Christian Bautista hopes to emulate icons Basil Valdez, Jose Mari Chan

BAUTISTA: Nothing absolutely certain after 10 years in the biz

Christian Bautista has been in the biz for 10 years, and it seems he’ll be around for long. He vows to do everything it takes for a career as enduring as those of OPM icons Basil Valdez and Jose Mari Chan.

“Some artists retire after proving themselves. But the fire in my blood still blazes,” Christian said at a recent press con for “X Class,” a five-night concert (October 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14) at the Meralco Theater.

“I don’t want to be forgotten. I want to leave a mark,” declared the 30-year-old balladeer. Indeed, he seems to be the type who never stops challenging himself. “Every year, I make it a point to add a milestone to my career,” he said.

Now an established pop star, Christian hopes to venture into different fields, such as acting and hosting. “I’d like to do movies without formulaic plots and characters,” he said. “I always want to do something that will take me to a new level.”

He admitted, though, that he was not ready for leading-man roles. “I still have to prove myself in that aspect,” he said.

Nothing certain

Christian’s contract with ABS-CBN expired last month, fueling earlier rumors that he was transferring to either TV5 or GMA 7. Christian said nothing was certain at this time.

“My heart and mind are open,” he said. “I’m leaving everything to my manager and God.”

Asked where he thought “X Class” would be aired, Christian jested: “Sa Channel 4 or 9!”

Christian said that his future decisions would also depend on whether or not he would pursue an international career. His single, “The Way You Look at Me,” became a hit in Indonesia, spurring a couple of shows there. He later starred in the Singaporean musical drama TV series, “The Kitchen Musical.”

He noted: “Not to brag, but my career isn’t 100-percent local. I could pursue a career in Indonesia. Anything’s possible.”

He would probably settle down in three years, he said. Asked if he had told his Romanian-Chinese girlfriend Carla Dunareanu about this, he replied: “That’s a bit scary! She may freak out!”