Dogged drive & determination

Incredulously, teen star and Star Circle Quest (SCQ) Power Five member Joseph Bitangcol speaks like someone years older than his actual 20 summers.

Career-oriented and well-motivated, Joseph strikes people as someone who would go to great lengths just to improve in his chosen craft. He is the type who would leave no stone unturned to become the best entertainer in showbiz.

Unlike other young men his age who are happy-go-lucky and carefree, Joseph possesses dogged drive and determination. "After I was voted out of the SCQ finals, I didn’t give up," he quips. "In fact, projects started pouring in even though I was already declared ‘out’."

To express his gratitude for all his blessings, he has made a vow to tirelessly polish his talents, "to be truly deserving of all the good fortune."

Because of the stiff competition on the show, "I was able to get out of my comfort zone," he beams with pride. The SCQ experience taught him to constantly push himself to do his best, to give his best. "I’d like to develop my other talents," he points out. "Aside from acting, I’d also like to do more singing. That’s why I’m taking voice lessons now."

He wishes to emulate the career path of Jericho Rosales, who is not only the best dramatic actor of his generation, but can also croon a la Michael Bublé. "I really admire his determination to succeed in his career," Joseph says of Jericho. "He also started in character and bit roles but now he’s the lead star."

He also identifies with Jericho’s journey, from poverty to fame. "Like me, Jericho also used to sell barbecue," Joseph points out. "But he never lost his will and he was able to achieve a lot in his acting career." Just like Jericho, Joseph went through the eye of the needle just to be able to get his foot in the showbiz door.

As was shown in the special episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya on his life story, Joseph underwent numerous tests and trials even before he joined the SCQ contest.

He also idolizes Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, for his gifts as a live concert performer. "He not only sings well, but he’s also a great dancer," Joseph states. "Another dream is to have a concert at the Araneta Coliseum someday."

As for foreign artists, he singles out former ‘N’ Sync boy band member Justin Timberlake as the best of the pack. "In the future, if ever I would be given the chance to record an album, I would like to do the same type of songs Justin sings," Joseph asserts. "His songs are not that difficult to perform. They’re cool and danceable."

Joseph is really serious about becoming a double treat – a singing-dancing sensation – in showtown.

Aside from being an all-around performer, he also dreams of becoming an actor to reckon with. But first, he would like to tackle light roles before immersing himself in dramatic vehicles. "I’d like to do romantic comedies first," he speaks with admirable level-headedness. "Or maybe light drama movies. Something like the Aga Muhlach-Kristine Hermosa box-office hit, All My Life."

He sees himself becoming a versatile leading man–the consort and partner of such beauties as Heart Evangelista and fellow SCQ graduates Roxanne Ginoo and Melissa Ricks.

But if he could have his way, his ultimate dream movies are those starring another idol, Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio. "I’d love to do something like The Beach," he professes. "There’s drama and action. Or something like The Man in the Iron Mask. A costume epic."

Without a doubt, Joseph’s dreams are now within reach. For all these, he gives credit to the show that started it all for him, Star Circle Quest. He is proud to be a part of such a reality talent search, he avers. "Shows like SCQ help a lot of people," he proffers. "It also inspires young people to bring out and develop their talents. It not only gives jobs to people like us, it also helps us fulfill our dreams."

Now, Joseph is busy with a slew of mall tours and live shows (like the SCQ grand Fans’ Day), as well as a string of TV guestings (on such shows as A.S.A.P, Fanatic and Okay Fine Whatever). He also tapes regularly for SCQ Reload.

Joseph, who used to be a bit player (just like the SCQ big winner Hero Angeles), feels so fortunate, especially when he bumps into his fellow wannabe talents who didn’t even make it to the SCQ initial list of hopefuls.

"Before they seemed more assured and arrogant than Joseph," mom Lydia remembers. "In the past, Joseph used to feel so insecure beside them. But now Joseph’s career was able move up, while they were left behind."

The secret is simply unwavering patience and perseverance, Joseph divulges. "I’ve become more confident," he discusses the positive changes he has noticed in himself since joining SCQ. "Now, I don’t give up so easily. Before, if I encounter an obstacle, I quit immediately. I’ve learned to trust myself more. Now, I can face different kinds of people and not be afraid."

Fearless, that’s Joseph in the here and now. His hardships as a child and as an SCQ aspirant will undoubtedly serve him well as Joseph faces the more arduous challenges of an actual showbiz career, away from his comfort zone.

"When I left SCQ, I didn’t lose hope," Joseph recounts. Quitting was out of the question. "In fact, I became even more encouraged to do well. To leave my comfort zone and develop my talents."