Why Tippy is called ‘triple threat’

In theater, there are artists who are called “triple threats” because they can sing, they can dance and they can act. By those standards, Tippy Dos Santos could be even more because not only can she do all those things, she can do others — like host — just as well.

Tippy, who people might remember from her starring role opposite Sam Concepcion in the movie musical Idobidoobidoo, recently turned 21. She has been in showbiz for a number of years, but was only a toddler when she realized that she had the talent for performing. That talent drove her dream as she grew up.

“I have always loved singing,” says Tippy, who would sing at family gatherings where there was always a karaoke or videoke machine nearby. “I remember singing ever since I was three or four years old. It was always entertainment for everyone whenever they’d watch a small little blonde girl singing her heart out to Aegis songs or Tootsie Guevarra,” she says with a laugh. “My love for singing has gotten me in the business and I am happy to be in it.”

But Tippy’s first formal showbiz break came only about four or five years ago. “I joined Star Magic and did this show called Idol. It was the musical teleserye of Coco Martin, Sam Milby and Sarah Geronimo.”

And yet, after that big break, things didn’t immediately snowball. She appeared in musicals (among them, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Children’s Letters to God, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Grease), but there were years when there didn’t seem to be much happening to Tippy’s career. 

How did she stop discouragement from settling in, and did she ever think of quitting showbiz at that point?

Believe it or not, she didn’t feel that, she says. “My priority has always been my schooling, and I could only accept work that would work around my schedule,” shares Tippy. “It never discouraged me because I always had a life out of the showbiz circle. My immediate family is so tight-knit. I have a big extended family that I am very close to as well. I love being in school, too, and so every time I didn’t have work or a show, I enjoyed time with my friends. At the same time, I sing because I love being able to belt out songs that help me express my feelings more than singing just because I need people to notice me. I think being interested in so many other things has always been what has kept me grounded and not so focused on ‘stardom.’ I know that whatever happens, there are many other things that can go well for me, which is also why I make it a point to stay in school and work hard for my other goals.” 

Besides, she was already very happy with the fact that because of that movie, she got to work alongside Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Eugene Domingo, Sam Concepcion and of course, direk Chris Martinez. Says Tippy: “It was a great project that I had fun doing and was very blessed to be a part of.”

 Throughout her years in showbiz, Tippy has learned that it pays to be patient, humble, kind and sensitive. These may not always be the traits that are needed to be “successful” in the business, but Tippy says that they are the traits that will earn you the respect of your peers. 

Now, as she turns 21 (she is celebrating with a birthday concert on Aug. 27) and gets ready for the next phase of her career, Tippy has a simple wish.

“I wish for both my mind and heart to be at ease,” she says. “(I want) to be wiser about the things I get into or decide on doing, but at the same time more open to try things I’ve always wanted to do but have been scared to try.”

She adds, “At the same time, I am now more focused on the music aspect of my performing career. An album is in the works and I am excited for people to hear the tracks that I have been recording. I am a VJ for MYX as well, and I am enjoying every bit of it.”