had his stage debut in 2013 on the first season of the hit Kapamilya show "The Voice Kids Philippines," which was won by Lyca Gairanod.

After his impressive run on the singing reality competition TV show, Shoaf was invited to be a contestant on another hit show, "Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids" in 2017.

In 2018, he released his debut single “Wimwy” under ABS-CBN, and he recently launched his second single, "'Di Ka Na Maalis."

For Shoaf, music allows him to express his creativity and individuality. He said that he is still finding his voice in the industry, but he is glad for the growing number of followers who enjoy his work.

“I'll continue to release music po. Music is my first and biggest love po. Expect to hear new songs from me. I will never leave music,” Shoaf told ABS-CBN News.

About changes in his voice, the young singer added: “I've grown significantly since 'The Voice' po. Time passes so quickly. Right now, I'm in the process of finding my voice, genre, and what music speaks to me most deeply. My voice and style have evolved significantly po. I suppose things would just keep changing.”

During his one-on-one interview with ABS-CBN News, the stylish and energetic artist also revealed the inspiration for his latest song.

“I wrote that song po when I needed to express my emotions. I wrote that song for my ex-girlfriend because I couldn't let go of the feeling po and needed a means to express it loudly,” he said.

About his songwriting process, he shared: “It’s either I play an instrument tapos I write a song there or minsan I just go at my day tapos some random melodies just pop up into my head tapos bigla ko pong ibo-voice note and I try to branch off that melody.”

Shoaf grew up listening to his favorite artists, including Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, his mother Arnee, and uncle Jeffrey.

He then thanked his mentor, Sarah Geronimo, the Popstar Royalty, for believing in him.

“Dream collaboration would be with Ms. Sarah Geronimo kasi siya po ang first coach po sa 'The Voice.' Siya po talaga ang nag-mentor sa akin when I first came into this industry,” he shared with ABS-CBN News.

Aside from singing, Shoaf is pursuing a career in acting, with his first acting project, "Ang Mutya ng Section E," directed by Theodore Boborol and produced by Viva One.

“Hindi po ako nag-audition. I got a phone call po. I’m super happy to be a part of this project. Super maganda po siya. This is my first acting gig. I couldn’t be happier. Super excited po ako,” he said.

Describing his director, he added, “It’s been a wonderful experience. He’s like go with the flow. Ang galing niya. Ang reminder niya is to always bring the energy to the set.”

“Ang Mutya ng Section E” also stars Andres Muhlach, Ashtine Olviga, Rabin Angeles, Charles Law, Frost Sandoval, Keagan De Jesus, Ethan David, Kurt Delos Reyes, Martin Venegas, Nic Galvez, Daniel Ong, AJ Ferrer, Michael Keith, Kyosu Guinto, Yanyan De Jesus, Derick Ong, and Andre Yllana.

Pilot episode starts on January 3, 2025 with new episodes every Friday, exclusively on Viva One.