FOR the past three months, multimedia star and Department of Education (DepEd) spokesperson for the youth, Sam Concepcion has been inspiring young Filipino high school students in his "SAMa-SAMa sa Eskwela" nationwide school tour.

Sam, who was named DepEd’s ambassador for the youth last year, has visited a total of 30 schools, and over 100,000 students so far. The tour aims to visit 50 private and public schools by March, and has been to various points in the country like Pampanga, Laguna, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro City, and Davao City.

"I am really enjoying it," admits Sam. "I feel so privileged that I get this rare chance to remind, and inspire my fellow youth to not neglect their studies, and their dreams."

In "SAMa-SAMa sa Eskwela," Sam holds a mini-concert cum dialogue with the students that lasts for about an hour. The program highlights the importance of literacy, English proficiency, finding one’s talent, and excelling in school.

In the mini-concert, Sam dishes out some of the memorable cuts from his self-titled album from Universal Records like "Even If," which is currently topping the charts for over three weeks now in Megamixx 101.9 FM, a radio station in Guam, and his latest single "Happy."

He also performs songs from "High School Musical on Stage," which Sam performed in the hit musical, like "Breaking Free" and "We’re All in This Together." Interestingly, Sam sings these popular duets with a female student singer from every school he pays a visit.

Before the end of the program, Sam leads the students into reciting the "Pledge of Commitment" that states that the participants will do their best to respond to the challenges posed by the school tour.

"DepEd chose a good spokesperson in Sam," says Maia Azores of Canossa College, San Pablo, Laguna. "He is eloquent, energetic, and charming. Students really listen to him."

He will be doing the rounds at Concepcion Integrated School and Marikina High School on February 18; Tanong High School and Sta. Elena High School on February 20; Parang High School and Marikina High School on February 22; and Concepcion High School and Marikina Heights National High School on February 27.

Sam is currently attending the home school program of Alpha-Omega International Academy. He is in Grade 9.

Aside from the school tour and the promotion of his album, Sam has his hands full with MTV Music Revolution, a 30-minute weekly TV program that allows viewers to be updated with the current music trends in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

"SAMa, SAMa sa Eskwela" has been supported by PLDT SMART Foundation, and Stages, in cooperation with Rep. Roman T. Romulo, Universal Records, Bench, Karate Kid, Elijah Dental, Skechers, Trumpets, Kiseki, and Monami Writing Instruments.

Sam is a Stages/Star Magic-managed artist. Stages also manages Christian Bautista, Aria Clemente, Cheska Ortega, and Raki Vega. For inquiries, call 818-1111 loc. 225 or visit www.samconcepcion.net.