Sam Concepcion tapped for ‘Kung Fu Panda’ song

By Candice Montenegro, Contributor
INQUIRER.net

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD singer Sam Concepcion is out to prove that the Philippines is indeed a goldmine of great musical talent, as he sings the song “Kung Fu Fighting” for the DreamWorks animated movie “Kung Fu Panda.”

At a press conference held at Annabel’s in Tomas Morato on May 13, Selina Gecolea, general manager of the Philippine office of United International Pictures, announced that DreamWorks gave Concepcion the green light to record the movie’s theme song.

“On every single screening of ‘Kung Fu Panda’ in the Philippines, Sam’s version of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ will be played during the end credits of the film,” Gecolea said.

Here’s a photo of Gecolea with Concepcion.

“Kung Fu Panda,” which features the voices of big Hollywood celebrities like Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman, is about a big clumsy panda named Po, a kung fu fan who was chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy alongside five legendary kung fu masters.

Here I am (left) posing with Po and INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Erika Tapalla.

The original version of the theme song that will be used in the movie was recorded by US band Gnarls Barkley’s frontman CeeLo Green. An Asian version was also recorded by Korean pop star Rain, but UIP Philippines took the opportunity to nominate a local talent who can sing the song for the movie’s Philippine release.

Concepcion’s version of the song will be included on the limited edition Asian recording of the movie’s original soundtrack, giving him the international exposure he deserves. The song’s music video, directed by Marie Jamora, was shot in an authentic Chinese temple and will be released soon.

Sam, who played Troy in the local adaptation of Disney’s “High School Musical,” was the perfect pick not only because of his talent but also because of his wholesome image. Besides being a pop star, he is also currently a youth spokesperson for the Department of Education.

He said that everything happened so fast, from studying the song to submitting a demo, and before he knew it, he was recording the final version of the song.

“Everything just fell into place after that. It’s really great to be a part of this highly anticipated movie. It’s an honor to be the first local artist to sing the theme song. This is a first for me, in terms of doing something international,” he said.

The young star said it is hard to explain how happy and excited he is about the project, but at the same time he hopes that more local artists can make it internationally.

“Sana more doors will open for other Filipino artists. There is so much talent that needs to be recognized,” he said.

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